Author: Benjamin

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: One out of three landlords (31%) are considering selling up due to economic and regulatory challenges, new research from Aldermore shows. The shrinking of available rental properties could place further strain on the private rental sector and tenants’ ability to secure homes. The main motivating factors driving landlords to potentially divest are high maintenance costs associated with their rental properties, and increased regulation of the sector e.g. the Renters Rights Bill (34% respectively). Recent changes to stamp duty on buy to let properties announced in the Autumn Budget are also…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Arun Estates has launched a new AI Virtual Staging tool, designed to help potential buyers visualise the full potential of a home. Whether a room needs a slightly cleaner look or a full makeover, the AI Virtual Staging platform allows users to reinvent spaces, offering a new approach to selling. “First impressions really matter, and AI Virtual Staging allows buyers to see the true potential of a home in an instant,” said Luke Salmon, head of marketing at Arun Estates. “By making spaces more visually appealing, we…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: The Property Franchise Group has just published its final results for the year ended 31 December 2024 (“FY24”). Financial highlights Group revenue increased 146% to £67.3m (2023: £27.2m), 6% like for like increase to £28.7m with 52% (£35m) of revenue from recurring revenue sources Management Service Fees (“MSF”) increased 76% to £28.3m (2023: £16.1m) Financial Services income increased to £19.2m (2023: £1.5m) Licensing income of £7.2m, £5.2m of which is recurring Adjusted EBITDA2 increased 99% to £24.1m (2023: £12.1m) Adjusted profit before tax increased 99% to £22.3m (2023: £11.2m), like…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Estate and letting agency CRM provider, Street, says it is ‘throwing a lifeline’ to agents disrupted by the disruptive Rentman software issues by temporarily doubling its onboarding capacity to allow fast-tracking of support for agents looking to switch over service provider. Hundreds of agents have been affected by a software switch after a dispute between the distributors and developer of the Rentman package. A number of agents have struggled to work with a replacement service supplied by GNB after Rentman Software Ltd, which was the UK distributor…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Chris Webb Estate agency is one of the few industries where professionals invest months (and months!) of work with no guarantee of being paid. Tradespeople don’t do it. Architects don’t either. If you want expert advice from a consultant, a lawyer, or even a personal trainer, you pay for their time. Yet estate agents routinely take on listings, invest in marketing, and viewings without any firm commitment from the seller. And when things fall through, which they sometimes do through no fault of your own, agents are left with nothing.…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Knight Frank has released its latest data on the prime London sales and lettings property markets. The findings show that the number of new lettings properties coming to the market in London and the Home Counties in the first quarter of the year was 10% lower than the same period last year, Knight Frank data shows. The same figure was down by 15% on 2023. The ratio of new tenants to new lettings properties on the market was 5 in the first quarter of this year. That compares to 4.6…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: FCS Compliance has announced a free webinar for letting agents in advance of new anti-money laundering (AML) sanctions being introduced by the Office of Financial Sanction Implementation (OFSI) on 14 May 2025. The hour-long webinar will take place from 10.00 am on Thursday 10 April. The new financial sanctions regulations will place stricter obligations on letting agents who must ensure that neither tenants, nor landlords are listed on government sanctions lists. Malcolm Driscoll, lead AML consultant at FCS Compliance will co-host the webinar with FCS colleague Stephen Williamson, senior AML…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Estate and letting agency CRM provider, Street, says it is ‘throwing a lifeline’ to agents disrupted by the disruptive Rentman software issues by temporarily doubling its onboarding capacity to allow fast-tracking of support for agents looking to switch over service provider. Following reports of hundreds of agents struggling with a sudden software switch and significant business disruption, Street has moved to win new business. “We’re aware of the recent reports highlighting the challenges Rentman users are currently facing,” said Stella Nicol, head of operations at Street. “We’ve been…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: Chestertons in London has signed a five-year contract to continue its involvement with the world’s largest polo tournament, Chestertons Polo in the Park, continuing one of the property industry’s longest running sponsorship partnerships. Since becoming headline sponsor in 2014, Chestertons has helped grow the three-day event, with around 30,000 people attending each year and tickets regularly selling out. As well as attracting large crowds, the event also attracts some of the world’s best polo players and each year, top international teams – including those from India, Argentina, Australia and the…

[openai_chatbot] rewrite this content and keep HTML tags as is: A 242-room purpose-built student accommodation block in Manchester has benefitted from a £19.2m loan provided by Secure Trust Bank Real Estate Finance. Located in the heart of Manchester’s key education hubs, Riverside House serves a wide spread of institutions, with the University of Salford, Futureworks and UCEN all within walking distance. The five-year PBSA loan has enabled real estate investment firm BGO to back Orka, a technology-enabled emerging manager with a focus on operational real estate. Riverside House was refurbished ahead of the 24/25 student year to include…