Estate Agent Today provides daily industry, Estate Agency, Property Market, Housing, Moving Home and Online Estate Agent News updates for the UK's letting agent community.

The Renters’ Rights Bill will make some significant changes to the rental sector – and create some challenges too. But is it not just this evolving legislation which is resulting in a radical transformation within sector.

Rightmove has recorded its busiest ever Boxing Day for new seller activity. The portal has reported a record number of Boxing Day properties listed for sale by agents on 26 December 2024.

Property sales activity running at the highest level since the 2020 boom during the pandemic, Zoopla data suggests. The portal’s latest House Price Index for October shows the pipeline of sales agreed working through to completion is the largest for four years and 30% higher annually.

Ban on new leasehold houses: one of the most significant changes in the leasehold property market is the government’s decision to ban the sale of new leasehold houses. This change was a response to concerns about unfair practices, such as charging high ground rents and imposing onerous clauses within the leases.

From fluctuating market conditions and rising mortgage rates to increasing competition online, estate agents face a range of evolving challenges in an increasingly fast-paced industry.

Matt Thompson, head of sales at Chestertons, said: “December 2024 was one of the busiest Decembers in years in terms of buyer demand. This was driven by first-time buyers who were keen to get on the property ladder before this year’s changes to Stamp Duty but also by second-steppers, including young families wanting to upsize.

Scotland, the South East and North West are on track to have been the most active regions for estate agents in 2024, research suggests. GetAgent analysed the latest Government data – up to July 2024 – looking at the number of sales to have completed across the UK so far in 2024.

New rental regulations and Stamp Duty changes have been named among the main concerns for estate agents in 2025. A survey of members by Propertymark found 50% of agents are concerned about the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Bill that has now …

Rightmove predicts average asking prices will rise by 4% in 2025 but it will be a buyers market with purchasers “spoilt for choice”. In its annual forecast, the portal says its 4% prediction is its largest since 2021.