Letting & Estate Agent Podcast

The new Renters' Rights Bill is transforming the UK property market, but is it a challenge or an opportunity for letting agents? Consultant Julie Ford reveals five ways agents can thrive, from helping landlords self manage to turning compliance into profit. Discover how to boost income, strengthen landlord tenant relationships, and stay ahead of the curve. Don't miss this essential discussion for every estate and letting agent.

Why are only four in ten self employed estate agents women? In this episode, Sam Cerrone and Clare Hughes share honest stories about confidence, motherhood, and the myths around flexibility in self employment. From tackling imposter syndrome to gaining financial independence, they reveal how taking charge of their diaries transformed their lives, and what's next for women in the UK property market. Tune in and join the conversation.

Are estate agency fees at rock bottom? Richard Hayes, COO of Zoopla, shares how agents can regain control, boost profitability, and focus on value over volume. He discusses fee pressures, rising costs, and the importance of service and data. Discover how Zoopla supports agents with insights, tools, and masterclasses to help them adapt, improve margins, and strengthen their position in the evolving UK property market.

UK Property Market Weekly Update - Week 44, 2025 Myself and Bryan Mansell, boss man of Gazeal, look at the UK property market for the week ending Sunday 9th November 2025. YouTube link https://youtu.be/ijworHDmx-M ✅ New Listings * 27.1k new properties came to market this week, down as expected from 27.5k last week. * 2025 weekly average: 35.6k. * 9 year week 44 average : 28k * Year-to-date (YTD): 1.56m new listings, 1.4% higher than 2024 YTD (1.54m) and 8.9% above the 2017–19 average (1.43m) ✅ Price Reductions * 18.5k reductions this week, slightly higher than last week's at 18.3k. * Decrease in the number of homes on the market as 12.8% of resi homes for sale were reduced in October. Compared to Sept 14.1%, August 11.1%, July 14.1% in July and 14% in June. * 2025 average still remains at 13.2%, versus the five-year long-term average of 10.74%. ✅ Sales Agreed * 22.5k homes sold subject to contract this week, down as expected from 23.5k last week. * Week 44 average (for last 9 years) :22.7k * 2025 weekly average : 26k. * YTD: 1.137m gross sales, which is 3.9% ahead of 2024 (1.096m) and 12.5% above the 2017–19 average (1.012m). ✅ Price Diff between Listings & Sales * Average Asking Price of listings last week £400k vs Average asking price of Sales Agreed (SSTC) - £362k - a 10.6% difference (long term 9 year average is 16% to 17%)… * The average listing price has dropped from £452k in Sept to £415k in October.. ie fewer expensive homes being listed ✅ Sell-Through Rate * 15% of homes on agents' books went SSTC in September. Up from 14.1% in Sept, 14.5% in Aug, 15.4% in July, 15.3% in June, and 16.1% in May. * Pre-Covid average: 15.5%. ✅ Fall-Throughs * 5,975 fall-throughs last week (pipeline of 510k home Sold STC). * Weekly average for 2025: 6,182. * Fall-through rate: 26.5%, slightly up from 24.2% last week. * Long-term average: 24.2% (post-Truss chaos saw levels exceed 40%). ✅ Net Sales * 16.6k net sales this week, down (as expected) from 18.2k last week. * Nine-year Week 44 average: 16.9k. * Weekly average for 2025: 19.7k. * YTD: 867k, which is 3.4% ahead of 2024 (839k) and 9.4% above 2017–19 (793k). ✅ Probability of Selling (% that Exchange vs withdrawal) * Initial October Stats : 53.5% of homes that left agents' books exchanged & completed in October. (Note this figure will change throughout the month as more October comes in) * September: 53.1% / August :55.8% / July: 50.9% / June: 51.3% / May: 51.7% / April: 53.2%. ✅ Stock Levels * 742k homes on the market at the start of November, 2.4%% higher than November 2024. (725k) * Notable increases include 9% more homes for sale in London than 12 months ago (9.96% in Inner London & 9.03% in Outer London) & 5.48% in the South East and 5.02% in the South West. The North has seen a drop in homes for sale. * 511k homes in sales pipeline on the 1st November, 2.2% higher than 12 months ago. ✅ House Prices (£/sq.ft) * October 2025 agreed sales averaged £343.18 per sq.ft. 0.8% higher than 12 months ago and 13.8% than 5 years ago. The £/sqft at sale agreed matches the HM Land Registry Index with a 98% accuracy, 5 months in advance. That is why it is so important. ✅ UK Rental Market Overview * Average Rent in October - £1,916 pcm - compared to £1,802 in Oct 2024 and £1,557 in Oct 2017. * Available Rental Properties in October '25 - 323k compared to 302k in October '24. * Notable increase of 23.8% more rental home sin Outer London than 12 months ago, yet a 4.8% decrease in Inner London - Not sure why

