Letting & Estate Agent Podcast

This week features Toby Phillips, Senior Director at The Property Franchise Group, known for brands like Martin & Co and CJ Hole. He shares insights on the UK property market, highlighting trends in new listings, price reductions, and sales figures. Toby discusses seasonal behavior in agency strategies and the importance of maintaining strong vendor communications. He also analyzes how OpenRent affects the lettings market and predicts strong Q4 performance while emphasizing effective marketing strategies for agents.

What can modern estate and letting agents learn from Countrywide’s rise? Chris Watkin chats with John Hards, former Group Lettings Director and now Chairman of OpenBrix, about the lasting impact of branding, leadership and people in agency success. From the power of local names to why strong branch managers matter, John shares insights into the culture that made Countrywide thrive. Estate agency is, at its core, a people business. Tune in for lessons that still resonate today.

Are letting agents devaluing themselves with the rise of cheap fees? Sophie Lang discusses how online platforms like OpenRent push for lower prices, often sacrificing service quality. She argues that agents struggle to showcase their value, typically only communicating during crises. Through proactive communication and comprehensive services, agents can retain clients and thrive despite industry pressures. Sophie also highlights how rising costs and profitability challenges lead to acquisitions in the market.

How AI is Really Changing the Game for UK Estate Agents, with Mark Burgess! AI isn’t the future, it’s already here. In this episode, we chat with Mark Burgess, CEO of Iceberg Digital and author of Prepare: AI’s Impact on Business, about how artificial intelligence is transforming estate agencies. We discuss why many CRMs are outdated, the shift from manual to digital processes, and what smart agents must do to stay ahead. If you’re curious about AI beyond the hype, this conversation is a must-listen.

Why is UK estate agency in 2025 totally bonkers? Estate agency coach Jason Bull doesn’t hold back, calling out outdated systems, poor leadership, and shocking listing to exchange ratios. He argues that if we started from scratch, we’d never build it this way. Jason explores how self employed models are outperforming big names and why reconnecting with the emotional side of moving is key. Watch the full video and let us know, has the industry lost the plot, or can it still be fixed?

Is estate agency training broken? Adam Day, head of eXp UK, tells it straight. In this candid conversation, Adam explains why much of the UK’s estate agency training simply isn’t working, and what needs to change for agents to succeed. From outdated attitudes that treat training as punishment to cultural barriers stopping agents from applying what they learn, Adam breaks it down. Discover why peer learning, mastermind sessions, and true development may be the industry’s real game changers.

Join Sue Hopson, a compliance specialist with nearly 30 years in the property industry, as she shares crucial insights for selling your estate or letting agency. She emphasizes the importance of solid, signed landlord terms and warns against generic contracts. Sue also discusses common pitfalls in client accounting that can jeopardize your sale. Learn about the risks associated with deposit schemes and the need for thorough documentation and audits to safeguard your agency's future. Don't miss these essential tips for property professionals!

In this discussion, Rob Smith, a senior property executive leading Hunters, Whitegates, and Northwood, dives into the latest trends shaping the UK property market. He highlights a significant rise in new listings and shifts in price reductions, noting an autumn pattern emerging. The duo explores sales dynamics, including the sell-through and fall-through rates, and the operational implications for agents this year. They also discuss rental market trends and the effectiveness of local agents in marketing, offering actionable insights for industry players.

Explore the transformative power of mentorship in the estate agency industry. Jason Bull emphasizes the free opportunity that Agents Together offers for agents to connect and elevate their standards. He shares personal insights on how mentorship fosters clarity, confidence, and accountability. This initiative emerged as a beacon during challenging times, encouraging professionals to break down egos and collaborate for mutual growth. If you've hesitated about mentorship, this discussion might just inspire you to take the leap!

Why are so many estate agents still getting customer service wrong? Andrew Seldon, Managing Director of Belvoir, joins us for a candid chat about one of the property industry’s biggest blind spots: poor client care. We discuss how leadership, culture, and mindset shape performance, why agents often fall short, and what managers and negotiators alike can do to raise standards. From missed opportunities to emotional intelligence, this conversation is about building agencies that truly thrive.