Proptech launches agent council to tackle property market problems

Proptech firm iamproperty has formed its own committee of agents to discuss issues facing the property market.

The auctioneer and sales progression platform provider has setup a Partner Agent Advisory Council (PAAC).

It is made up of iamproperty’s UK-wide partner agent network who will work together to address and tackle the challenges and opportunities facing the residential property market.
 
The group has already held its first session at iamproperty’s headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne and was led by iamproperty co-founders Ben Ridgway and Jamie Cooke, with guest speaker Paul Offley, group compliance officer at nurtur.group.

The discussions covered digitisation of the sales process, the impact of material information rules and strategies around embracing digital solutions. 

Ben and Jamie also gave an update on the future of iamproperty and its products.

The session was attended by representatives from Goldfinch Estate Agents, Cooke & Co, Robert Watts, Goodfellows Estate Agent, Miles and Barr, Pygott & Crone, Miller Metcalfe, Stephen Tew Estate Agents and Simon Blythe Estate Agents. 

The agents presented insights from their day-to-day operations, discussing live issues they’re facing including completion timescales of up to 14.5 weeks and low stock, with one agency reporting 80-90% less stock than in previous years.

Another issue was high levels of viewings, sometimes surpassing 30 viewings per property

Ridgway said: “The PAAC meetings are a unique opportunity for us to sit down with our clients and understand their real-life challenges and how we can work collaboratively to solve them. 

“Our partner agent network is perfectly placed to tell us how they need proptech to work for them and since our solutions are designed by agents, for agents, we’re committed to keeping their knowledge at the heart of ongoing product development. 

“Our success is thanks to years of working together to drive forward change in the industry and this is why the voice of estate agents is felt so strongly in our products and services.”

The PAAC members intend to meet at least twice per year and iamproperty is planning a series of events, publications, and webinars to support estate agents with the challenges they’re facing.