Letting & Estate Agent Podcast

Is the 'No Sale, No Fee' Model Dead? The Truth Every Estate Agent Needs to Know! In this episode, we explore a question that's been on the minds of many in the UK property market: is the 'No Sale, No Fee' model still relevant, or is it time for a change? Joining us to discuss this is the insightful Ian Preston, an experienced estate agent and prop tech expert who’s seen it all when it comes to evolving business practices. Ian reveals how the 'No Sale, No Fee' model, which has dominated the industry for decades, may no longer be the most sustainable approach for agents. He explains how flexible fee structures, including upfront payments and blended pricing, are giving agents the chance to increase revenue and improve cash flow. The key takeaway? Giving clients choice not only empowers them but can also drive a 20% boost in agency income. If you're looking to adapt your pricing strategy and grow your business, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Don’t miss out on a potential game changer for your agency, listen now, and share your thoughts in the comments!

How AI is Actually Changing Estate Agency, with Mal McCallion AI isn’t some far off concept, it’s already reshaping the UK property market. In this insightful conversation, Mal McCallion, a seasoned figure behind Zoopla, Primelocation, and GetAgent, shares how artificial intelligence is transforming the way estate agents work today. From smarter prospecting to virtual staging and deep market research, AI is doing far more than writing property brochures. Mal explains how it’s shifting the balance, taking the heavy lifting off agents so they can focus on what really counts: people. But with that shift comes opportunity and responsibility. Understanding how to use AI effectively could be the difference between falling behind and leading the charge. This isn’t about machines replacing agents, it’s about giving professionals the tools to stand out, build stronger relationships, and deliver service at scale without sacrificing the human touch. Click play to see where the future’s heading, and let us know how AI is changing your agency.

Why Are Estate Agents STILL So Rubbish at Customer Service? Tracey Thompson Explains... Estate agency is a people business, so why do so many agents still get customer service so wrong? In this no nonsense conversation, Chris Watkin is joined by Tracey Thompson, who spent over two decades at the heart of one of the UK’s largest estate agency chains, Hunters. As their Head of Training for 21 years, Tracey saw first hand what separates average agents from outstanding ones, and she’s now using that experience to help agency owners, branch managers and teams across the country raise their game. From old school relationship building, to the missed opportunities of modern tech, Tracey shares exactly where agents are falling short, and what needs to change if the industry wants to reclaim its reputation for service. It’s not about gimmicks, it’s about leadership, consistency, and remembering that people buy from people. Listen now and share your thoughts in the comments, has customer service really slipped, or are expectations just changing?

Is Self Employed Estate Agency a Job or a Business? | Rob Graves Explains... Is being a self employed estate agent just a job, or is it truly a business? In this interview with Rob Graves, founder of Key Coaching Ltd., we explore the real challenges and opportunities for self employed agents in today’s property market. Rob, a former estate agent, shares his experience of moving from employee to entrepreneur and reveals why it’s crucial for self employed agents to think beyond simply selling houses. He discusses how agents can build a business that works for them, the common mistakes many make, and how to avoid the pitfalls that often lead to failure. If you're looking to elevate your career and create a more sustainable, profitable agency, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Listen now, share your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to pass it on to anyone who could benefit from Rob’s advice!

Will ROPA Increase Estate Agency Fees? A Must Listen Discussion with Russell Quirk. In this episode, Russell Quirk, one of the most well known (and controversial) voices in the UK property sector, discusses the potential impact of ROPA on estate agency fees. Russell explores how the introduction of licensing and raising industry standards could lead to better services, higher fees, and improved accountability for agents. He argues that, just like in any other industry, if you offer a higher quality service, you can charge more, and this could be the catalyst for a much needed overhaul in the UK property market. But it’s not just about passing exams; it’s about ensuring proper training, better compliance, and enforcing real accountability that could elevate the entire profession. With outdated legislation and lower fees compared to other countries, Russell explains how licensing could be the change that leads to better outcomes for both estate agents and clients. Listen now to hear Russell’s perspective on why licensing could not only improve standards but also help agents charge the fees they truly deserve.

