Sam and Phil look at what might be coming up in the autumn budget, breaking down the rumours and how they might impact buyers, sellers, renters, landlords and estate agency owners.

Get insights on proposed capital gains tax changes and applying national insurance to rental income, and how these changes could influence seller and landlord behaviour.

How are AshodownJones anticipating market shifts, and keeping the agency team resilient? Sam and Phil walk through practical considerations for estate agents, and owners navigating the weeks to come.

Key takeaways:

➡️ Staying informed about tax and property market changes is crucial for estate agency owners to confidently advise clients and team members.

➡️ Uncertainty in legislation can shift market activity and seller decision-making, especially in the high-value segment.

➡️ Proactive, clear communication with your agency team helps maintain morale and keeps everyone focused during periods of change.

Notable quotes:

✅ “What kind of questions are clients asking? Is there any point in being on the market now, especially right at the top end?”

✅ “If they made rents really affordable and they incentivised landlords to buy more properties, then the general working public would have more money in their pockets.”

✅ “If all of a sudden you were having to pay huge Capital Gains Tax, you may as well just rent somewhere and keep it.”

Want to grow your agency with confidence?

Book a free strategy call with Sam
Get clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.
https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call

Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate Agency
Smart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast

Request an AJ Mastermind brochure
Call 015394 40892 or email emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Join our private Facebook group
Connect with growth-minded agency owners like you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth

Have a question?
Email Sam: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk
Email Phil: phil@ashdownjones.co.uk

Don’t miss our next live event
Find out what’s coming up:
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

Sam shares her strategies for keeping your team engaged in a flat market, discussing the challenges of fragmented market conditions and why motivating teams is more crucial than ever for estate agency owners.

What is the difference between “carrots” and “sticks” when leading a team? Learn why accountability systems, structured reviews, and recognition schemes matter for coaching performance. Get practical examples you can apply right away.

Tools like the ‘Action Impact Report” can address mistakes while building self-awareness, why regular check-ins and sharing small wins help keep spirits high, and the benefits of creating a culture that values both development and responsibility.

Download the Action Impact Report form here:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/bvltnyvajg75z4rkjmdpd/Action-Impact-Report-Document.pdf?rlkey=jf4nedwelnksy77dwm6i5arj3&e=1&dl=0

Download the Summer 2025 Market Response Plan here:

https://ajmastermind.co.uk/market-response-summer-2025/

Some key takeaways:

➡️ Flat markets call for clear structure, regular reassurance, and visible wins within your estate agency team.

➡️ Balancing “carrots” like recognition and wellness with “sticks” like accountability is fundamental for estate agency coaching and leadership.

➡️ Building the right systems for reviews and personal development keeps morale high and drives better results, even during slow periods.

Some great moments:

✅ “It’s not just clients who get nervous. Your team needs reassurance too. When the phones stop ringing, it can feel like you’re failing.”

✅ “To me it’s a balance of carrots and sticks. And what I was explaining… was we do have consequences for what I would call poorly chosen behaviour.”

✅ “The reason I’m not doing any more than three is because there are no consequences.”

If you’re ready to motivate your team and spark progress in your agency, tune in and IGNITE your growth!

Want to grow your agency with confidence?

Book a free strategy call with Sam
Get clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.
https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call

Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate Agency
Smart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast

Request an AJ Mastermind brochure
Call 015394 40892 or email emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Join our private Facebook group
Connect with growth-minded agency owners like you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth

Have a question?
Email Sam: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk
Email Phil: phil@ashdownjones.co.uk

Don’t miss our next live event
Find out what’s coming up:
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events

This week Sam shares what goes unnoticed during your first year as an estate agency owner, why the early months can test your resolve, and how to manage the emotional roller coaster that comes with launching your own business.

Sending letters consistently, focusing on valuations, and tracking numbers, have been the foundations of sustainable growth for Ashdown Jones, so do you need to shift your focus too? How do you fight imposter syndrome, why should advice from well-meaning outsiders (including accountants) be taken with caution?

Some key takeaways:

➡️ The first year in agency is often more challenging than expected and requires a focus on building habits for the long game.
➡️ Consistent marketing activities build pipeline value and brand standing, even before sales start landing.
➡️ Picking your ideal market from day one sets the path for future growth and reputation.

Some great moments:

✅ “It’s an emotional roller coaster. The highs are really high and the lows are incredibly low.”
✅ “Without valuations, you don’t have a business. It’s about the listings, it’s about valuations and instructions, it’s not about sales.”
✅ “Consistency beats talent. Doesn’t matter how good an estate agent you are, show up every day, especially when it’s tough, because that’s what builds momentum.”

Want to grow your agency with confidence?

Book a free strategy call with Sam
Get clear on what’s holding your agency back — and what to do about it.
https://www.samashdown.co.uk/call

Catch up on more episodes of Ignite Your Estate Agency
Smart, straight-talking strategies from the front line.
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/ignite-podcast

Request an AJ Mastermind brochure
Call 015394 40892 or email emma@ajmastermind.co.uk

Join our private Facebook group
Connect with growth-minded agency owners like you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/ajmmforagencygrowth

Have a question?
Email Sam: sam@ajmastermind.co.uk
Email Phil: phil@ashdownjones.co.uk

Don’t miss our next live event
Find out what’s coming up:
https://www.ajmastermind.co.uk/events