Letting & Estate Agent Podcast

From paper rounds to property powerhouse, what can agents learn from Gareth Overton? We explore resilience, winning and losing valuations, mindset, leadership, and navigating downturns, offering a grounded, real world view on succeeding and staying relevant in today’s property market.

Firewalking might sound extreme, but it reveals powerful lessons for estate agents. Sarka Wilde shares how mindset, resilience and handling fear influence fees, listings and confidence. Shift from scarcity to abundance thinking and learn to present your value with conviction to win more business.

Are agents helping clients move or protecting egos? With Keira Evans, EA Masters 2025 Best Branch Manager, we unpack overvaluing in UK property, fear of rejection, and why honest valuations matter. Overpriced homes sell slower, fall through more, stall moves.

I sat down with Ian Wilkinson to unpack a major frustration in today’s property market. It’s not just chasing buyers, it’s about early discovery and better communication. We explore building stronger relationships, improving feedback, and why poor communication often costs agents listings.

UK Property Market Weekly Update for Week 17 2026 🟩  Gross Residential Sales YTD 422k UK homes sold STC YTD  The best week for Resi sales in 45 weeks 5.3% lower than 2025 YTD (445k) , 4.2% higher than 2024 YTD (405k), 14.6% higher than 2023 YTD (368k) and 12.5% higher above pre Covid norms (375k). 🟩 Net Resi Sales YTD 330k UK net home sales YTD (Net Sales being Gross sales less Fall Thrus). 3.1% lower than 2025 (341k), 3.9% ahead of 2024 (318k), 16.3% ahead of 2023 (284k) and 9.4% above the 2017–19 average (302k). 🟩  Listings YTD 637k new properties have come onto the market YTD   1% above of 2025 YTD, 7.4% above 2024 YTD, and 17.5% higher than the 2017–19 average YTD 🟩  Exchanges YTD 240k UK Exchanges to the 2nd week of April 2026 14% lower the 2nd week of April 2026, when it was 279k. Note - There were more exchanges in Q1 2025 because of the stamp duty holiday which finished in April 2025 🟩  Overvaluing 46.7% of the homes that left UK Estate Agents books in April were withdrawn unsold. Main cause - blatant overvaluing supported by long sole agency agreements of 20+ weeks.     ✅ The YouTube Show   The YouTube  ‘UK Property Market Stats Show’ for the week ending Sunday, 3rd May 2026 (week 17 with Iain McKenzie.   https://youtu.be/43DhsM7TDWA

Half of lettings work doesn’t pay. I spoke with Ric Iannucci-Dawson, CEO of Alto, about rising compliance, admin strain and squeezed margins. We explored how automation and AI can free up time, boost efficiency and help agents grow sustainably.

Cheap fees, overvaluing and a race to the bottom, are agents undermining their own worth? Gareth Overton shares a candid take on prioritising listings over profit, the power of evidence based valuations, and why raising fees, building confidence, and walking away can strengthen long term success.

Are we transparent enough in the UK property market? I spoke with Keira Evans, EA Masters Best Estate Agency Manager, about overvaluing and honesty in valuations. We explore difficult conversations, vendor motivations, Valuer’s Triangle, and why credibility protects your fee.

I sat down with Ian Wilkinson to unpack a hard truth in the UK property market: many agents think they’re active online but remain invisible. We discuss meaningful engagement, consistent content, and why playing the long game builds trust and lasting credibility.