The UK property market is worth £10 trillion—should taxes rise? In this episode, Richard Donnell, Research Director at Zoopla, explains how stamp duty drives government revenue, who actually pays it, and its effect on transactions, especially in London and the South East. We also discuss why wealth taxes have failed elsewhere, the impact on housing liquidity, and why downsizing isn't always the answer for older homeowners. A must-listen for anyone navigating UK property.

Why do so many estate agents leave money on the table? We chat with Anton Plackowski, a former agent turned property investor, about why negotiation skills often fall short and how to fix them. Anton reveals how smarter training, simple tools, and better systems can boost sale prices and client returns. Tune in to learn how your agency can start negotiating like a pro and winning more business.

Awaab's Law is set to shake up the private rental sector. Siân Hemming Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, explains what estate and letting agents need to know before the new rules take effect. We explore the 24 hour hazard compliance rule, damp and mould management, contractor shortages, and why “just open a window” won't cut it anymore. Could Awaab's Law leave the PRS short handed? Tune in to find out.

Estate agency doesn't always have the best reputation, but Miranda Menzies from Northampton is on a mission to change that. In this inspiring conversation, she shares how she's bringing authenticity, empathy and professionalism back to the UK property market, challenging industry norms, promoting strong leadership, and showing how a mindset shift can turn rejection into opportunity.

Discover how to tackle the UK's £1.7 billion rent arrears challenge. Letting consultant Julie Ford unveils little known council and charity funds that help tenants pay rent and stay in their homes. Learn how to access this support, work with housing departments, and prevent arrears from escalating. A must for agents who want to protect landlords, support tenants, and strengthen the UK property market.

Being a woman in business isn't always easy, especially in the UK property market. In this episode, I chat with Lucy Noonan, a powerhouse in buying, selling, and letting estate agencies. Lucy shares her journey, from overcoming imposter syndrome to leading with empathy and tackling multi-million-pound deals. Tune in for honest insights, lessons learned, and practical advice on thriving as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

