Andrew Parker, MD and Auctioneer at SDL Property Auctions is a strong proponent of technical innovation but also believes human relationships are just as, if not more, important than ever in the 21st Century.

HOUSING REPORT: One in three properties (32 per cent) sold for more than the original asking price—the highest figure on record which massively raises the bar from 19 per cent set in May 2014.

We have teamed up with Hipla whose distinctive platform combines our Property Information Questionnaire (PIQ) with the Law Society’s transaction protocol forms: TA6, TA7 and TA10.

NTSELAT has launched a consultation to gather information to develop guidance as to what should be considered material information on property listings and portals.

Market activity continues to grow and the appetite from prospective buyers is such that many properties are not being listed on the property portals, as agents focus on fulfilling Consumer Protection Regulations, completing Property Information Questionnaires, and marketing properties to those proceedable buyers, already registered with the agency.

Yesterday, 12 April 2021, the UK Government amended advice on house moves following the easing of restrictions in England. Following measures to re-open retail in England, there is now more flexibility for branch managers to allow unscheduled visitors, however, adherence to safety guidance remains paramount.

With current figures showing long lead times for buying and selling property, HM Land Registry tools will help those involved speed up the process, including its fast-track service and incoming national Local Land Charges (LLC) register.

HM Land Registry has launched its first Digital Identity Standard to make identity verification safer and more convenient for anyone buying property in England and Wales.

HOUSING REPORT: Our November report confirms back-to-back record-breaking months as November 2020 becomes the busiest November on record for housing demand and sales.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has reported a rise in cases involving fraudulent property conveyancing work and are alerting agents carrying out property conveyancing work on behalf of sellers or buyers that they could be at risk.

NAEA Propertymark has joined forces with sector partners to write to the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak to highlight the emerging crisis in residential transactions, as sales progression and conveyancing are overwhelmed by demand in the race to complete before the end of the Stamp Duty Holiday on 31 March 2021.

Today, 19 October, First Minister Mark Drakeford announced that the Welsh Government will impose a two-week fire-break period which requires Welsh residents to stay at home from 6pm on Friday 23 October until Monday 9 November. Today's rules also apply to those traveling into Wales from other parts of the UK: you are permitted to travel into Wales to work as long as you comply with the rules.

Further to the announcement on 22 September by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, where stronger measures to tackle the rise in COVID-19 infection rates were implemented, the Scottish Government has now updated its guidance on moving home.

Moneypenny, a Propertymark Industry Supplier, has launched a new service to help agents boost efficiency and improve their sales funnel as the market shifts focus from survival to recovery.