UK Property Market Weekly Update for Week 16 2026 🟩 Listings YTD 593k new properties have come onto the market YTD   0.9% below of 2025 YTD, 7.1% above 2024 YTD, and 16.9% higher than the 2017–19 average YTD 🟧Gross Residential Sales YTD 394k UK homes sold STC YTD  5.5% lower than 2025 YTD (417k) , 4.5% higher than 2024 YTD (377k), 15.3% higher than 2023 YTD (342k) and 12.3% higher above pre Covid norms (351k). 🟩 Net Resi Sales YTD 308k UK net home sales YTD (Net Sales being Gross sales less Fall Thrus). 3.2% lower than 2025 (319k), 4.7% ahead of 2024 (275k), 18.2% ahead of 2023 (243k) and 8.9% above the 2017–19 average (264k). 🟥 Exchanges YTD 214k UK Exchanges to the end of March 2026 13% lower than middle of March 2025, when it was 246k. Note - There were more exchanges in Q1 2025 because of the stamp duty holiday finished in April 2025 🟥 Overvaluing 46.6% of the homes that left UK Estate Agents books in March were withdrawn unsold. Main cause - blatant overvaluing supported by long sole agency agreements of 20+ weeks.     ✅ The YouTube Show   The YouTube  ‘UK Property Market Stats Show’ for the week ending Sunday, 26th April 2026 (week 16 with Steph Vass.   https://youtu.be/fTJkzbvSWDM ✅ Local Focus Cambridge

From communist Czechoslovakia to a Cotswolds estate agency powerhouse, I speak with Sarka Wilde about resilience, reinvention, and building success. We discuss her upbringing, move to the UK, starting from scratch, and why estate agency is ultimately a people-focused business.

Stop the blame game and speed up completions. Award-winning Keira Evans joins us to rethink agent–solicitor synergy, improve communication, avoid factory conveyancing delays, and get sales prepared early—cutting weeks off transactions and turning reactive processes into proactive progress.

The self-employed estate agency dream versus reality. I spoke with Ian Wilkinson of Agent MXM about mindset, patience and building consistent income. We unpack common pitfalls, misleading early wins, and why support and systems matter more than fees. Essential listening for agents going self-employed.

I sat down with Lexi Hensby to uncover the uncomfortable truth behind overvaluing in the UK property market. From target driven pressures to inflated valuations, we explore it all. Lexi shares why she left, how she handles unrealistic vendors, and why putting service before sales builds lasting trust.

UK Property Market Weekly Update for Week 15 2026 🟩 Listings YTD 553k new properties have come onto the market YTD   0.5% below of 2025 YTD, 7.4% above 2024 YTD, and 16.7% higher than the 2017–19 average YTD 🟧Gross Residential Sales YTD 368k UK homes sold STC YTD  6.7% lower than 2025 YTD (368k) , 5.1% higher than 2024 YTD (350k), 16.1% higher than 2023 YTD (297k) and 12.1% higher above pre Covid norms (303k). 🟩 Net Resi Sales YTD 288k UK net home sales YTD (Net Sales being Gross sales less Fall Thrus). 4.5% lower than 2025 (301k), 4.7% ahead of 2024 (275k), 18.2% ahead of 2023 (243k) and 8.9% above the 2017–19 average (264k). 🟥 Exchanges YTD 214k UK Exchanges to the end of March 2026 13% lower than middle of March 2025, when it was 246k. Note - There were more exchanges in Q1 2025 because of the stamp duty holiday finished in April 2025 🟥 Overvaluing 47% of the homes that left UK Estate Agents books in March were withdrawn unsold. Main cause - blatant overvaluing supported by long sole agency agreements of 20+ weeks.     ✅ The YouTube Show   This podcast can be seen on video via YouTube  .. link here ..   https://youtu.be/EN-sfJRnIiw

What would you change about estate agency? I spoke with Sarka Wilde about slow, stressful transactions in England and Wales, burnout, fees, and self-worth. We explore accountability, raising standards, and building a more sustainable, value-driven agency.

Can success in estate agency coexist with present parenting, or is mum guilt inevitable? Keira Evans shares her journey as a single mum and manager, revealing the emotional toll, importance of boundaries, and how balancing career and family can outweigh guilt and outside judgement.

Could your biggest competitor be your greatest asset? I spoke with Ian Wilkinson (Agent MXM, Manchester) about collaborating with rival agents. From off market deals to referrals and GDPR, we explore how cooperation can unlock opportunities, add value, and give your business a real edge.

