Finally, a property website has been launched which is fully regulated and under the protective wing of an established and reputable property association! Propertylive.co.uk is the new consumer property search site founded by the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP) and its associated organisations and it has been welcomed by all in the industry, potential buyers and sellers alike.
Each and every one of the 13,000 agents with properties and services listed on the site are accredited by one of the NFOPP bodies including the NAEA - National Association of Estate Agents; ARLA - Association of Residential Letting Agents; NAVA - National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers and the ICBA - Institution of Commercial & Business Agents.
Despite politicians and traffic wardens achieving poll position for professions we love to loathe, it seems all estate agents have been tarred by the brush of the minority of unscrupulous agents operating in the industry. This is a reputation that the NFOPP is working hard to improve with each association enforcing strict rules of conduct and codes of practice for all member agents. As a minimum entry requirement, members must achieve relevant qualifications and commit to ongoing professional training. It goes without saying that professional indemnity insurances and client protection schemes must also be in place.
One such member agent who adheres to these regulations in order to maintain their NAEA membership is Barton Wyatt, based in the heart of Surrey. James Wyatt, a Senior Partner of the agency and also an appointed member of the national advisory forum, comments on the new site and the state of the market in Surrey today,
“Propertylive.co.uk is a break through for consumers looking to buy or sell property in the UK and abroad. Not only does it offer a comprehensive up-to-date database of properties on the market in Surrey and nationally, it provides a platform for consumers to contact accredited local agents and facilitates free professional advice from qualified agents.
“Regulation and accreditation is important to our clients both on the residential sales side and lettings in Surrey. Only recently we have seen reports of rogue lettings agencies in the media, which again highlights the need for propertylive.co.uk. It also offers a fair and reputable place for agents to present their properties without the threat of negative behaviour amongst their fellow agents.
“After a disappointing end to 2008, 2009 has seen a strong revival in the market with plenty of properties in the lower price ranges being sold and several houses over £5m also being sold through Barton Wyatt in the Surrey area. In fact, Barton Wyatt is so dominant locally, we boasted a 75% market share in the first four months of 2009. Supply of properties has been an issue in recent months but now there seems to be a relatively stable market which encourages confidence in both buyers and sellers, and this is leading to increasing numbers of properties coming on to the market.
“There is certainly a feeling of confidence in the market in Surrey, buyers and renters should have confidence in their agents too. At Barton Wyatt we feel it is important to set the standards for the next generation of the property market, post recession, maintaining the highest standards for our clients.”
Barton Wyatt provide luxury golf villas in Florida and select golf villas in Spain.
James Wyatt MNAEA, MARLA, TRC, REALTOR ® is a partner at Barton Wyatt Letting Agents Surrey. Tel: 01344 843000
