propertytalk Live! - HCA proposes single Homebuy Agent for England

propertytalk Live! - HCA proposes single Homebuy Agent for England

Replacing the current network of Local HomeBuy Agents with a single national point of contact could deliver greater support to homebuyers while significantly reducing costs, according to the Homes and Communities Agency.

The HCA has outlined its proposals in a discussion document published this week (Monday 28 February).

The Agency is now seeking the industry’s views on its proposed changes which, subject to comments received, could see the existing network of 13 organisations across England replaced with a single Agent in time for April 2012. The proposals exclude arrangements for London.

The HCA believes that such a move would result in an improved service to housing providers and potential homebuyers through greater consistency, while significantly reducing the annual bill for providing the core HomeBuy Agent service via economies of scale and reduced back office costs. Contractual obligations would require a single Agent to offer a locally tailored service, including running the popular first time buyer events, bolstered by the local knowledge of councils and the HCA’s own area teams.

Richard Hill, director of programmes at the HCA, said: “The current network of Homebuy Agents delivers an important service to housing providers and potential buyers; our aim is to build on that, improving the service where we can while securing greater value for money for the taxpayer.

“We have looked at a number of options and believe that moving to a single Agent is the best. There are significant benefits, not least in making the buyers ‘journey’ from initial enquiry to sales completion smoother and more consistent, and we now want to hear the views of our partners.”