I sat down with Lexi Hensby to unpack why so many UK agents struggle with negotiation. We explore how commission pressure, inexperience and split roles create costly gaps. With a powerful real world example, this conversation highlights why continuity and accountability are essential for stronger results, better service and improved success rates.

UK Property Market Weekly Update for Week 14 2026 🟩 Listings YTD 512k new properties have come onto the market YTD   1.1% below of 2025 YTD, 7.4% above 2024 YTD, and 16.6% higher than the 2017–19 average YTD 🟧Gross Residential Sales YTD 342k UK homes sold STC YTD  7.6% lower than 2025 YTD (370k) , 5.6% higher than 2024 YTD (324k), 15.1% higher than 2023 YTD (297k) and 12.9% higher above pre Covid norms (303k). 🟩 Net Resi Sales YTD 268k UK net home sales YTD (Net Sales being Gross sales less Fall Thrus). 5.2% lower than 2025 (282k), 5.3% ahead of 2024 (254k), 17.4% ahead of 2023 (228k) and 9.8% above the 2017–19 average (244k). 🟥 Exchanges YTD 190k UK Exchanges to the 3rd week of March 2026 9.5% lower than middle of March 2025, when it was 210k. Note - There were more exchanges in Q1 2025 because of the stamp duty holiday finished in April 2025 🟥 Overvaluing 47.4% of the homes that left UK Estate Agents books in March were withdrawn unsold. Main cause - blatant overvaluing supported by long sole agency agreements of 20+ weeks.     ✅ The YouTube Show   The YouTube  ‘UK Property Market Stats Show’ for the week ending Sunday, 12th April 2026 (week 14) with Iain White.   https://youtu.be/q8_Abmbm-cA

How does a top branch manager succeed in the UK property market while facing family pressures and adversity? Keira Evans shares her journey, tackling imposter syndrome, career shifts, and resilience, revealing why striving for excellence, not perfection, drives lasting success in estate agency.

I sat down with Ian Wilkinson to explore why UK property agents lose clients after great service. We discuss building long term relationships through simple, consistent touch points. With many movers returning within five years, staying connected is key to attracting repeat business.

I sat down with Lexi Hensby to unpack a hot topic in the UK property market: capping and icon status. Do these milestones really matter, or just inflate egos? We explore what truly attracts self-employed agents; flexibility, control, and consistent, proven strategies that drive lasting success.

In this episode, I’m joined by Vijay Vashistha from 99 Home to explore the industry’s next big evolution. As consumer behaviour shifts, we discuss how AI simplifies the process for agents, landlords, and sellers, from automating descriptions to instant data retrieval. The real opportunity? Using data and online visibility so AI platforms actually recommend you to clients. Tune in now: How do you think AI will impact your agency over the coming years?

UK Property Market Weekly Update for Week 13 2026 🟩 Listings YTD 480k new properties have come onto the market YTD , 0.6% ahead of 2025, 7.5% above 2024, and 18.2% higher than the 2017–19 average. 🟧Gross Sales YTD 321k UK homes sold STC YTD , 6.2% lower than 2025, 6.2% higher than 2024,  and 15.3% above pre Covid norms. 🟩 Net Sales YTD 251k UK net home sales YTD (Net Sales being Gross sales less Fall Thrus). 3.6% lower than 2025 (261k), 5.9% ahead of 2024 (238k), 18.8% ahead of 2023 (212k) and 12.3% above the 2017–19 average (224k). 🟥 Exchanges YTD 172k UK Exchanges to the middle of March 2026 9.3% lower than middle of March 2025, when it was 188k. Note - this gap will narrow throughout April as more March ’26 exchanges come through the system. 🟥 Overvaluing 47.4% of the homes that left UK Estate Agents books in March were withdrawn unsold. Main cause - blatant overvaluing supported by long sole agency agreements of 20+ weeks.     ✅ The YouTube Show   The YouTube  ‘UK Property Market Stats Show’ for the week ending Sunday, 5th April 2026 (week 13) with Adam Lawrence.   https://youtu.be/a31zmlIkQIo

