Attended by hundreds of industry experts and giants from all over the country, the Negotiator Conference & Expo 18 was a treat for estate agents and suppliers. Conference presenters included Professor Andrew Baum of the University of Oxford, David Cox of Propertymark and former UK Ambassador to the EU, Sir Ivan Rogers, among others.
The event’s theme was Changes, Challenges and Choices, fitting to the current economical humps the British nations are bracing up to face. Brexit was discussed and alluded to many times throughout the day, highlighted by Sir Ivan Roger’s speech. He assured his audience of interesting times ahead, especially for the industry that sells what remains to be the most expensive purchase in the market. “Brexit presents the biggest crisis this country faces since the Suez Crisis or possibly World War II,” he said.
Sir Ivan Rogers, Former UK Ambassador to the EU
A member of the audience asked another presenter that day to predict what the market is going to be like in the new year and what it would be like after 29th of May –answered by giggles and uncertainty.
Another popular topic was technology and the future. Professor Andrew Baum spoke largely about Proptechs. According to him, there are currently billions being invested by business accelerators in Proptech, however he predicts that both “money will be lost” and that “there will be some very successful survivors.” He also mentioned how rooftops are now a popular investment in London, foreseeing its importance for drone deliveries. Matthew Spence from Humberts, Andy Soloman of Yomdel and Tom Mundy of Goodlord all spoke about some digital means to help advance property businesses in the country.
Professor Andrew Baum, of the University of Oxford
Meanwhile, the Tenant Fees Ban was discussed by David Cox of Propertymark, explaining definitions, timescales and enforcement. The legislation includes only permitting rent, utilities, tenancy deposits, holding deposits and tenant default fees as payments. Rate increase from month one, renewal or continuance of tenancy and references will be banned. Failure to abide will be penalised £5,000 for the first offence and £30,000 for further offences. It is speculated that the ban will be implemented in Spring 2019.
It was indeed a jam-packed day and much insight was gained from the many presenters and exhibitors at the Grosvenor Hotel in Mayfair, London. As it was JudgeService’ first property expo, we picked up a bunch of useful nuggets and nous at the Negotiator Conference and Expo 18.