Guild claims influx of new agency members during lockdown

The Guild of Property Professionals says “a remarkable number” of agencies has joined it during the lockdown.

Some 27 agencies signed up to the organisation. It chief executive - Iain McKenzie - says that given the unprecedented situation of the lockdown and the housing market being effectively closed, it was encouraging to see the inflex. 

“During a time when agents were looking for virtual tools and to streamline their businesses and cut costs, we saw many looking to join, recognising that The Guild would be able help them save money, remain compliant and help them to become stronger on the other side” he says.

McKenzie adds: “The next three months will be a crucial time for agents as things settle into the new normal.”

The Guild places heavy emphasis on the use of PropTech by its agency members and in a statement announcing the new members, it interviews a number of recently-joined agencies.

“The lockdown was a short-term situation and we always try and look a little longer term on things … We’re still very early days, but the compliance and training are great tools to have along with a few of the other tools that we currently pay other providers for” says Simon Ward, managing director of Mr Green Homes in Southbourne.

According to Alex Sevinc of Filey Properties in Southgate, north London: “The compliance guides and video help has been particularly useful to us as a business since we joined, and we are currently implementing changes to our processes based on the guidance we have received from Paul Offley, the compliance officer.”

And Natalie Dustan - a director at Heather Lay in Penryn, Cornwall - is quoted as saying: “The Guild really upped their game when we went into lockdown with regards to updates, advice and tools to help us through such unprecedented times.”