In this episode, I sit down with Vijay Vashistha, the visionary behind gLocalAgent, to discuss why his approach is different. With over 100 agents already on board, Vijay explains how combining local expertise with global reach supported by a capped 30% commission split, is empowering agents to achieve six figure turnovers. We dive into their in-house tech, digital marketing strategies, and why personalised agency is the future. Is this the evolution estate agency needs?

From tragedy to triumph, Lexi Hensby’s estate agency journey is raw and inspiring. We explore her path into lettings, struggles with corporate life, and the personal challenges that reshaped her career. An honest conversation on resilience, mindset, and redefining success in today’s property market. A must listen for agents questioning the norm.

Is the Renters’ Rights Act truly a threat? I sit down with 99 Home’s Puja Mehra and Vijay Vashistha to cut through the noise. We explore why stricter compliance and the end of Section 21 could actually drive self managed landlords toward professional expertise. From navigating Section 13 rent increases to managing tighter regulations, learn how to position your agency as a vital partner in an uncertain market. Is this legislation a risk, or your biggest growth opportunity yet?

What happens when a top valuer swaps the company car for their own keys? I sit with Matt and Neil Baldock to unpack the hard truths of running your own agency.

UK Property Market Weekly Update for week 12 of 2026 🟩 Listings YTD 441k new properties have come onto the market YTD , 1.3% ahead of 2025, 8.1% above 2024, and 19.4% higher than the 2017–19 average. 🟧Gross Sales YTD 298k UK homes sold STC YTD , 5.4% lower than 2025, 7% higher than 2024,  and 16.6% above pre Covid norms. 🟩 Net Sales YTD 233k UK net home sales YTD (Net Sales being Gross sales less Fall Thrus). 2.8% lower than 2025 (240k), 6.8% ahead of 2024 (218k), 21.4% ahead of 2023 (192k) and 13.6% above the 2017–19 average (205k). 🟥 Exchanges YTD 139k UK Exchanges to the end of Feb 26 5.5% lower than end of Feb 2025, when it was 147k. 🟥 Overvaluing 46.1% of the homes that left UK Estate Agents books in February were withdrawn unsold. Main cause - blatant overvaluing supported by long sole agency agreements of 20+ weeks.     ✅ The YouTube Show   The YouTube  ‘UK Property Market Stats Show’ for the week ending Sunday, 29th March 2026 (week 12) with Toby Martin.   https://youtu.be/VYeHQa5jmxE ✅ Graphs https://we.tl/t-kcs6ygSR1zNhuP9U

I sit down with Neil and Matt Baldock to explore why HMOs get a bad rap, how agents often overlook them, and why they could be a profitable, untapped opportunity in property.

Compliance has become a major headache for estate agents, but is the real issue the regulation or the way it’s handled? In this podcast, I speak with Vijay Vashistha and Puja Mehra from 99 Home about why compliance still feels so difficult. Since HMRC made anti money laundering checks mandatory in 2020, many agents have struggled with the rules, document collection, and explaining the process to clients, particularly those less comfortable with technology. We also explore data security risks and why better education across the industry could help fix the problem.

Mum guilt in estate agency is rarely discussed but widely felt. I spoke with Lexi Hensby about balancing viewings, family life, and the emotional strain that comes with both. We explore pressure, judgement, and the myth of perfect balance, plus what real support at home looks like. A must listen conversation.

What if a landlord wasn’t a landlord at all? In this episode I speak with London agents Puja Mehra and Vijay Vashistha about a shocking fraud where a tenant posed as a landlord and nearly pocketed £500,000 in rent. They explain how red flags, including a manipulated Land Registry document, exposed the scam. We discuss how tenants were convinced to pay a year’s rent upfront with a discount, how multiple victims were targeted, and why strong compliance and due diligence are essential for agents today.

