Letting & Estate Agent Podcast
Christopher Watkin
The Letting & Estate Agents Podcast
Having worked for some of the biggest names in the industry, Christopher now offers advice, actions and opinion in helping letting and estate agents grow their lettings and estate agency's. Christopher has proven methods on how to attract landlords and house sellers and helps many agents, using a technique that is designed (if implemented correctly) to grow any agency's turnover by at least 20% to 30% year on year. Its hard work and it requires buckets loads of patience though
Having worked for some of the biggest names in the industry, Christopher now offers advice, actions and opinion in helping letting and estate agents grow their lettings and estate agency's. Christopher has proven methods on how to attract landlords and house sellers and helps many agents, using a technique that is designed (if implemented correctly) to grow any agency's turnover by at least 20% to 30% year on year. Its hard work and it requires buckets loads of patience though
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 19, 2025 • 7min
Why do Estate Agents get recruitment so wrong? - Ep. 2269
Why Estate Agents Get Recruitment So Wrong, And How to Fix It!
In this episode, Rob Graves from Key Coaching Ltd, a seasoned estate agency expert and entrepreneur, explains why so many estate agents struggle with recruitment and how you can avoid common pitfalls.
Rob highlights that recruitment is far more than just filling a vacancy; it’s about building a team that shares your agency’s mission, vision, and values. With a wealth of experience, he reveals the key to attracting the right talent and avoiding costly mistakes that can hold your business back.
As Rob explains, the best candidates won’t just be swayed by a big salary; they need to buy into your agency’s culture and goals. By focusing on building long term relationships with potential recruits, you can ensure that when the time comes to hire, you’ve already got the right people in mind.
Don’t miss Rob’s expert advice on creating a recruitment strategy that works for your business. Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Jul 17, 2025 • 9min
Is the UK buying and selling process broken? - Ep. 2267
🏡 Is the Buying & Selling Process in England Broken? A Straight Talking Interview with Toby Leek, NAEA Propertymark President
Why does buying and selling a home in England and Wales still take so long? In this engaging and insightful interview, Toby Leek, President of NAEA Propertymark, shares his thoughts on why the current system isn’t working as it should, and what needs to happen to bring it into the modern age.
From the lack of upfront information to the role of good solicitors, Toby talks frankly about the challenges facing agents today and what Propertymark is doing to push for change. He also touches on the growing role of PropTech, the importance of better communication between stakeholders, and whether referral fees are helping or hindering the process.
If you're working in the UK property market, this conversation is packed with real, actionable insight you won’t want to miss.
Listen now and share your thoughts, is the system broken, or just badly in need of an upgrade?

Jul 16, 2025 • 7min
The 3 best AI tools for Estate Agents - Ep. 2266
The 3 AI Tools Every Estate Agent Should Know About in 2025: with Mal McCallion
AI isn’t the future of estate agency, it’s the present. In this punchy, no fluff conversation, we’re joined by industry heavyweight Mal McCallion (Zoopla, PrimeLocation, GetAgent) to uncover the three AI tools that are genuinely changing the game for estate and letting agents across the UK.
From cutting admin to improving customer experience and giving stale listings a new lease of life, these tools aren’t just clever, they’re commercially powerful. Mal breaks down how agents can use AI right now to stay competitive, save hours, and win more business without losing the personal touch.
You’ll come away with practical insight, fresh ideas, and a clear understanding of how to use AI in your agency today, not someday.
Listen now and tell us what AI tools you're exploring, let’s get the conversation going in the comments.

Jul 15, 2025 • 8min
Retention and Recruitment in Estate Agency - Ep. 2265
Why Are Estate Agents Still Getting Recruitment So Wrong?
In this episode, Chris sits down with Tracey Thompson, one of the most respected names in UK estate agency training. With over two decades at the heart of Hunters, one of the UK’s largest estate agency networks, Tracey spent 21 years shaping talent, training teams, and driving performance as Head of Training and Development.
Now an estate agency consultant and profiling expert, she works directly with agency leaders to build stronger teams, improve culture, and boost retention where it counts. Drawing on her years in the field, Tracey shares what really goes wrong in recruitment, and why so many agencies still fail to hold onto good people.
From culture clashes to the critical role of leadership self awareness, this conversation pulls no punches. If you’re serious about keeping your best people, this one will hit home.
Listen now, and let us know how your agency’s tackling the retention challenge.

Jul 14, 2025 • 7min
Your Estate Agency fees are too high - Ep. 2264
How to Overcome Fee Objections and Close More Deals!
Are you constantly facing objections about your fees? Ian Preston, an experienced estate agent from York, shares his approach to handling fee objections with confidence and turning them into opportunities.
In this episode, Ian explains why fee objections can actually be a positive sign, showing that you’re getting closer to securing the deal. He discusses how to stand out from the competition by clearly demonstrating the value you offer, ensuring clients understand why they should pay more for your services. Ian also touches on the importance of mindset, helping you overcome the fear of rejection and approach fee discussions with assurance.
Through real life examples and practical advice, Ian shows you how to build rapport with vendors and highlight the unique aspects of your service, making it easier for them to recognise your worth. If you’re ready to stop losing business over price and start charging what you’re worth, this episode is for you.
Don’t miss these game changing insights, listen now and let us know how you handle fee objections in the comments below!

