The UK’s home buying reforms aim to cut average transaction times from 19 weeks to 15, but estate agent Matt Baldock of Charles David Casson argues the real fix isn’t legislation, it’s process. Collecting AML checks, identity verification and material information as one guided flow at the point of instruction, rather than as separate manual requests to agent, seller and solicitor, is what actually reduces fall-throughs and speeds up completion. It’s the model Kotini’s onboarding platform is built around, and Baldock reports his own agency now gathers material information faster than ever as a result.
Estate Agent Client Onboarding: The Complete Guide
The practical guide to estate agent client onboarding in 2025/26 — covering contracts, AML, material information, payments, and what good looks like.
Material Information for Estate Agents: The Complete Guide
What material information estate agents must collect under the DMCC Act — Parts A, B, and C explained, enforcement, consequences, and how to stay compliant.
Using AI in Your Estate Agency
48% of UK estate agents now use AI, but most lack a formal process. The agencies pulling ahead use AI for call analysis, database prospecting, and content creation – with a written policy defining which tools handle which tasks.
AML Compliance for Estate Agents: The Complete UK Guide
Everything UK estate agents need to know about AML compliance — CDD, EDD, SAR reporting, HMRC audits, and how to stay compliant every time.
Agency Fees: A Call for Cultural Change
Upfront fees are no longer unusual in estate agency; they’re becoming the norm. Our latest data shows 4 in 10 agents now charge buyers or sellers an upfront fee, with approaches ranging from modest admin charges to premium marketing packages. Here’s what we’re seeing across agencies, and why it matters.
The rise of upfront fees and what we’re seeing across agencies
Upfront fees are no longer unusual in estate agency; they’re becoming the norm. Our latest data shows 4 in 10 agents now charge buyers or sellers an upfront fee, with approaches ranging from modest admin charges to premium marketing packages. Here’s what we’re seeing across agencies, and why it matters.
Making price testing effortless for Estate Agents
Estate agents face fee pressure, longer transactions, and cash flow challenges. Testing new fee strategies sounds simple but quickly becomes bogged down in admin. Kotini’s customisable fees embed payments directly into onboarding, making it effortless to trial upfront charges, flexible models, or new price points without extra work for your team.
Are you leveraging the power of your brand?
When clients see your brand throughout onboarding, they respond with confidence and follow-through. Our experiment proved branded experiences consistently outperform generic ones.
Is your tech stack holding you back?
Today’s clients expect digital-first speed and simplicity. Yet too many estate agents are slowed down by rigid systems and manual workarounds. In this blog, we explore why flexibility matters, the hidden costs of disjointed tech, and 9 red flags that signal your stack is holding you back.











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