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Virtual viewings helped us survive lockdown, says Martin & Co parent company

The Property Franchise Group, which has 375 branches across the UK, says it was able to achieve some lettings during lockdown, helped by technology.

Nigel Lewis

virtual viewings tpfg

Martin & Co parent company The Property Franchise Group (TPFG) says its business has pulled through the lockdown helped to a large extent by its reliance on property management and lettings.

These represent just under half of its revenues and, the company says, during lockdown it saw continued activity including both property management fees earned from landlords and some lettings activity made possible via virtual viewings.

TPFG also says it’s franchisees are adapting successfully to the new realities of hand washing, social distancing and PPE wearing needed to get homes sold and rented.

Its franchisees across all of its estate agency brands including CJ Hole, Parkers, Ellis & Co, Whitegates and Ewemove have now all resumed both their sales and lettings activities.

Technology

“They have adapted well to the change in the operating model, embracing the use of technology to support continued customer service,” the company says.

“The earlier easing of restrictions than expected in the UK housing market, allowing renters and buyers to transact more freely, was very welcome.”

TPFG says it will give its shareholders an update on the first five months of trading last this month. This will give a more detailed picture of how hard the Coronavirus crisis has impacted its business and franchisees.

Read more: Virtual viewings double during lockdown.

June 4, 2020

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