🔥 UK PROPERTY MARKET STATS – WEEK 24 ROUND-UP 🔥 Short. Sharp. What you need to know. 📅 Week Ending: 22nd June 2025
🎙️ Guest: Ben Madden, West London Estate agent 
🎥 Watch: The UK’s weekly YouTube stats show – don’t fall behind https://youtu.be/GeaT_GocwW4 ✅ Listings:
37.7k new homes listed this week (37.6k last week)
2025 YTD up 5% on 2024, 7.7% higher than 2017/18/19 average
(894k YTD listings vs 852k listings YTD in ’24) ✅ Price Reductions:
26.8k this week (27.4k last week)
14% of stock reduced monthly. That’s rising.
Long-term average? Just 10.6%. ✅ Sales Agreed:
28.3k sales agreed this week (up from 28.1k prior week)
2025 YTD sales +8.2% on 2024, +16% on pre-Covid average ✅ Sell-Through Rate (Monthly)
May 2025: 16.1% of resi stock went SSTC
Previous month: 15.36%
Still under the 8-year norm of 17.9% – but heading in the right direction ✅ Fall-Throughs:
6,570 fall-thrus last week from 479k sales pipeline
Weekly fall-thru rate: 23.2% (below 7-year average of 24.2%)
Far cry from the 40%+ chaos post-Truss ✅ Net Sales:
21.7k net sales this week (same as last week)
2025 YTD: +6% on 2024, +11.2% on 2017–19 ✅ % homes that go thru to exchange:
May 2025: 51.7% of homes that left the market exchanged
The rest? Unsold & withdrawn. ✅ Stock Levels:
On the market: 756k – up 9% on last year
In Sales pipeline: 480k – up 4.35% ✅ £/sq.ft:
Sales agreed in May 2025 averaging £346.25/sqft
Up 1.5% on 2024, 1% on 2022 ✅ Rentals:
May 2025: 304k UK rental homes
Average rent: £1,811
(Compared to 321k homes at £1,733 in May 2024)

Does Size Really Matter in Estate Agency? In the fast evolving property market, the traditional advantage of being a large agency is rapidly diminishing. Ian Preston, estate agent at Preston Baker and CRM expert, joins us to discuss how technology, particularly AI and automation, is changing the landscape for agencies of all sizes. While large corporates have historically had the edge, especially when it comes to better deals with property portals, the game is changing. AI is now allowing agencies, no matter their size, to handle tasks like automated viewing feedback, lead management, and even prospecting with ease. But it’s not just about automation; it’s about customising your technology to reflect your brand’s voice and personality. Ian reveals how smaller agencies can stay competitive by leveraging these tools, ensuring they don’t miss out on opportunities just because they don’t have hundreds of offices. The future of estate agency is about working smarter, not harder, and face to face interactions will remain at the heart of the business, even as technology takes over routine tasks. Listen now to discover how embracing AI and CRM can help your agency thrive in the digital age.

Why Authenticity is the Key to Estate Agency Success! In today’s property market, standing out is more important than ever. But how do you connect with clients in a way that builds lasting trust and credibility? In this episode, marketing expert Reena Patel shares why being authentic is the game changer every estate agent needs. Reena, who previously led marketing at Belvoir before starting her own agency, discusses how transparency and honesty are at the heart of every successful marketing strategy. It’s not about looking perfect or creating polished content, it’s about sharing real insights and showing up as yourself. Reena admits that getting in front of the camera was terrifying, but it’s the best way to build that crucial rapport with your audience. People can tell when you’re being genuine, and that’s what keeps them coming back. Throughout this episode, Reena also tackles the common fear of online trolls and negative feedback. She shares simple, effective ways to handle criticism professionally without letting it get in the way of your message. If you're ready to step up your marketing game and show the world who you truly are, this episode is a must listen. Tune in, and let us know how you embrace authenticity in your agency's approach!

Are Estate Agency ‘Gurus’ Helping or Hindering Your Business? In this episode, we sit down with Dan Marsden, an expert in maximising the value of unmodernised probate property sales. Together, we tackle a pressing issue in the estate agency world, whether the so called ‘gurus’ offering the latest trends and tricks are truly delivering value, or just adding to the noise. Dan pulls no punches as he shares his experiences, highlighting how many of these so called experts fail to deliver real, measurable results. Instead of buying into the latest shiny solution, he argues, it’s essential to ask the tough questions and focus on what’s proven to work. This is a must listen for estate agents who want to cut through the hype, stay grounded, and ensure their business is built on solid foundations. Tune in, and don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments!

Unlocking Team Potential: How Understanding Behaviour Can Boost Your Estate Agency! In this episode, I’m joined by Tracey Thompson, an expert in estate agency training and talent strategy. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Tracey is a master at helping estate agents and teams unlock their full potential. Using Insights Discovery, she reveals how understanding the different ways people think and behave can dramatically improve your team’s performance. Through this conversation, Tracey explains how a simple but powerful behavioural model can uncover key strengths and weaknesses within a team. It’s not just about sales skills; it’s about understanding the personal dynamics that make a team tick. Chris Watkins even undergoes a live analysis, giving you a real look into how the process works and how it can benefit your agency. If you’re looking to build a high performing team or sharpen your leadership skills, this episode offers valuable insights. Understanding how your team behaves, communicates, and interacts with each other could be the key to unlocking their success. Listen now to see how small behavioural tweaks can lead to big results for your agency. And if you’ve enjoyed this, be sure to share your thoughts in the comments or share it with others in the industry.