Urban

Urban Sales and Lettings, operating as urban.co.uk, is an online estate agency that provides a cost-effective and transparent alternative to the traditional high-street model for property sales and lettings across the UK. The company was conceptualized in 2005 and officially founded in 2008 by Oliver Atkinson and Sarah Male, two business professionals who identified an opportunity to streamline the property transaction process. Their vision was to leverage the reach of major online property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, effectively making expensive physical branches redundant.

The business operates primarily online, serving homeowners looking to sell and landlords wishing to let their properties. Its revenue model is based on fixed-fee packages, offering clients the choice to pay upfront or upon completion, a structure that contrasts with the commission-based fees of conventional agents. This approach is designed to save customers a significant amount in fees. The service portfolio is comprehensive, including property photography, floor plan creation, a 'for sale' board, and marketing across major property websites. For lettings, the company performs detailed tenant vetting and manages initial inquiries, forwarding the details of interested parties directly to the landlord.

A core component of Urban's service is its focus on professional standards and customer support. All staff members are qualified with either the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) or the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), ensuring a professional service from instruction through to completion. The platform manages initial queries and negotiations, liaises with solicitors, and handles other legal requirements to facilitate a smoother transaction. In September 2019, the company was acquired by Howsy. Prior to this, Urban had merged with Emoov. The company's strategy has proven successful, having sold and let thousands of properties throughout its history.

Keywords: online estate agency, property sales, residential lettings, fixed-fee estate agent, property technology, UK property market, landlord services, home selling, real estate platform, lettings management, tenant vetting, property marketing, Rightmove, Zoopla, Oliver Atkinson, Sarah Male, property valuation, sales progression, online lettings, UK real estate