Author: Benjamin

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Hollywell Homes has opened a new branch in Worcester. The estate agency’s new office, located in St John’s, marks the company’s fourth anniversary. The new branch will offer the full range of the company’s services, including sales, lettings, land, and development. Adam Paske, founding director of the estate agent, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening in St John’s. “It’s a vibrant area with a strong sense of community, and we’re excited to bring our friendly, tailored approach to the local property market. “Our growth is a real testament to…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Fresh analysis shows an increasing number of people from the United States have been enquiring about homes for sale in the UK since the start of the year. The data, provided by Rightmove, shows that there has been an 19% hike in enquiries from the US to the UK compared to last year, and the highest number since 2017. The majority – 47% – of enquiries are looking at smaller 0-2 bedroom homes, suggesting investment or second home activity, rather than a permanent relocation. However, 32% are looking at more mass-market,…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Welcome to this week’s UK Property Market Stats Show of 2025, your go to weekly TV show on the UK Property Market. This week, I am joined by Simon Gates, as we delve into the key property market headlines for 18th week of 2025 ending on the 11th May 2025.     ✅ Listings (New Properties on the Market) 34.9k new listings this week (last week 42.6k) Last week was a Bank Holiday week – meaning many numbers are lower than normal. YTD 5% higher than Week 18 of 2024 YTD…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Bridget Chapman A petition calling for a cap on how much landlords can raise rent has reached more than 42,000 signatures in just one week. It was started by Bridget Chapman, of County Durham, with the support of campaign group Generation Rent, after her landlord increased her monthly rent by almost 20%, or £100. She said: “Right now, landlords can increase their tenants’ rent by whatever they want. Rents can, and do, suddenly go up. Sometimes by hundreds of pounds a month. Much faster than the cost of…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Fine & Country has been selected to feature in the upcoming new series of the Channel 4 programme, ‘Britain’s Most Expensive Houses,’ which is set to return to screens next week. The TV series, which offers viewers an exclusive peek behind the doors of some of the UK’s most luxurious properties, often features estate agents, with Fine & Country the latest firm to be selected. Jonathan Handford, interim managing director of Fine & Country, commented: “We are incredibly excited to be involved in ‘Britain’s Most Expensive Houses.’…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: The UK’s Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector is poised to attract a record-breaking £6bn in investment in 2025, according to “Built to Last”, the new BTR market report by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH). This surge in activity comes despite ongoing economic and geopolitical headwinds, reflecting the sector’s growing resilience, diversification, and appeal to institutional investors. The number of operational BTR units has more than doubled in the past four years, surpassing 130,000 in Q1 2025. The pipeline remains robust, with over 56,500 units currently under construction and a further 126,000 in planning.…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Property professionals, including agents, are being encouraged to complete an industry wide survey from the High Court Enforcement Officers Association to better understand current issues within the sector. The survey has been designed to gather information and sentiment to help improve and progress understanding as to when High Court action might be an appropriate route to consider, and what services should be implemented in the future. There can be complex reasons why tenancy agreements fail, and proportionate action might need to be considered. To help understand and better provision for future…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: UK Sotheby’s International Realty has strengthened its presence in West London with its fifth office. The estate agency has launched a new flagship branch on Kensington Church Street, marking the business’ fifth office launch in just two years, as part of a wider strategy to increase market share in the London’s super-prime property sector. The company says that a handpicked team of sales and lettings agents will be at the helm of the new office, which will primarily serve Kensington, Notting Hill, Holland Park and Bayswater. The senior team will…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Paul Smith Estate agents have always thrived on their ability to connect with people – building trust, offering guidance, and making what can be a stressful process feel seamless. But as customer expectations shift and technology evolves, we now need to recognise that speed, availability, and precision are just as important as personality. That’s where Artificial Intelligence comes in. Not as a disruptor to our industry, but as a powerful tool to help us deliver a better, more consistent service. In fact, it might just be the best team member…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Angela Rayner It is just over six years since Theresa May’s government first announced the Renters Reform Bill as a “step change” in protections for renters, ending Section 21 evictions and giving landlords and tenants more rights. It was hailed as “the biggest change to the private rental sector for a generation”. Announcing the plans, the then-prime minister said: “Everyone in the private sector has the right to feel secure in their home, settled in their community and able to plan for the future with confidence. “But millions of responsible tenants…