Author: Benjamin

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: The decision by National Trading Standards to withdraw Material Information guidance, designed and implemented to help support sales and letting agents meet their legal obligations under the Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, has been deemed ‘regrettable and a backward step’. Initially introduced in late 2023, the guidance was introduced in phases to help bring standardisation within the sector and assist consumers in making more informed decisions by delivering unified base information regarding properties. However, all parts of the current Material Information guidance were withdrawn last week due to the new Digital…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Knight Frank has revised up its estimate for UK prices to 3.5% from 2.5% this year due to the improving rate landscape. The figures have also risen slightly over the following three years, taking the cumulative five-year total to 22.8% from 19.3%. November forecasts can be found here:   UK Greater London PCL POL Prime Country 2025 3.5% 3.0% 0.0% 3.0% 2.5% 2026 4.0% 3.0% 2.5% 3.5% 3.5% 2027 4.0% 3.5% 4.0% 3.5% 3.5% 2028 4.5% 3.5% 5.5% 4.0% 4.0% 2029 5.0% 4.0% 6.0% 4.5% 4.0% 5 Year Cumulative 2025-2029…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Rightmove continues to see growth in membership numbers amid improving conditions in the UK property market, as listings hit a 10-year high on its portal. The company is still forecasting revenue growth between 8% and 10% this year compared with a year earlier, supported by growing membership numbers, as well as improving revenue per advertiser. Rightmove’s latest trading update, which covers the first four months of 2025, ending 30 April, shows a 5% year-on-year increase in new buyer demand. New property listings were up 9% compared with the same point…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Michael Antonio Michael Antonio has set-up his own estate agency in north London, powered by Keller Williams UK. The self-employed estate agent, who previously spent six years working at Knight Frank, will operate in and around Cuffley, Hadley Wood, Cocktosters and Brookmans Park. Antonio, who also briefly worked for Savills, said: “The key difference to competitors is that I have stepped away from the corporate agency and clients are instructing Michael Antonio directly, while getting the support of a global brokerage. “A client gets to instruct me, they get a…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Mortgage borrowing rates have continued their downward trend thank in part to the latest Bank of England rate cut. The average standard variable rate (SVR) has fallen further below 8% month-on-month and stands at 7.58%, down from 8.18% a year ago. Since May 2024, the average two-year fixed rate has fallen from 5.91% to 5.18% and the average five-year fixed rate has fallen from 5.48% to 5.10%; both are down month-on-month. These average rates were 5.32% and 5.18% respectively last month. On a 10-year fixed rate mortgage, the average rate…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: O’Riordan Bond in Northampton has continued to expand with the acquisition of Mike Neville Estate Agents in Rushden, which has long been part of the Beard Group, one of the largest independently owned property services providers in the region. Mike Neville, established in 1984, manages in excess of 400 properties and has 10 members of staff. The number of employees at O’Riordan has now doubled in just over a year, from 50 at the start of 2024 to 100 today. O’Riordan Bond currently has 13 offices, including five high-street branches…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: The Federation of Independent Agents (The FIA) has unveiled its first AI-powered product under the newly created ‘Pulse’ brand. Pulse has been developed to deliver monthly, fully automated AI-driven data and market analysis solutions for estate agents. The first product is currently being rolled out free of charge to FIA members, following a successful beta testing phase. Each monthly Pulse Pack includes a fully branded suite of social media-ready data infographics, professional market commentary, and a unique 1,000-word blog article. The blog draws directly from the data points featured in the…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: The Bank of England has cut interest rates for the fourth time in just under a year. Policymakers at the Bank have opted to reduce interest rates from 4.5% to 4.25% today. A lower rate is designed to boost spending by making borrowing, including mortgages, cheaper. Intriguingly, the Bank’s rate-setting committee was divided – five members voted to cut rates to 4.25%, two voted in favour of a larger 0.5% reduction and two voted for no change. Property professions across the UK have shared their thoughts on the Bank’s decision.…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Knight Frank has announced the establishment of a three-year partnership between its Limitless social impact programme and Sported, a UK wide charity promoting fairness and equity for young people through grassroots sport and physical activity. Limitless is a long-term programme that empowers Knight Frank people to use their expertise and time to drive positive change and build meaningful connections in the communities where they live and work. Knight Frank colleagues use volunteering days to support causes close to their hearts, develop new skills and strengthen community ties. Limitless offers a…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Glenrothes in east-central Scotland has been identified as the most popular affordable town in Great Britain for those looking to buy a family home, with Scotland and Wales home to the majority of the most popular affordable towns in the UK. Situated in the heart of Fife, just one hour from Edinburgh, Glenrothes offers an easy-going pace of life, nestled amongst beautiful landscapes. Those hoping to buy in the area will need to pay an average of £5402 in monthly mortgage payments for a three-bedroom home, based on an average…