The Negotiator

3 days ago | thenegotiator.co.uk | David P. Callaghan

A total of 40 landlords have joined forces with a letting agency in its legal action over “extortionate” licensing fees. Martin & Co is leading the fight against Leicester Council for what it is calling an “astonishing £1,290 per property” charge in selective licensing areas. The agency is being helped by JMP Solicitors from nearby Grantham in the effort to ensure the fees are “fair, transparent, and lawful”.

3 days ago | thenegotiator.co.uk | David P. Callaghan

For most conveyancing firms, estate agents are more than just introducers – they’re the lifeblood of the business. In fact, over 80% of instructions come via estate agents for many firms. That’s why it’s absolutely essential for conveyancers to prioritise delivering outstanding customer service to the agents they work with. At a time when buying or selling a home remains one of the most stressful life events, estate agents and conveyancers need to operate as a cohesive team.

4 days ago | thenegotiator.co.uk | Charlotte Flake

A high-profile independent estate agency in London has bought a competitor firm taking its branch count to 15 across North and NW London. Martyn Gerrard has bought Islington-based Carlton Estate Agents, marking a significant milestone in its ‘ongoing growth plans’. This move by Marty Gerrard follows the acquisition of Range Homes in Palmers Green in February last year, along with the opening of its latest ‘cold start’ office in Hampstead.

4 days ago | thenegotiator.co.uk | Charlotte Flake

With Fridays being the busiest day of the week for property sale completions, conveyancing firm ASAP is inviting agents, vendors and sellers to make a small donation to support its charity of the year. The sales progression specialist is supporting Crisis, a charity dedicated to combatting homelessness and poor housing conditions, to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home, and is aiming to raise £10,000.

4 days ago | thenegotiator.co.uk | David P. Callaghan

Nearly half of all landlords are planning to put the rent up ahead of the Renters’ Rights Bill becoming law as expected later this year. Buy-to-let lender Landbay found that 44% of buy-to-let property owners want to raise rents before the bill is enacted. Most likelyLandlords with portfolios of between four and 10 properties are most likely to increase their rent (32%), closely followed by those with between 16 and 30 properties (28%), Landbay says.