Letting & Estate Agent Podcast

Christopher Watkin
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Aug 7, 2025 • 4min

Why are estate and letting agents afraid of AI? - Ep. 2288

Are Estate Agents Right to Fear AI? Toby Leek Weighs In... Artificial intelligence is already making waves in the property market, but are estate agents right to be wary? In this insightful and down to earth interview, Toby Leek, President of NAEA Propertymark, shares his expert perspective on why some agents are holding back and what the future could really look like. Toby doesn’t shy away from the tough questions. He talks openly about concerns around job security, the fear of the unknown, and the hesitation many agents feel when it comes to adopting new tech. But he also highlights the huge potential AI offers; from streamlining processes to unlocking insights that were previously out of reach. This isn’t about replacing agents, it’s about giving them time back to focus on what matters most: building relationships and delivering results. Listen now to hear Toby’s take, and let us know your thoughts in the comments, is AI something to fear, or the opportunity of a generation?
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Aug 6, 2025 • 10min

Landlord webinars will get you more clientele - Ep. 2287

🎯 How to Attract More Landlords Using Webinars: with David Adams Looking to grow your landlord portfolio without relying on cold calls or luck? In this episode, we're joined by David Adams, Managing Director of Cavendish Estate & Letting Agents and best selling author of The Landlord’s Playbook, who shares how he consistently brings in new landlord clients through carefully crafted webinars. David doesn’t just throw up a Zoom link and hope for the best. He breaks down exactly how to attract the right landlords using targeted Facebook ads, compelling downloadable guides, and a proper marketing CRM, not just your standard lettings software. It’s all about nurturing relationships, delivering value, and playing the long game. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually turn webinar sign ups into long term landlords on your books, David explains the full process, from first click to final contract. Listen now to learn how to turn knowledge into instructions and webinars into real business. Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Aug 5, 2025 • 5min

Is Propertymark worth the money? - Ep. 2286

Is Propertymark Membership Really Worth It? Insights from Nicol Nightingale If you’re a UK estate or letting agent wondering whether Propertymark membership justifies the cost, this episode is a must listen. Nicol Nightingale, former letting agent, ex-regional exec for Propertymark’s East Midlands branch, and now an asset manager, shares her honest view on why this industry body remains invaluable today. Nicol explains how the annual fee, around £200-£300, brings far more value than you might expect. From expert led regional conferences and legal helplines that save you time and money, to comprehensive fact sheets covering essential legislation like the Renters’ Rights Bill, Propertymark supports agents in ways that make a real difference. She also highlights the new ‘Connect’ service, which offers buying power and business perks that can help reduce your running costs. If you want to stay compliant, informed and competitive, Nicol’s insight makes a compelling case for joining Propertymark. Tune in, and join the conversation, are you already a member, or still weighing up the benefits?
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Aug 4, 2025 • 14min

Are the portals too powerful in Estate Agency? - Ep. 2285

Are the Property Portals Too Powerful? Estate Agent Rupert Collingwood Tells It Like It Is In this compelling discussion, London estate agency broker Rupert Collingwood explores how property portals have reshaped the UK market, and why their influence might be doing more harm than good. If you work in estate or letting agency, understanding this shift is crucial for staying ahead. Rupert argues that portals have turned the industry upside down, making agents focus more on the number of viewings rather than the quality of each one. This shift not only affects how agents operate but also changes buyer expectations, treating house hunting like online shopping, when buying a home is anything but simple. He points out that many agents end up chasing viewings to meet targets, often losing sight of what really matters: securing genuine buyers and delivering a personal service. The video also highlights the difference in success rates between corporate and more traditional agencies, raising important questions about culture and client relationships. If you want to rethink how portals are shaping your work and hear fresh ideas on putting the human side of estate agency back at the heart of the business, this episode is for you. Listen, reflect, and share your thoughts below.
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Aug 3, 2025 • 21min

How can an Olympian help you LOSE LISTINGS - Ep. 2284

What can an Olympian teach estate agents about handling setbacks? Quite a lot, actually. In this episode, Stephen Backley OBE (former Olympic medallist and world record holding javelin thrower), shares powerful insights on mindset, discipline, and performance. Now working with estate agents, he explains why focusing too much on outcomes can hold you back, and how process driven habits lead to long term success. If losing an instruction throws you off course, this conversation offers the perspective shift you need. Learn how to build resilience, define success on your own terms, and think like a champion, even when a deal doesn’t go your way.
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Aug 2, 2025 • 15min

Why are Estate Agents still sh!t at business generation? - Ep. 2283

Why Do So Many Estate Agents Still Struggle With Business Generation? Despite all the tools at their disposal, many estate agents in the UK are still missing the mark when it comes to generating new business. In this lively and no nonsense conversation, Chris Watkin is joined by Dan Marsden, a business generation specialist who doesn’t pull his punches, to unpack what’s really going wrong. From agents relying too heavily on portals like Rightmove, to the lack of true local expertise in the field, this video shines a light on why so many are falling short and what the best in the business are doing differently. Dan also shares valuable insights into the often overlooked probate property sector, revealing how agents can unlock serious value for charities through smarter sales strategies. Whether you're a high street stalwart or building your brand from scratch, this interview is packed with sharp observations, real world advice, and the kind of straight talking the industry needs. Listen now, and tell us: are you really doing enough to stand out?
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Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 19min

