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

May 3, 2025 • 42min
My Estate Agent Story - John Newhouse - Ep. 2192
My Estate Agent Story - John Newhouse.
In this interview, John Newhouse shares his journey in the estate agency business, offering insight into the challenges and decisions that shaped his success. John, who runs Roseberry Newhouse in Teesside, reflects on the evolution of the real estate market, particularly the shift away from traditional high street offices to more modern and cost effective hubs. This change was largely driven by financial factors, especially as the market shifted in recent years. While initially uncertain about leaving the high street, John found that embracing new strategies, such as leveraging social media, led to better outcomes. The transition ultimately resulted in maintaining a strong market presence despite not having multiple high street offices.
Throughout the conversation, John highlights the importance of strong leadership and the role of trust within his team. His long standing staff retention speaks to his leadership approach, which involves guiding by example and ensuring employees feel ownership of the business. This sense of ownership has been key in navigating tough times, including dealing with redundancies, which he handled personally to ensure respect and transparency.
John also reflects on the industry’s reputation and his agency’s commitment to providing honest, transparent service to clients, differentiating themselves from competitors. This approach, combined with their strategic use of social media, has helped Roseberry Newhouse maintain its strong position in the market.
The conversation culminates with John Newhouse and his significant achievement: Best Estate & Letting Agent in the UK for 2024, at the Best Estate Agent Guide. This recognition is a testament to the agency’s dedication to service and innovation in the ever evolving property industry.

May 2, 2025 • 58min
UK Property Market Stats Show - Week 16 2025 - Ep.2191
Welcome to the 16th UK Property Market Stats Show of 2025, your go to weekly TV show on the UK Property Market on YouTube
This week, I’m joined by Bryan Mansell as we delve into the key property market headlines for 16th week of 2025 ending on the 20th April 2025.
It must be stressed that this was an Easter week, so many of the metrics are lower than normal (see the graphs to see this is a normal occurrence)
The YouTube Show
https://youtu.be/IZ19bMhoWEo
✴️ UK Property Market Highlights this week
.
✅ Listings (New Properties on the Market)
32.5k new listings this week (last week 37.5k)
YTD 6% higher than Week 16 of 2024 YTD and 9% higher YTD compared to 2017/18/19.
✅ Price Reductions (% of Resi Stock)
22.1k Price Reductions this week - Monthly Run Rate in reductions - 1 in 7.5 of Resi Sales stock per month is being reduced (which represents 13.4%).
For comparison, 12.1% average in 2024, though the long-term 5-year average is 10.6%.
✅ Total Gross Sales (Agreed Sales)
22.8k UK homes sold STC this week, down slightly as expected because of Easter Weekend
YTD - The number of Sold STC Resi homes are 11% higher compared to 2024 (417k Sales agreed YTD 2025 vs 377k YTD 2024) and 19% higher than 2017/18/19 YTD levels (351k).
✅ Sell-Through Rate (Monthly in Arrears)
March’s sale run rate of 16.3% of Resi stock sold stc (ie 16.3% of Estate Agents properties on the market went sale agreed). April’s stats will shown next week. 2024 monthly average: 15.3%. Long-term 8-year average: 17.9%.
✅ Sale Fall-Throughs
5,377 Sale fall-thrus last week from Resi Sale Sales Pipeline of 467,414 homes sale agreed (sold stc).
Another method is that week’s sale fall thrus as a % of gross sales that week. This week, that is 23.6% (last week 22.5%). Just above the 7-year average of 24.2%, yet well below the 40%+ levels post-Truss Budget (Autumn 2022).
In March, as a whole, 5.75% of sales in the UK agents pipelines fell thru. For comparison, 2024 average: 5.36%. Again, April’s figure for this stat will announced next week
✅ Net Sales (Gross sales for the week less Sale Fall Thrus for the week)
17.4k net sales this week (19k last week), compared 2025 weekly average of 19.9k. (remember its Easter)
2025 YTD is 8% higher than compared to 2024 YTD and 13% higher than YTD 2017/18/19.
Local Focus this week
Newport (Wales)
Graphs
available for use in free valuations / internally. Please dont publish these on social media without my OK. Reason - my fee paying clients use them - so its not fair on them https://we.tl/t-n6sRLhGF3Q

May 1, 2025 • 7min
Cheap Fee Estate Agents - Ep. 2190
Is Your Low Fee Holding Your Estate Agency Back? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Are you still charging rock bottom fees just to compete with the cheapest agents in your area? It's time to rethink your strategy. In this video, I'm joined by Adam Mackay, owner of Mackay Property, who made the bold decision to double his minimum fee to £99,000 per property. But why did he do it? And what can you learn from his experience?
Adam explains why so many estate agents undervalue their services and how charging more can actually help grow your business in the long run. Rather than just competing on price, he shares how a strong belief in your value and offering exceptional services like professional video tours and targeted marketing can set you apart.
If you’re ready to stop underselling yourself and start charging what you're truly worth, this episode is a must watch. Tune in to hear Adam’s valuable insights and see how he has managed to raise his fees without losing clients. And don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts, let’s start a conversation about pricing, value, and growth in today’s property market!