Are targets really the enemy, or the key to growth? I sit down with The Baldock Brothers to explore why clear goals drive direction, accountability and measurable progress in your property business.

UK Property Market Update The headlines for the 11th week of the 2026 UK Property Market (week ending Sun 22nd March 2026) 🟩 Listings YTD 401k new properties have come onto the market YTD , 1.3% ahead of 2025, 8.3% above 2024, and 19.4% higher than the 2017–19 average. 🟧Gross Sales YTD 272k UK homes sold STC YTD , 5.3% lower than 2025, 7.8% higher than 2024,  and 17.4% above pre Covid norms. 🟩 Net Sales YTD 212k UK net home sales YTD (Net Sales being Gross sales less Fall Thrus). 2.8% lower than 2025, 7.5% ahead of 2024, 22.7% ahead of 2023 and 14.% above the 2017–19 average. 🟥 Exchanges YTD 139k UK Exchanges to the end of Feb 26 5.5% lower than end of Feb 2025, when it was 147k. 🟥 Overvaluing 46.1% of the homes that left UK Estate Agents books in February were withdrawn unsold. Main cause - blatant overvaluing supported by long sole agency agreements of 20+ weeks.     ✅ The YouTube Show   The YouTube  ‘UK Property Market Stats Show’ for the week ending Sunday, 22nd March 2026 (week 11) with Rob Smith, boss man of TPFG Group MD of Hunters, Whitegates & Northwood brands   https://youtu.be/VdD7lhf0sJY

I sat down with Puja Mehra and Vijay Vashistha, founders of 99 Home, the online estate agency offering to sell a property for just £99. The obvious question: how can that be profitable? We explore the ultra low fee model, from automation and seller involvement to tiered packages that keep costs down. We also discuss customer acquisition, scepticism from traditional agents, and how technology and AI are reshaping the UK property market. Could a £99 estate agency really work long term?

If the Renters’ Rights Act feels daunting, join me, with Neil and Matt Baldock, as we show UK agents how regulation can boost demand, protect income, and create new opportunities.

Is the pink hoodie just a gimmick or the future of UK property? I chat with Cindy Slaughter from Avocado about their self‑employed model, selective agent onboarding, creative marketing, and how a supportive, values‑driven culture is reshaping the market.

I chat with The Baldock Brothers about facing the fear of video in estate agency, how getting started, embracing imperfection, and consistency builds trust, confidence, and local impact.

Is there a link between sporting grit and UK property success? I sit down with Cindy Slaughter from Avocado Property to explore how a background in competitive sport builds resilience, sharpens your mindset, and helps estate agents dominate their patch.

