Letting & Estate Agent Podcast

Christopher Watkin
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Aug 11, 2025 • 7min

Have the Government sold off the private rental sector? - Ep. 2292

Has the Government Sold Off the Private Rental Sector to Build-to-Rent? In this episode, Rupert Collingwood, a seasoned estate agency expert from London, breaks down the dramatic changes shaking up the UK’s private rented sector. With increasing government regulations pushing many traditional landlords out, institutional investors are stepping in to fill the gap, but at what cost? Rupert explains why, despite some growth in build-to-rent housing, it’s nowhere near enough to replace the thousands of landlords leaving the market. He also explores the conflicting government policies that seem to favour large corporate landlords over local, everyday investors, and what this means for the future of rental homes in the UK. For estate and letting agents looking to understand the shifting property market, this video offers crucial insights and a fresh perspective. Listen now, join the debate, and let us know if you agree with Rupert’s views.
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Aug 10, 2025 • 15min

Uncertainty in Estate Agency - Ep. 2291

From Olympic Podium to Property Market: Roger Black on Resilience Olympic silver medallist Roger Black MBE shares what elite sport taught him about mindset, resilience, and bouncing back from setbacks, lessons estate agents can relate to all too well. In this chat, Roger opens up about overcoming a serious heart condition, handling pressure, and pushing through failure. He draws powerful parallels between top level athletics and the highs and lows of estate agency life. Whether you're chasing your next deal or rebuilding after a tough month, this episode is a must listen. Hit play and discover why mindset really is everything.
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Aug 9, 2025 • 10min

Why posting Rightmove Pie Charts actually works - Ep. 2290

Are Rightmove Pie Charts Just Ego Trips, or Do They Actually Work? Is shouting about your market share just showing off, or is there real value in those pie charts in your shop window? In this candid conversation, Dan Marsden joins Chris Watkin to stir the pot on one of estate agency’s most divisive topics. Dan doesn’t shy away from controversy. He argues there’s real merit in sharing your data, if you’re doing it transparently and with context. But does a Rightmove pie chart actually prove you’re the best agent in town? Or is it just a lazy badge of honour? They explore what truly makes a great agent in today’s market: conversions over instructions, speed and certainty over volume, and proper communication from start to finish. And why, in many cases, self employed agents are quietly raising the bar. Listen to the full episode and tell us, do you agree, or is it all a load of waffle?
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Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 13min

UK Property Market Stats Show - Week 30 2025 - Ep.2289

UK PROPERTY MARKET WEEKLY UPDATE — Week 30, 2025 Welcome to the 30th 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 Simon Gates, as we unpack the key headlines from the 30th week of 2025, ending Sunday, 3rd August 2025 ▶️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8evyntVP4rQ 
 🔍 Key Market Stats – Week 30 of 2025 ✅ Listings (New to Market) 33.7k new listings this week (Up from 33k last week). YTD listings are 4.1% higher than 2024 YTD and 6.9% above the 2017–19 YTD average(1.10m YTD vs 1.06m in 2024 YTD) ✅ Price Reductions 22.7k reductions this week (down from 23.5k last week). That’s still only 1 in 7.1 homes on the market being reduced monthly (14.1%) For context: • 14.1% in July, 14% in June & 13.4% in May • 12.1% average in 2024 • Long-term 5-year average: 10.6% ✅ Sales Agreed 26.9k homes sold STC this week (up from 26k last week) YTD agreed sales: • 7.5% up on 2024 (796k vs 741k) • 14.8% up on pre-Covid average of 695k (2017–19) ✅ Sell-Through Rate (June, in arrears) 15.4% of properties on the market went SSTC in July. Up from 15.3% in June. 16.1% in May 2024 average: 15.3% 8-year average: 17.9% Takeaway - Sales are up, yet stock levels are up. Greater choice of homes for sale ✅ Sale Fall-Throughs 6,337 fall-throughs last week (from a 512k SSTC pipeline (units)). Fall-thru rate as % of gross sales: 23.6% (down from 24.4% last week). Slightly better than the long-term average of 24.2%, and far below post-Truss chaos levels (40%+) ✅ Net Sales 20.6k net sales this week (Up from 19.7k last week) Weekly average for 2025: 20k YTD Net Sales: • 608k in 2025 which is 5.8% ahead of 2024 YTD figure of 574k and 10.6% up on 2017–19 YTD (551k) ✅ % Chance the Home will Sell July stats showed 51.2% of UK Homes that left the estate agents books in exchanged & completed contracts (ie the agent got paid and the home moved on completion), the remaining 48.8% left Estate Agent books, unsold and homeowner staying in their home. Comparison Jun - 51.3% May - 51.7% April - 53.2% NB - this July stat will change throughout August as more data comes through. ✅ Stock Levels (For Sale and Sales Pipeline) - 1st of the Month 763k homes on the market at the start of 1st August - 6.7% higher than 1st August 2024 (715k). 512k homes in Estate Agents sales pipelines on 1st August - 4% higher than than 1st August 2024 ✅ House Prices (measured by £/sq.ft) £344.78/sqft on Sales Agreed in July 2025 - 1.97% higher than July 2024 and 3.85% higher than July 2022. ✅ Rental Stats (in arrears) July 2025 with an average rent of £1,876 pcm (July ’24 - £1,863 pcm) (YTD 2025 average is £1767 pcm). ✅ Local Focus: Croydon
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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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