A call for questions from Alex Chesterman and Zoopla Property Group

I personally would like to know if Zoopla would consider purchasing OnThe Market at any price?

Thanks,
A.TT

Are you going to do anything with uswitch or was it a move just intended to impress the city / attract investors?

Alex, are there any plans to expand Zoopla's operations overseas?

With more property portals appearing and a company like OTM causing shockwaves throughout the industry, do you think Zoopla will always be able to innovate and stay ahead of newer rivals?

The launch of OTM this year has definitely given agents something to think about. Some agents have jumped on board immediately, others, like myself are carefully monitoring events first. I'd be interested to know what Zoopla's strategy is for the rest of 2015 and moving into 2016 to attempt to retain existing clients and win back those that have jumped ship.

Do you think that being plcs has contributed to your business as well as rightmove alienating your customer base of agents?

Do you realistically believe you can challenge Rightmove as the No 1 portal? Or have you resigned yourself to playing second fiddle for the foreseeable future?”

What do you see the plan being for Zoopla in the next 12 months? How do you plan on winning back those agents who chose OTM?

Hi Alex,
I am very much looking forward to your interview!
How do you see the position of OTM v Zoopla and Right Move in 12 months from now?
Would Zoopla consider reducing prices to regain those agents they have lost to OTM?

Alex, do you think OTM is a Cartel?

Why are most property TV adverts so naff and instantly forgettable?

Alex, what are the plans with the Find a Pro service?

Rivalries aside, do you think the industry would function far better in the interests of estate and letting agent businesses (and, accordingly, the public) with 3 major portals rather than the duopoly we had at the start of the year? If not, why not? To balance this question, I’m not advocating the set-up of OnTheMarket but thinking more along the lines of another commercial portal competing equally along the lines of Zoopla and Rightmove but with its own USP.

And another quick one from me...

With 3 major portals do you think the industry would find that it was better served in terms of value for money? Would that also mean that all three companies could still make a good profit but not have accusations of profiteering, to quote a phrase that is regularly thrown at them?

Zoopla who are they?

I seem to remember some website once but it was so long ago I really cant think of anything!

Alex, do you think agents who have joined OTM realise it's not just the CMA but any affected commercial entity that could decide to issue proceedings under the competition laws?

Do you have any plans to dispose off rest of your remaining shares?

Location, Location, Location or Homes Under the Hammer?

On a more serious note, what was the inspiration behind the (now iconic) purple branding?

Has the emergence of OTM made you question how you interact with agents?

What is the impact of find a pro feature so far?

I'm a big fan of Alex's. I remember back in 2001 before Google image search was as extensive as it was today cutting out a picture of him and framing it and putting it on my mantle piece.

I would like to know what his star sign is? And also Pepsi or Coke?

That made me laugh out loud, Darby OGill.

Anyway, my tuppence's worth. Alex, do you understand why there is so much frustration over the high fees you charge? Do you not think agents deserve a better deal?

Hi Alex - Are you able to categorically confirm or deny that Zoopla will never accept private listings. I simply can't imagine that it would make financial sense for you, but a number of "conspiracy theorists" think that you might!

A lot has been said about how legally sound the Agents Mutual contract is and whether this could lead to competition authority issues for those agents involved. What are Zoopla's thoughts on this?

It have read that over 100 agents have returned to ZPG. Who are they and how many more are talking to you about returning?

Will Zoopla ensure that any agents returning pay a higher price than those who stuck with Zoopla?

What lessons have you learned during the last 9 months (OTM launch) that will help you for the future?
and
Are you going to develop Zoopla into something more than a property portal? if so will the properties be central to this plan or will it just tick over until everyone leaves for greener pastures?
And where do you see Zoopla's place in the market in 5 years?

Alex, do you think OTM would be in a better or worse situation now if they had targeted Rightmove rather than Zoopla?

What is Zoopla's view on how enforceable the Agents Mutual contract is? Do think they can hold me to it Alex?

Two questions from me:

Will Zoopla ensure that any agents returning pay a higher price than those who stuck with Zoopla? Basically will you penalise us?

Do you think that the 'one other portal rule' is a good idea or will survive?

You and that Ian Springett chap seem to have had a war of words of late, especially over performance of onthemarket so far. Do you think he has it in for Zoopla??

It has been reported that over 100 agents have returned to ZPG. Who are they and how many more are talking to you about returning?

How real do you think the threat to the private rented sector and in particular, to the private landlord really is?