Apr 30, 2025 • 3min
Why Should Proptech Suppliers Join The ICG? - Ep. 2189
Why Proptech Suppliers Should Join the ICG? Boost Your Business Today!
If you’re aiming to make an impact in the UK property market, this episode is for you. Iain White, the leader of the ICG, shares why joining this exclusive group can help you elevate your business and connect with the right people.
In this episode, Iain reveals what the ICG is all about. The ICG is a network of top tier suppliers in the property sector, chosen for their high standards and ability to deliver real value. It’s not just about technology, it’s about innovation and collaboration to make sure estate agents get the tools and services they truly need.
Being part of the ICG means you’re surrounded by like minded businesses, giving you the chance to share leads, ideas and strategies. This collaborative environment creates better outcomes for estate agents, helping them deliver smoother experiences for buyers and sellers.
If you want to grow your network and be part of something truly impactful, this episode is for you. Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Apr 29, 2025 • 5min
Decent Home Standards - How Could They Affect Letting Agents? - Ep. 2188
How the Decent Home Standards Could Affect Your Letting Agency.
The property market is shifting, and as a letting agent, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve. In this episode, we’re exploring how the Decent Home Standard and HHSRS (Housing Health and Safety Rating System) could directly impact your business and your responsibilities as a property manager. These regulations aren’t just a box to tick, they’re becoming more integral to ensuring tenant safety and property compliance.
While the Decent Home Standard has been a fixture in social housing, it's now making its way into the private rental sector. And if you're not already familiar with HHSRS, this could be a big wake-up call. Many agents, even those actively working in the field, are still unaware of the 29 hazards that could put your properties and your reputation on the line. As local authorities are ramping up enforcement, Improvement Notices and Prohibition Orders could become a real risk if issues aren’t addressed early enough.
If you’ve been lucky enough to fly under the radar so far, don’t rest easy. This legislation is only getting stricter, and the Renters’ Rights Bill is pushing for even more scrutiny. Getting educated and staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting your tenants and your agency’s long-term success.
Tune in to this episode to get the insights you need to stay ahead of the changes. Don’t forget to comment and share your thoughts below. Let’s get a conversation going!

Apr 28, 2025 • 5min
Lonely Estate Agents - Ep. 2187
Why Being an Estate Agency Boss Can Feel So Lonely, And How to Overcome It!
Running your own estate agency is often seen as a successful career move, but it comes with its own set of unique challenges. In this episode, John Newhouse, founder of Roseberry Newhouse in Teesside and winner of Best Estate & Letting Agent in the UK for 2024, opens up about the loneliness that often comes with being the boss. From the weight of decision making to the pressures of cash flow, John explains how difficult it can be to share your struggles when you're responsible for your staff and business.
John also touches on the power of mentorship and joining professional networks like The Guild, which have been instrumental in helping him tackle the ups and downs of agency life. Despite the rapid changes in the property market and the increasing role of technology, finding a supportive community can make all the difference in feeling less isolated.
Running an agency isn't easy, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes. Listen to this episode for an honest and insightful conversation about the real life challenges faced by estate agency bosses.
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts with others who may find this conversation helpful!

Apr 27, 2025 • 6min
Old Skool Estate Agency - Ep. 2186
Unlock the Power of Old-Skool Estate Agency: Why Estate Agents Need to Get Back to Basics!
In a world dominated by property portals like Rightmove, estate agents often forget how to create their own market. But what if you could stand out and drive your own success? In this episode, Steph Walker and I dive into the benefits of going back to old-skool estate agency practices – and why it could be the key to thriving in today’s competitive property market.
What we cover in this episode:
- The Power of Personal Agency: How the personal estate agency model can help you thrive even in a quiet market.
- Why Proactivity is the Key to Success: Forget waiting for leads – go out and create your own opportunities.
- Social Media Marketing Tips: Why posting your listings on Instagram (before Rightmove) could be your secret weapon.
- Reviving Property Swaps: The underrated, old-skool method that could bring you more deals.
- Create Your Own Market: Stop relying solely on portals and start building your own buyer and seller base.
Don’t just rely on Rightmove or Zoopla – get back to basics, create your own buzz, and lead your market! Listen to the full episode to find out how to supercharge your estate agency business today.

Apr 26, 2025 • 5min
Why Are Estate Agents So Sh!t At Marketing? - Ep. 2185
Why Are Estate Agents So Bad at Marketing?
Estate agents, let’s be honest, marketing isn’t always our strong suit. But why is that? In this episode, I’m joined by marketing expert and fractional lettings director, Toby Martin, who uncovers the reasons why estate agents often miss the mark with their marketing and how you can start standing out.
Toby explains how estate agent marketing can often feel like a missed opportunity, using a clever speed dating analogy to show how we should be impressing clients in a matter of moments. He also dives into how using the same tired content, like listing posts and generic reviews, can make your business blend in with everyone else.
But it’s not all doom and gloom! Toby shares actionable tips on how to create memorable marketing strategies that actually connect with clients. From using personalised videos to offering unique insights, it’s about adding value before your clients even pick up the phone.
Want to make a real impact in your market? Listen now!

Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 15min
UK Property Market Stats Show - Week 15 2025 - Ep.2184
UK PROPERTY MARKET WEEKLY UPDATE
Welcome to the 15th UK Property Market Stats Show of 2025, your go to weekly TV show on the UK Property Market on YouTube
This week, I’m joined by Kristian Stott as we delve into the key property market headlines for 15th week of 2025 ending on the 20th April 2025.
The YouTube Show
https://youtu.be/hlZhT28qqec
✴️ UK Property Market Highlights this week
.
✅ Listings (New Properties on the Market)
37.5k new listings this week (last week 41.1k)
That’s 8% higher than Week 15 of 2024 YTD and 9% higher YTD compared to 2017/18/19.
✅ Price Reductions (% of Resi Stock)
21.2k Price Reductions this week - Monthly Run Rate in reductions - 1 in 7.5 of Resi Sales stock per month is being reduced (which represents 13.4%).
For comparison, 12.1% average in 2024, though the long-term 5-year average is 10.6%.
✅ Total Gross Sales (Agreed Sales)
24.5k UK homes sold STC this week, down slightly because of Easter Weekend
YTD - The number of Sold STC Resi homes are 13% higher compared to 2024 (394k YTD 2025 vs 350k YTD 2024) and 20% higher than 2017/18/19 YTD levels (328k).
✅ Sell-Through Rate (Monthly in Arrears)
March’s sale run rate of 16.3% of Resi stock sold stc (ie 16.3% of Estate Agents properties on the market went sale agreed). 2024 monthly average: 15.3%. Long-term 8-year average: 17.9%.
✅ Sale Fall-Throughs
5,515 Sale fall-thrus last week from Resi Sale Sales Pipeline of 467,414 homes sale agreed (sold stc).
Another method is that week’s sale fall thrus as a % of gross sales that week. This week, that is 23% (last week 23.7%). Just above the 7-year average of 24.2%, yet well below the 40%+ levels post-Truss Budget (Autumn 2022).
Last month, as a whole, 5.75% of sales in the UK agents pipelines fell thru. For comparison, 2024 average: 5.36%.
✅ Net Sales (Gross sales for the week less Sale Fall Thrus for the week)
19k net sales this week (21k last week), compared 2025 weekly average of 20.1k. (remember its Easter)
2025 YTD is 10% higher than compared to 2024 YTD and 14% higher than YTD 2017/18/19.
✅ Residential Sales Stock on the Market
705k properties on the market on the 1st April 2025 (monthly stat taken on the first day of the month).
Historical comparison for 1st march :
* 2024: 654k
* 2023: 585k
* 2022: 421k
* 2021: 542k
* 2020: 584k
* 2019: 647k
* 2018: 598k
* 2017: 557k
✅ Residential Sales Sold STC Pipeline
467k sales agreed in Estate Agents Sales Pipeline (ie sold stc but not yet completed) as at the 1st April 2025 (monthly figure)
Historical comparison for 1st March :
* 2024: 404k
* 2023: 371k
* 2022: 487k
* 2021: 474k
* 2020: 335k
* 2019: 337k
* 2018: 314k
* 2017: 306k
✅ UK House Prices (£/sq.ft)
As always, the £/sq.ft metric predicts Land Registry figures 5 months in advance with 92% accuracy (the orange line of the graph).
March’s final figure: £343/sq.ft.
* December ’24 : £335/sq.ft
* March ’24 : £337/sq.ft
* March ’23: £333/sq.ft
* March ’19: £270/sq.ft
This means UK house prices achieved on the sales agreed in March 25 were 2.36% higher than Dec 24, and 1.63% higher than a year ago (March 24).
Local Focus this week - Norwich

Apr 24, 2025 • 7min
LETTING AGENTS - Is There A Problem With Selective Licensing? - Ep. 2183
Is Selective Licensing a Headache for Letting Agents? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Selective licensing is becoming a bigger issue for letting agents in 2025, and it’s something you can’t afford to ignore. In this episode, I’m joined by Des Taylor, the bossman of Landlord Licensing and Defence, to break down what’s changing and how it impacts your business.
With the recent changes to regulations, councils now have more freedom to apply selective licensing. This means more areas could be affected, and letting agents might not even realise the full implications until it’s too late. Des shares insights on the most common mistakes letting agents make when agreeing to licensing conditions and what could go wrong if they’re not careful.
It’s essential that you understand how these new rules can impact your properties and your responsibilities as an agent. If selective licensing comes to your area, Des advises on how you can make your voice heard during consultations and the steps you need to take to protect your business.
This isn’t just a legal matter—it could have serious financial and operational consequences. Don’t miss out on this important conversation.
Listen now, leave your thoughts, and share your experiences with us!


