Andy Pratt, chief operating officer at Alexander Hall, claimed that there is a trend towards applicants using larger brokers for ‘better’ deals. He said networks were growing and figures are reportedly up 40 per cent for the Concordia group, the organisation of Chase De Vere and Hamptons among others.
Pratt said: “There is a trend towards using major brokers as networks are growing and people are aware that they could get a better deal through a larger company who have the ability to negotiate better rates.
As the sector has become established and has matured since regulation, the regulator is now saying that people should consider their options. So the question to be asked is, do you get better deal from a smaller company?”
Kim Barrett, proprietor at KS Barrett & Associates, said: “Unlike some small brokers and sole traders, I am not put out by this comment but I do find such a statement to be quite outlandish. Everyone is so desperate for the business that most of the deals that come to me are from recommendations and word of mouth.
“I don’t believe my clients will be disadvantaged by coming to me as everyone’s got to be seen to be doing the right thing by their clients – it is all about service.”
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