UK Property Market Weekly Update - Week 43, 2025 Myself and Alice Bullard, boss lady of Nested, look at the UK property market for the week ending Sunday 2nd October 2025. ✅ New Listings * 27.5k new properties came to market this week, down as expected from 29.3k last week. * 2025 weekly average: 35.6k. * Nine year week 43 average :29.1k * Year-to-date (YTD): 1.53m new listings, 1.5% higher than 2024 YTD (1.51m) and 9.1% above the 2017–19 average (1.40m) ✅ Price Reductions * 18.3k reductions this week, lower as expected, than last week's at 21.3k. * Increase in the number of homes on the market being reduced in September to 14.1% (these stats are always done a month in arrears). In August, it was 11.1% (everyone must have been on holiday!), whilst it was 14.1% in July and 14% in June. (October figures to follow next week) * 2025 average so far: 13.2%, versus the five-year long-term average of 10.74%. ✅ Sales Agreed * 23.5k homes sold subject to contract this week, down as expected from 24.2k last week. * Week 43 average (for last 9 years) :23.8k * 2025 weekly average : 26k. * YTD: 1.116m gross sales, which is 4.2% ahead of 2024 (1.071m) and 12.5% above the 2017–19 average (992k). ✅ Price Diff between Listings & Sales * Average Asking Price of listings last week £398k vs Average asking price of Sales Agreed (SSTC) - £358k - a 11.2% difference (long term 9 year average is 16% to 17%)… * The average listing price has dropped from £452k in Sept to £415k in October.. ie fewer expensive homes being listed ✅ Sell-Through Rate * 14.1% of homes on agents' books went SSTC in September. (October figures to follow in November) * Down from 14.5% in Aug, 15.4% in July, 15.3% in June, and 16.1% in May. * Pre-Covid average: 15.5%. ✅ Fall-Throughs * 5,278 fall-throughs last week (pipeline of 510k home Sold STC). * Weekly average for 2025: 6,181. * Fall-through rate: 24.2%, slightly down from 24.3% last week. * Long-term average: 24.2% (post-Truss chaos saw levels exceed 40%). ✅ Net Sales * 18.2k net sales this week, down (as expected) from 18.3k last week. * Nine-year Week 43 average: 17.9k. * Weekly average for 2025: 19.8k. * YTD: 850k, which is 3.6% ahead of 2024 (821k) and 9.5% above 2017–19 (776k). ✅ Probability of Selling (% that Exchange vs withdrawal) * Final September Stats : 53.1% of homes that left agents' books exchanged & completed in September. October ones to follow next week * August :55.8% / July: 50.9% / June: 51.3% / May: 51.7% / April: 53.2%. ✅ Stock Levels * 751k homes on the market at the start of October, 4% higher than October 2024. (723k) * 510k homes in sales pipeline on the 1st October, 2% higher than 12 months ago.

Being different can be your greatest strength. In this candid interview, estate and letting agent Patsy Day shares how her journey as a black British woman has shaped her career in the UK property market. She discusses overcoming preconceptions, proving doubters wrong, and turning challenges into opportunities. Patsy also offers empowering advice for young black and Asian professionals, showing how confidence, kindness, and passion can transform your differences into your superpower.

Are property portals just for leads, or can they help you win more listings? Richard Hayes, COO of Zoopla, shares how UK estate agents can use portals strategically to grow their business. From understanding lead types to boosting brand visibility, he explains how tools like Prospect Plus and targeted marketing can turn impressions into instructions, helping agents convert leads into listings and increase fees. Practical tips and insider insights for smarter portal use.

In this episode, I chat with former estate and letting agent Anton Plackowski from Tamworth about one of the UK property market's biggest issues: poor communication. Anton shares real experiences of missed appointments, lost sales, and frustrated clients, plus the simple tools agents can use to fix it. From WhatsApp to automation with a personal touch, discover how better communication can boost satisfaction and sales.

Estate and letting agents across the UK are under pressure, with fees down by around £1,000 per property since before the financial crash. In this podcast, Richard Donnell, Research Director at Zoopla, breaks down what's driving the squeeze and how agents can boost revenue. From smarter marketing and client targeting to better conversion strategies, he shares expert insights to help agents not just survive but thrive in today's challenging market.

The Renters' Rights Bill is transforming the UK property market, and letting agents must be ready. Inventory Base's Operations Director, Siân Hemming Metcalfe, explains why strong, fact based evidence is vital for protecting agencies, landlords, and tenants. From ending Section 21 to boosting transparency, she reveals how documentation, risk assessments, and expert inventories can de-risk and futureproof your business. Tune in to learn why evidence is fast becoming the new currency for letting agents.

In this episode, lettings expert Julie Ford reveals why success in property isn't about bricks and mortar; it's about people. She explores how great communication, modern tools like WhatsApp, and understanding both landlords and tenants can transform your business. Julie also discusses the impact of the upcoming Renters' Rights Bill and how agents who prioritise people will thrive in the evolving lettings landscape.

What are the biggest challenges facing estate and letting agents today? Shanice Gandhi, Commercial Director at Moss Properties in Doncaster, joins us to discuss standing out in a crowded market and building the right team. She shares how lifestyle led video marketing, investing in training, and using virtual assistants have transformed her business. Tune in for fresh insights on leading a successful modern agency. What's your biggest challenge right now?