UK Property Market Update The headlines for the 10th week of the 2026 UK Property Market (week ending Sun 15th March 2026)   The YouTube  ‘UK Property Market Stats Show’ for the week ending Sunday, 15th March 2026 (week 10) with Toby Phillips, boss man of Martin & Co and the xPerience EA franchise brands   https://youtu.be/CMlypjFlK1g Detailed Breakdown …   ✅ New Listings   •           39.7k new properties came onto market this week (down as expected & in line with wk 10 long term trends) from 40.2k last week. •           2025 weekly average: 30.6k. •           10-year week 10 average : 35.8k   ✅ Price Reductions   •           22.9k reductions this week, down from 25.5k last week •           11.4% of resi homes for sale were reduced in February. Feb 25 - 12%. Feb 24 - 11.5% •           2025 average was 12.8%, versus the 6-year long-term average of 10.7%.   ✅ Sales Agreed   •           26.3k homes sold stc this week 10, up from 25.6k last week. •           Week 10 average (for last 10 years) : 26k •           2026 weekly average : 24.2k.   ✅ Price Difference between Listings & Sales •           19.9% difference (long term 10 year average is 16% to 17%). (£439k ave Listing Ave Asking price vs £361k Sale Agreed ave Asking price)     ✅ Sell-Through Rate   •           15.4% of homes on agents’ books went SSTC in February ’26. (Feb ’25 - 16.1% / Feb ’24 - 16.7%) •           Pre-Covid average: 15.5%.   ✅ Fall-Throughs   •           5,156 fall-throughs last week (pipeline of 434k home Sold STC). •           Weekly average for 2025: 6.1k. •           Fall-through rate (Fall thru expressed as a % of the Gross sales that week): 19.6%, down from 21.5% last week. •           Long-term average: 24.2% (post-Truss chaos saw levels exceed 40%). •           4.9% of all the sales agreed in Estate Agent’s Sales pipelines fell thru in February 2026. 2025 average - 5.3% & 10 year average - 5.8%).   ✅ Net Sales   •           21.2k Net Sales, up from 20k last week •           Ten-year Week 10 average: 20.6k. •           Weekly average for 2026: 19.2k. •           Weekly average for the whole of 2025: 18.8k. ✅ Probability of Selling (% that Exchange vs withdrawal)   •           Feb ’26 Stats so far : 53.9% of homes that left agents’ books exchanged & completed in Feb. (Note this figure will change throughout the month as more Feb stats come in). •    57.6% is the 7 year average (which includes the crazy years post lockdown 18 months) ✅ House Prices (£/sq.ft)   •          February ’26 agreed sales averaged £343.36 per sq.ft. 2.3% higher than 12 months ago (£335.63) and 18.2% than 5 years ago (£290.43). The £/sqft at sale agreed matches the HM Land Registry Index with a 98% accuracy, 5 months in advance. That is why it is so important. ✅ Stock Levels   •           682k homes on the market on the 1st of March ’26. (675k - 1st March 25) •           434k homes in agent’s sales pipeline on the 1st March 2026, slightly lower than 12 months ago on 1st March ’25 (444k). ✅ UK Rental Data •           Average Rent in Feb 2026 - £1,711 pcm (£1,745 in Feb 25) •           305k UK Rental Stock available to rent in Feb 26 (310k in Feb 2025)   ✅ Local Focus The Cheshire Golden Triangle (Alderley Edge, Wimslow, Knutsford & Prestbury) ✅ Graphs https://we.tl/t-M0AHt6GrO3

Is the property industry too focused on personal branding? The Baldock Brothers join me to discuss why established company brands still matter, and how top agents blend personal presence with corporate trust.

Is estate and letting agency about people or property? I sit down with Grace Milham, Group Operations Director, to explore why agencies succeed when they balance human touch with process, sharing practical tips to boost sales, lettings, and landlord satisfaction.

Are you running a property business or a sausage machine? I chat with Cindy Slaughter from Avocado Property about why the UK estate agency still favours KPIs over human connection, and how self-employed models put relationships, not listings, first.

I chat with The Baldock Brothers about the UK property market’s online moaning culture. We explore why criticism rarely helps, how constructive feedback can raise standards, and why showing up thoughtfully online matters for reputation, collaboration, and progress.

Is estate agency a profession or just an industry? I chat with Grace Milham, Group Operations Director, about what professionalism truly means, the evolution of the market, compliance, and practical tips to improve mindset, processes, and business efficiency.

Is your property career serving your life or consuming it? I sit down with Cindy Slaughter to explore keeping family as your North Star, surviving the six month wobble, and why enjoying the journey, not just chasing instructions, leads to success.