Jul 13, 2025 • 4min
Why are Estate Agents so bad at processes and procedures? - Ep. 2263
Unlock the Secret to Doubling Your Profits: Why Estate Agents Need to Master Processes and Procedures!
In the fast paced property market, estate agents can no longer afford to ignore the power of strong processes and procedures. But why do so many agents still find them a challenge? In this episode, Rob Graves from Key Coaching Ltd., a former agency director and multimillion pound agency owner, shares his insights on how the right processes can transform your business.
Rob explains that while processes might seem dull, they are the backbone of any successful agency. With the right system in place, you’ll convert valuations into instructions more efficiently, grow your business without burning out, and increase the value of your agency if you ever decide to sell. The secret is not to view processes as a burden, but as the structure that sets you, and your team, up for long term success.
If you’re ready to boost your profits and work smarter, not harder, hit play now and discover how mastering processes can change everything for your agency.

Jul 12, 2025 • 5min
Is the modern method of Auction a scam? - Ep. 2262
Is the Modern Method of Auction a Scam? Here's the Truth!
In this eye opening episode, Dan Marsden, property expert and auctioneer, takes a critical look at the modern method of auction and its impact on property sales. He explains why this approach may not be the best choice for your clients, particularly when dealing with unmodernised properties, and how it could ultimately lead to missed opportunities.
Dan dives into why the modern method, often marketed as a quick and convenient option, may actually be rewarding failure, with agents and platform providers benefiting when sales fall through. He also highlights the stark contrast with traditional auctions, which offer more certainty, transparency, and a legally binding commitment from buyers.
If you’re an estate or letting agent looking to ensure the best outcome for your clients, this is a must listen. Tune in and share your thoughts in the comments below!

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 1min
UK Property Market Stats Show - Week 26 2025 - Ep.2261
UK PROPERTY MARKET WEEKLY UPDATE — Week 26, 2025
Welcome to the 26th 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 Kristian Stott, as we unpack the key headlines from the 26th week of 2025, ending Saturday 6th July 2025
▶️ Watch on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/k2OUVfgAIcg
🔍 Key Market Stats – Week 26 of 2025
✅ Listings (New to Market)
36,900 new listings this week (Up from 36.7k last week)
YTD listings are 4.7% higher than 2024 YTD and 7.7% above the 2017–19 YTD average
(968k YTD vs 924k in 2024)
✅ Price Reductions
27,500 reductions this week (Up slightly from 26.7k)
That’s 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
26,600 homes sold STC this week (↓ from 27.5k last week)
YTD agreed sales:
• 7.7% up on 2024 (691k vs 641k)
• 15.6% up on pre-Covid average (600k in 2017–19)
✅ Sell-Through Rate (May, in arrears)
15.3% of properties on the market went SSTC in June
That’s up from 16.1% in May
2024 average: 15.3%
8-year average: 17.9%
✅ Sale Fall-Throughs
6,664 fall-throughs last week (from a 496k SSTC pipeline)
Fall-through rate as % of gross sales: 25.1% (up from 23.7% last week)
Slightly worse than the long-term average of 24.2%, yet far below post-Truss chaos levels (40%+)
✅ Net Sales
19,900 net sales this week (↓ from 21.0k last week)
Weekly average for 2025: 20k
YTD Net Sales:
• 529k in 2025
• +5.7% on 2024 YTD (500k)
• +10.7% on 2017–19 YTD (478k)
✅ % Chance the Home will Sell
June stats showed 49.1% 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 50.9% 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 June - 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: Cleethorpes & Grimsby

Jul 10, 2025 • 4min
Is stamp duty ruining the UK property market? - Ep. 2260
Is Stamp Duty Freezing the UK Property Market? A Candid Conversation with Toby Leek
Is stamp duty holding back buyers and slowing the market? In this no nonsense chat, we sit down with Toby Leek, President of NAEA Propertymark, to unpack the real impact of stamp duty on the UK housing market.
Toby draws on years of experience across London and Surrey to explain why many homeowners are thinking twice about moving, simply because of the cost. He shares first hand insight from clients, explores whether the current system is fit for purpose, and discusses alternative approaches that could help get the market moving again. From council tax reform to land value ideas, Toby doesn’t hold back.
If you're working in sales, lettings or property management, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear. The stamp duty debate affects everyone in the chain, so don’t miss it. Listen now and let us know your take in the comments.

Jul 9, 2025 • 9min
How perfection nearly ruined my life - Ep. 2259
Perfectionism Is Holding Your Agency Back, Here’s What to Do About It!
Are you constantly tweaking your marketing, rewriting your listings, or putting off launching that new idea until it’s “just right”? You’re not alone, and it might be doing more harm than good.
In this refreshingly honest conversation, we speak with Mal McCallion, the man behind Zoopla, PrimeLocation, and ModelProp, about how the drive to be perfect almost derailed his career, and why letting go can actually move your agency forward.
Mal opens up about the mindset that changed everything: embracing progress over perfection. From handling client feedback to making smarter decisions faster, this episode is packed with practical advice for estate and letting agents who want to grow without burning out.
If you’ve ever held back from trying something new, whether it’s AI tools, video marketing, or a bold idea, this is the wake up call you didn’t know you needed.
👉 Listen now, leave a comment, and tell us; what’s stopping you from just getting started?