Miranda Menzies, an experienced independent estate agent from Northampton, explores why some homes linger on the market. She explains the difference between overvaluing and overpricing, why it happens, and its impact on sellers and agents. Miranda shares practical tips on accurate valuations, maintaining client trust, staying in touch, and turning missed opportunities into sales. A must listen for UK estate and letting agents aiming to improve listings and build long term client relationships.

Thinking of buying a letting or estate agency? Lucy Noonan, founder of Atomic Consultancy, shares six key tips for agents looking to acquire a business in the UK property market. With over 11,000 registered buyers, she reveals how to define your search criteria, assess businesses beyond profit, and build the right advisory team. Learn to manage risks, integrate smoothly, and grow your agency confidently. Watch now and join the conversation on smart acquisitions.

Is Your Lifecycle Content Truly Performing? Estate Agents, Listen Up! If you're a UK estate or letting agent using the Lifecycle system, this episode is for you. Mark Burgess explains why the right content isn't just nice to have, it's what transforms your system into a high-performance machine. Discover why local, tailored updates outperform generic blogs, how personalisation drives engagement, and practical tips for sourcing quality content for your area. Tune in and learn how to fuel your Lifecycle like a Lamborghini.

Ever wondered what it really takes to sell a letting or estate agency? In this episode, we chat with former Tamworth agent Anton Plackowski, who shares what he learned from selling his own business. From systemising and knowing your numbers to delegating effectively, Anton reveals how to future proof your agency, boost efficiency, and increase value, all by running your business as if you're ready to sell.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping property, but is it a threat to estate agents and portals? Richard Hayes, COO of Zoopla, explains how AI is enhancing rather than replacing portals, offering smarter searches, personalised alerts, and richer insights. He highlights the importance of structured data and a strong portal experience, showing how agents can use AI to gain an edge in the competitive UK market. Is AI a game changer or just hype?

Behind every successful letting agent is a network of unsung heroes, suppliers, contractors, and service providers, who keep the industry running. Siân Hemming Metcalfe explores how recognising these contributors and building stronger relationships can boost your agency's efficiency, flexibility, and reputation. Learn who truly drives the UK lettings sector, why supplier recognition matters, and practical ways to foster genuine partnerships that transform your business. Listen and rethink how you work with your suppliers.

Could mediation be the key to navigating the new Renters' Rights Bill? We speak with Julie Ford, letting agent consultant and trained mediator, about how a mediation first approach could transform landlord-tenant relations. With over 500 mediations under her belt, Julie explains how mediation saves time, reduces court cases, and delivers fair outcomes for all. Discover how agents can embrace mediation to stay ahead in a shifting property landscape.

£25K for a Branch Manager - is that really enough? In this episode, Andrew Seldon, MD at Belvoir and former senior figure at LMAN, tackles one of property's toughest issues: poor pay and low morale. We explore stagnant salaries, long hours, and why commission models fail. Andrew offers straight-talking advice on asking for a rise and knowing your worth, while business owners hear why staff are leaving for self-employed roles and why training and mentorship matter.

Richard Donnell, Research Director at Zoopla, explains the key bottlenecks slowing the property market, from repeated data collection and anti-money laundering checks to mortgage and conveyancing delays. He explores how better consumer education, streamlined data, and closer collaboration between banks, solicitors, and agents could speed up sales. Learn why focusing on essential information and “transaction ready” listings could transform the process and keep clients happy.

Mark Burgess: The Man Behind the AI Revolution in Estate Agency In this final episode of our five-part series, we explore the journey of Mark Burgess, the bold thinker reshaping the UK property market with technology. From founding Iceberg Digital to creating the LifeCycle CRM, Mark shares how AI can drive real growth when agents commit fully. He discusses the mindset that separates leaders from the rest and reveals how collaboration, even with competitors, can boost results. Tune in to think differently and lead your market.

Join Miranda Menzies, a self-employed estate agent in Northamptonshire, as she explains why she only works with zero week contracts. By refusing long term ties, Miranda builds trust, stands out from the “typical estate agent” stereotype, and relies on word of mouth rather than social media. Discover how honesty, flexibility, and people skills keep her business thriving and why sometimes, less really is more.