UK Property Market Update The headlines for the 9th week of the 2026 UK Property Market (week ending Sun 8th March 2026) 🟩 Listings YTD 
322k new properties have come onto the market YTD , 1% ahead of 2025, 9% above 2024, and 20% higher than the 2017–19 average. 🟩 Gross Sales YTD 
219k UK homes sold STC YTD , 5.7% lower than 2025, 9% higher than 2024 and 18% above pre Covid norms. 🟩 Net Sales YTD 
171k UK net home sales YTD (Net Sales being Gross sales less Fall Thrus). 4.5% lower than 2025, 8.6% ahead of 2024, 25.3% ahead of 2023 and 15% above the 2017–19 average. 🟥 Overvaluing 47.5% of the homes that left UK Estate Agents books in February were withdrawn unsold. Main cause - blatant overvaluing supported by long sole agency agreements of 20+ weeks.     ✅ The YouTube Show   The YouTube  ‘UK Property Market Stats Show’ for the week ending Sunday, 8th March 2026 (week 9) with Kristian Stott.   https://youtu.be/t_2U1ABPxZA Detailed Breakdown …   ✅ New Listings   •           40.2k new properties came onto market this week (up as expected & inline with wk 9 long term trends) from 36.8k last week. •           2025 weekly average: 30.6k. •           10-year week 9 average : 35.3k   ✅ Price Reductions   •           25.5k reductions this week, up from 20.9k last week •           11.4% of resi homes for sale were reduced in February. Feb 25 - 12%. Feb 24 - 11.5% •           2025 average was 12.8%, versus the 6-year long-term average of 10.7%.   ✅ Sales Agreed   •           25.6k homes sold stc this week 9, down slightly from 26.6k last week. •           Week 9 average (for last 10 years) : 25.9k •           2026 weekly average : 24.2k.   ✅ Price Difference between Listings & Sales •           21.6% difference (long term 10 year average is 16% to 17%). (£439k ave Listing Ave Asking price vs £361k Sale Agreed ave Asking price)     ✅ Sell-Through Rate   •           15.4% of homes on agents’ books went SSTC in February ’26. (Feb ’25 - 16.1% / Feb ’24 - 16.7%) •           Pre-Covid average: 15.5%.   ✅ Fall-Throughs   •           5,516 fall-throughs last week (pipeline of 434k home Sold STC). •           Weekly average for 2025: 6,100. •           Fall-through rate (Fall thru expressed as a % of the Gross sales that week): 21.5%, down from 19.9% last week. •           Long-term average: 24.2% (post-Truss chaos saw levels exceed 40%). •           4.9% of all the sales agreed in Estate Agent’s Sales pipelines fell thru in February 2026. 2025 average - 5.3% & 10 year average - 5.8%).   ✅ Net Sales   •           20k Net Sales, up slightly from 21.3k last week •           Ten-year Week 9 average: 20.7k. •           Weekly average for 2026: 19k. •           Weekly average for the whole of 2025: 18.8k. ✅ Probability of Selling (% that Exchange vs withdrawal)   •           Feb ’26 Stats : 52.5% of homes that left agents’ books exchanged & completed in Feb. (Note this figure will change throughout the month as more Feb stats come in). •    57.6% is the 7 year average (which includes the crazy years post lockdown 18 months) ✅ House Prices (£/sq.ft)   •          February ’26 agreed sales averaged £343.36 per sq.ft. 2.3% higher than 12 months ago (£335.63) and 18.2% than 5 years ago (£290.43). The £/sqft at sale agreed matches the HM Land Registry Index with a 98% accuracy, 5 months in advance. That is why it is so important. ✅ Stock Levels   •           682k homes on the market on the 1st of March ’26. (675k - 1st March 25) •           434k homes in agent’s sales pipeline on the 1st March 2026, slightly lower than 12 months ago on 1st March ’25 (444k). ✅ UK Rental Data •           Average Rent in Feb 2026 - £1,711 pcm (£1,745 in Feb 25) •           305k UK Rental Stock available to rent in Feb 26 (310k in Feb 2025)   ✅ Local Focus Winchester

Why do qualifications really matter in estate and letting agency? Chris Watkin talks to David Powell, CEO of Andrews, about why ongoing training, regulation and professional standards are vital in today’s evolving UK property market, and why experience alone is no longer enough.