UK Property Market Stats Show - Week 29 2025 - Ep. 2282

UK PROPERTY MARKET WEEKLY UPDATE — Week 29, 2025 Welcome to the 29th UK Property Market Stats Show of 2025 — your go-to weekly YouTube ‘TV Show’ on the UK property market. This week, I’m joined by Bryan Mansell, boss lady of Gazeal, as we unpack the key headlines from the 29th week of 2025, ending Saturday 27th July 2025 ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pB-mFlz9yms 
 🔍 Key Market Stats – Week 29 of 2025 ✅ Listings (New to Market) 
33k new listings this week (Down from 34.3k last week)
YTD listings are 4.2% higher than 2024 YTD and 7% above the 2017–19 YTD average
(1.07m YTD vs 1.03m in 2024) ✅ Price Reductions 
23.5k reductions this week (down from 25.6k last week)
That’s still only 1 in 7.1 homes on the market being reduced monthly (14.1%)
For context:
• 14% in June & 13.4% in May
• 12.1% average in 2024
• Long-term 5-year average: 10.6% ✅ Sales Agreed 
26k homes sold STC this week (down from 26.3k last week)
YTD agreed sales:
• 7.6% up on 2024 (769k vs 715k)
• 14.8% up on pre-Covid average of 670k (2017–19) ✅ Sell-Through Rate (June, in arrears) 
15.3% of properties on the market went SSTC in June
That’s down from 16.1% in May
2024 average: 15.3%
8-year average: 17.9% ✅ Sale Fall-Throughs 
6,345 fall-throughs last week (from a 496k SSTC pipeline)
Fall-through rate as % of gross sales: 24.4% (down from 24.7% last week)
Slightly worse than the long-term average of 24.2%, yet far below post-Truss chaos levels (40%+) ✅ Net Sales 
19.7k net sales this week (Down from 19.8k last week)
Weekly average for 2025: 20k
 YTD Net Sales:
• 588k in 2025
• +5.8% on 2024 YTD (555k)
• +10.6% on 2017–19 YTD (532k) ✅ % Chance the Home will Sell June stats showed 51.3% of UK Homes that left the estate agents books in June 2025, exchanged contracts (ie the agent got paid and the home moved on completion), the remaining 48.7% left Estate Agent books, unsold and homeowner staying in their home. NB - this June stat will change throughout July as more dates comes through. ✅ Stock Levels (For Sale and Sales Pipeline) - 1st of the Month 758k homes on the market at the start of July - 8.3% higher than July 2024 496k homes in Estate Agents sales pipelines - 4.9% than than July 2024 ✅ House Prices (measured by £/sq.ft) £346.45/sqft on Sales Agreed in June 2025 - 2.46% higher than June 2024 and 1.48% higher than June 2022. ✅ Rental Stats June 2025 with an average rent of £1,826 pcm (June ’24 figure £1,758) ✅ Local Focus: Truro
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Jul 31, 2025 • 7min

What is it like being President for Propertymark? - Ep. 2281

🎥 Leading from the Front: Toby Leek on Life as Propertymark President What does it really take to step into one of the most high profile roles in the UK property industry? In this engaging and refreshingly honest conversation, Toby Leek, President of NAEA Propertymark, reflects on his whirlwind year at the helm, sharing the lessons, surprises, and personal growth that have shaped his journey so far. With over 25 years in the property game, Toby speaks candidly about the demands of the role, the confidence it’s helped him build, and why being visible and proactive in the industry is more important than ever. He opens up about what aspiring presidents should prepare for, both during and after their term, and why planning ahead isn’t just smart, it’s essential. If you’re an estate or letting agent with an eye on leadership, or simply want a behind the scenes look at how Propertymark operates at the highest level, this is a conversation not to miss. Listen now and join the discussion.
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Jul 30, 2025 • 10min

Letting Agents: How to get more Landlords on your books - Ep. 2280

How to Attract More Landlords to Your Agency | Expert Insights from David Adams Securing more landlords for your agency can feel like a constant uphill battle, but with the right strategies, you can expand your portfolio and set yourself apart from the competition. In this episode, David Adams, MD of Cavendish Estate & Letting Agents, reveals the secrets to attracting more landlords and growing your business. David explains why moving away from the traditional “free valuation” approach is essential and how offering a range of services, such as portfolio restructuring and off market landlord to landlord deals, can increase your appeal. He also highlights the importance of staying ahead of industry changes, such as the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, and how to effectively market your agency to attract managed landlords while ensuring compliance. This episode is packed with practical tips that can make a real difference to your agency's growth. Listen now, and don’t forget to leave a comment or share your thoughts!
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Jul 29, 2025 • 15min

The 'Real Agency' Self Employed Model - Ep. 2279

🏡 The Real Agency: A New Chapter for UK Estate Agents Under EXP Feeling stuck in the same estate agency routine with no clear direction? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to stay there. In this insightful conversation, industry leaders Jamie Fisher and Adam Mackay join forces with Olympic legends Roger Black MBE and Stephen Backley OBE to introduce 'Real Agency', a fresh, collaborative approach to the self employed model under EXP. This isn’t your typical pitch. It’s a frank, inspiring look at how the right guidance, mindset, and support can genuinely transform your career in the property market. Jamie and Adam open up about moving past burnout to build something scalable and fulfilling. Meanwhile, Roger and Stephen offer world class performance coaching to help agents unlock their potential, not just in business, but mentally and emotionally too. If you’ve ever questioned whether the self employed route is right for you, or wondered what you actually get in return for a share of your fee, this episode lays it all out. The landscape is changing, and this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Listen now, leave a comment with your thoughts, and let’s talk about where the future of estate agency is headed.

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