Real Estate & Technology News in United Kingdom from Propertyshowrooms.com

Single Property Websites on the Rise

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Many real estate agents are turning to single property websites in an attempt to give them the edge over competitors and make their properties stand out. And single property websites are definitely increasing in use and popularity according to figures released last week by one leading supplier...

Is free-to-list the way of the future?

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In our most recent poll on propertyportalwatch.com we asked our readers: Are free-to-list property portals the way of the future? So what did they say?

realtybid.com Makes Good Times From Bad

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

realtybid.com have reported that 2008 was a stellar year – setting several records for the online auctions website - despite, or perhaps because of, harsh economic times...

nestoria.co.uk Answers Q: Where Can I Live?

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

nestoria.co.uk are keeping ahead of the pack in terms of cool search applications with the launch of where-can-i-live.com? It allows Londoners to find a property based on their commuting time to work...

Supermarket Chain ASDA Opens Portal

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Homes in Asda, known online as homesinstore.co.uk, is UK supermarket chain Asda’s answer to property search...

Are UK Portals Really Losing Agents?

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Last year Henry Pryor formed the Estate Agency Buying Group, to band together smaller estate agency firms in order to negotiate the best terms possible for 2009 with UK property portals. As we entered the new year, Pryor told propertyportalwatch.com that many agents are holding firm and not renewing contracts with the pay-to-list portals...

Technical glitch halts LSE trades

Mon, 8 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The London Stock Exchange has suspended trading due to a technical problem...

Credit crunch is driving IT outsourcing in UK property sector, says Connect

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Connect, the IT support company for small and medium enterprises, has today revealed new figures that show IT outsourcing in the property sector is gathering pace as a direct result of the credit crunch.

Mark MacGregor, Chief Executive of Connect, said:
“Since the start of the year, we have seen a 75% increase in the number of enquiries for IT support, with companies in sectors most affected by the credit crunch – notably property companies – leading the way. The increase in enquiries is particularly marked in mid-sized companies with 50-500 employees, where the cost of their own internal IT department is seen as an overhead they can reduce or eliminate speedily.”

MacGregor believes that the main driver for this surge in interest is a desire to reduce headcount, but that the greater flexibility available from outsourcing is also an important factor.
“Outsourcing is an obvious way to save money quickly - but many Financial Directors are also interested in finding ways to increase or reduce IT support to match the growth or reduction in their own employee numbers. For some clients who want to retain some capacity inhouse, we have designed specific packages that allow us to take over, for example, server or third line support, leaving the customer to continue with the simple fixes.

However, Macgregor also had a warning for property firms looking to follow the outsourcing path.
“Outsourcing can be an attractive option but companies need to be careful. It is an old truism that you should not outsource a problem and expect it to be magically solved. It is vital to spend the time at the start of any contract getting your IT strategy and processes right – only then can you have any confidence in successfully transferring your IT function to a third party.”

Eco homes: 'Our meter is going backwards'

Tue, 5 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sarah Lonsdale meets a couple who got rid of the oil tank and put in solar panels...