David James Named Among UK’s Best in Prestigious 2026 Estate Agent Guide
The Best Estate Agent Guide 2026 has officially unveiled its list of top performing agencies and David James has secured a place among the elite. Recognised for outstanding service, marketing, and performance, David James stands out as one of the best estate and letting agencies in the UK.
Agencies are rated by a rigorous assessment of:
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Sales and lettings performance
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Quality of marketing
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Customer service
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Website and lead management
Thousands of agencies were reviewed, but only a select few made the cut making this recognition a major achievement for David James and others on the list.
BoE Holds Rates, Property Industry Encouraged by Promise of Cuts
Interest Rate Decision
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On 20 June 2025, the Bank of England held the base interest rate at 4.25% (6–3 vote)
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Three policymakers supported a 0.25% reduction to 4%, hinting at future relief.
Economic Context
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Global uncertainties—like elevated oil (↑?26%) and gas prices (↑?11%) alongside mixed economic indicators, led to the cautious hold.
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Governor Andrew Bailey noted signs of labour market softening and said rates remain “on a gradual downward path,” though timing depends on future data
Markets Expect Rate Cuts
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Financial markets are pricing in BoE rate cuts starting in August, possibly followed by another cut before year-end
Property Industry Response
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Nathan Emerson (Propertymark CEO) welcomed the hold and hinted that future cuts could boost affordability and confidence during summer
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Matt Smith (Rightmove) emphasised that while BoE rates stayed steady, mortgage rates may still dip due to lender competition and eased stress-testing
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Kevin Roberts (L&G Mortgage Services) pointed out the emergence of sub?4% mortgage deals and innovative lending options
What It Means for Home-Buyers
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No immediate drop in mortgage rates, but the industry anticipates incremental affordability gains moving forward.
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With lender competition heating up, sub-4% fixed-rate products, higher loan-to-value deals, and flexible mortgage criteria are becoming more common
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The message from the property industry is clear: they’re optimistic yet cautious, viewing the rate hold as a signal rather than a setback.
Bottom line: While no cut was made in June, the Bank’s tone and market pricing suggest reductions may be imminent. The property sector is upbeat, expecting ongoing affordability improvements and a supportive market through the summer.
Industry Warns Renters’ Reform Bill ‘Unworkable’ Without Urgent Government Clarity
Key Concerns Raised by Industry Groups
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Unclear implementation timeline
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The House of Lords will reconsider the Bill on 1 July, but the government has not clarified when reforms including the scrapping of Section 21 will take effect after Royal Assent
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Court system readiness
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Despite pledges to prepare the courts, there’s no definition of what being “ready” entails, especially regarding how long possession cases will take an area landlords already find problematic
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Rent challenge mechanism is flawed
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Allowing tenants to dispute above market rent at a tribunal is unworkable due to the absence of a reliable, centralised rent data source to assess market levels accurately
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Benefit arrears enforcement issues
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New rules aimed at preventing repossessions when tenants' benefits are late are impractical because landlords are not informed when tenants are on benefits
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Lack of clarity on policy transition
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Industry bodies argue the government hasn’t detailed how and when changes to tenancy terms will apply post Royal Assent, risking confusion during the transition
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Voices from the Sector
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Ben Beadle (NRLA), Melanie?Leech (BPF), and Theresa?Wallace (Lettings Industry Council) jointly state:
“We remain extremely disappointed by the lack of substantive responses. We want the Bill to work in practice however, unless clear answers are forthcoming landlords have every reason to be concerned.”
Bottom Line
The property sector broadly supports the intent of the Renters’ Rights Bill but warns it’s currently operationally “unworkable”. Without specific details on court preparedness, rent benchmarking, benefit arrears processes, and implementation timelines, landlords face uncertainty and potential disruption.
if you have any questions about the Bromley property market or wish to let or sell your property feel free to contact us.