Running an estate agency can be thrilling, but exhausting. In this episode, Lucy Noonan, founder of Atomic Consultancy, shares her journey from corporate estate agent to business owner, revealing the highs, pressures, and personal sacrifices behind success. She talks openly about avoiding burnout, the loneliness of business ownership, and why true achievement balances health, family, and ambition. Tune in for her honest insights and practical lessons every UK estate agent needs.

Why are so many letting agents failing to train their teams properly? Property consultant Julie Ford joins us to uncover the truth behind one of the industry's biggest problems. From financial fears to bad habits and low standards, Julie reveals how poor training damages reputation, compliance, and service, and what can be done to fix it. Tune in for insights that could transform your agency.

UK Property Market Weekly Update - Week 40, 2025 Welcome to the 40th UK Property Market Stats Show of 2025, your weekly YouTube ‘TV programme' on the UK housing market. This week, I'm joined by Iain White, ex Romans boss and Estate Agency Coach & Thought leader, as we unpack the key headlines from Week 40 (ending Sunday 12th October 2025). ▶️ Watch on YouTube: 
https://youtu.be/pdI9zsr-fq4

Should estate agents earn commissions or “kickbacks” from solicitors and financial service providers? In this episode, Chris Watkin chats with former agent Anton Plackowski from Tamworth, who shares his candid views on where to draw the line between fair reward and greed. They explore ethics, transparency, and how big corporates may be damaging the industry's reputation. Tune in and decide, fair practice or foul play?

Why Property Managers Are the Unsung Heroes of the UK Property Market. Think estate agents run the show? Think again. In this episode, Andrew Seldon, Managing Director of Belvoir, explains why property managers are the real backbone of any lettings business. From handling maintenance and rent to juggling landlords and tenants, they're under constant pressure yet too often underpaid and overlooked. Andrew reveals why these roles are vital for recurring income, what fair pay should look like, and how better recognition drives success.

Estate Agency in 2035: Will You Still Be in Business? In part four of our series with Mark Burgess, author of Prepare: AI's Impact on Estate Agency, we leap to 2035 to explore the future of UK estate agency. Mark discusses how top agents will thrive using proprietary data, while AI takes over admin, freeing agents to focus on people. He also reveals why data-driven marketing and avoiding the “race to the bottom” will secure listings and sales.

Can social media really replace property portals? With budgets tighter than ever, many agents are asking that question. In this episode, we chat with Richard Hayes, COO of Zoopla, about how platforms like Facebook stack up against portals, what truly drives quality leads, and why brand visibility matters just as much as enquiries. Tune in to discover whether social media is a threat or a powerful tool for UK estate agents.

In this episode, Siân Hemming Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, reveals why joining the ICG (Innovation Collaboration Group) is transforming how suppliers connect with estate and letting agents. From powerful collaboration and shared expertise to innovative “speed dating” events that build real relationships, discover how the ICG is helping suppliers better serve the UK property market. Tune in and find out why it's such a game changer!

Can the UK really hit the target of 300,000 new homes a year? In this episode, Richard Donnell, Research Director at Zoopla, joins us to explore what's holding builders back, why demand is the real challenge, and how estate agents can play a key role. We also discuss Help to Buy, shifting new build prices, and changing buyer behaviour. Listen now and share your thoughts, are we any closer to hitting the target?

Prop Tech vs People: What's Really Powering Your Agency's Success? Is your agency led by cutting-edge tech or the people behind it? In this episode, Andrew Seldon, new Managing Director of Belvoir, explores the role of prop tech in the UK property market and why people remain your greatest asset. From AML checks to sales progression, tech has transformed the game - but it's no substitute for strong teams, genuine conversations, and using the right tools wisely.

Meet Miranda Menzies, the Northamptonshire estate agent proving that grit can outshine experience. From growing up on a council estate and serving six years in the RAF to running a fitness business and becoming one of the UK's top self-employed agents, Miranda's journey is pure determination. In this interview, she shares how she turned adversity into drive, the mindset behind her success, and honest advice for anyone ready to take the leap.

