EuU referendum: Foxtons warns on Brexit as profits slip

Estate agent predicted to struggle to maintain its market share over the medium term if it continues to charge higher fees than rivals

Foxtons is seen as a barometer for the London market (Getty)

A challenging London house market has dented profits at estate agency Foxtons – and the firm has flagged up potential disruption from June’s Brexit referendum.

The London-focused agency, famed for its coloured Minis and hyper-aggressive sales style, reported a 2.6per cent drop in pre-tax profits to £41m on a 4.6per cent increase in revenues.

Its chief executive Nic Budden 2015 sales levels were well below those of 2014, due to factors such as higher stamp duty and the general election.

“In the sales market we saw falling volumes in central London, where price and stamp duty pressures have deterred buyers,” Mr Budden said.

But Mr Budden also floated the potential impact of higher stamp duty on buy-to-let investors as well as the EU vote.

“Looking ahead, the London residential property market continues to be highly attractive both in terms of sales and lettings, although it is too early to predict how transaction volumes may be impacted by recent changes to the tax regime and the short-term political and economic uncertainty caused by the UK referendum on leaving the European Union,” he added.

Foxtons, seen as a barometer for the London market, said it expected some growth in the sales market in 2016 but that a recovery in volumes would be affected by a low level of stock.

However, it said falling sales were “more than offset by more active markets in outer London, where the group has been focusing on recent expansion.”

Broker Peel Hunt, which has a “reduce” recommendation on Foxtons, said that opening new branches offset the impact of fewer house sales and a tight lettings market.

Peel Hunt believes Foxtons will struggle to maintain its market share over the medium term, if it continues to charge higher fees than rivals.