How can estate agents thrive in the AI-driven property market? In this third episode of our five-part series, Mark Burgess explains how to move beyond basic tools like ChatGPT and truly harness AI for a competitive edge. We explore off-the-shelf versus bespoke systems, the importance of structured data, and how AI can identify your next listings before anyone else. Mark also shares the mindset shift required to embed AI into daily workflows. Essential listening for agents ready to embrace game-changing technology.

Thinking of selling your estate or lettings agency? In this episode, we're joined by Lucy Noonan, founder of Atomic Consultancy, who shares her top three tips for maximising your sale value. From working on your business (not just in it) to getting your numbers and tax planning right, Lucy's insights are essential listening for any UK agency owner thinking about their next move. Tune in and start planning your perfect exit strategy.

Struggling to attract new landlords in today's property market? Letting agent consultant Julie Ford shares what's working now, from TikTok and AI to building trust through personality driven marketing. Forget the old “Landlords Wanted” leaflets; it's time to meet landlords where they are and stand out online. Tune in to learn how to future proof your marketing and attract the landlords you actually want. Are you Team TikTok or Team Leaflet?

Why are self-employed estate agents selling 20% more homes? In this episode, I'm joined by Adam Day, head of eXp UK, to explore why independent agents are outperforming traditional and hybrid models. From personal branding and local trust to having full control over marketing, self-employed agents are converting more listings into sales, and faster. Adam also shares how having real skin in the game drives effort, communication, and service. Tune in and discover what's behind the numbers.

UK Property Market Weekly Update - Week 38, 2025 Welcome to the 38th UK Property Market Stats Show of 2025, your weekly YouTube ‘TV programme' on the UK housing market. This week, I'm joined by Ben Madden, a leading Estate Agent in West London, as we unpack the key headlines from Week 38 (ending Sunday 28th September 2025). ▶️ Watch on YouTube: 
https://youtu.be/2K5jp2gBZ_Y

The model is booming across the UK, but is it built on shaky ground? I'm joined by Anton Plackowski, a former estate and lettings agent from Tamworth, who explains why relying only on sales can be risky. Drawing on lessons from the 2008 crash, he shows how lettings provide crucial recurring income, and why future proofing your business means looking beyond sales alone.

Is your estate agency losing its spark? In this insightful episode, Andrew Seldon, new MD of Belvoir and long-time industry expert, reveals why so many branches feel lifeless and lacking personality. He shares real stories of missed offers, poor service, and uninspired leadership, while explaining how agencies can reignite their energy, improve customer care, and boost profits. If you're serious about standing out in today's property market, this is a conversation you can't afford to miss.

Is AI really transforming estate agency, or is it just smoke and mirrors? In Part 2 of our five-part series, industry expert Mark Burgess cuts through the hype, explaining what AI, and more specifically, large language models, can and can't do for UK estate and letting agents. From debunking jargon to exploring practical realities, Mark breaks down automation, data, and tools like Lifesycle, showing why the right systems matter. Tune in before buying into AI promises and join the conversation.

Are you confident your agency is fully AML compliant? In this episode, we speak with Sue Hopson, compliance expert and property industry veteran, about the three biggest anti-money laundering mistakes estate agents keep making. With nearly 30 years' experience across private and social housing, Sue explains why failing to register with HMRC is still the top error, how poor recordkeeping and weak due diligence cause issues, and why proper training is essential to protect your business.

How Grief Became Grit: Adam Day's Journey to Property Success! What turns tragedy into triumph? In this inspiring episode, Adam Day, Head of eXp UK & Europe and founder of Hatched, shares how losing his father as a baby shaped his resilience, work ethic, and vision. From Mars bar hustles to launching Hatched, Adam reveals the mentors, mindset, and motivation behind his rise in estate agency. More than property, this is a raw human story of grief, grit, and building a legacy.

Why are so many Rightmove leads ignored? Estate agency coach Jason Bull reveals the shocking truth behind missed buyer enquiries, and what it means for the industry. From mystery shopping to real stats, he uncovers why agents lose business daily and how leadership, training, and broken systems are failing them. Hear what top performers do differently and why “tech and touch” could change everything. Don't miss this episode, join the conversation and take action.