Protests over FindaProperty and local paper charges

Agents are complaining about new advertising rates in portals and local newspapers in the ownership of the Daily Mail.

Rates for advertising on portals within the Mail’s Digital Property Group, including FindaProperty and Primelocation, are now combined with advertising in local press.

One agent said their rates had gone up this week:  "The Digital Property Group, who we advertise with in the local paper and on FindaProperty, have just brought out a new fee structure which for us, as a small independent agent, means a 20% increase in our advertising bill (at a time of deflation). 

“The offer of a 13 week contract, instead of the normal 48 week contract, only indicates further hikes ahead. 

“We have worked so hard to keep our staff through the downturn – this is a blow that all independents could do without.”

Jon Notley, sales director at the Digital Property Group, defended the charges.

He said: “The Digital Property Group and Northcliffe Media multi-media rate card was introduced into the Northcliffe regions to provide a fair and transparent reflection of the value both packages deliver.

“For the first time, it offers the full range of the Digital Property Group portals and the regional scope and expertise of Northcliffe Media within a single package. 

“The multi-media package incorporates the standard rate card for the Digital Property Group which takes into account an agent’s location as well as the number of properties listed and their average cost.”

He added: “The Northcliffe Media rate card reflects the cost of newspaper advertising space on a local basis whilst the multi-media cost recognizes the amount each agent spends within their local publication to ensure a fair price for all. There are no plans to increase the cost of this package.

“We cannot comment on specific cases but I would be very happy to speak to any customers on an individual basis and demonstrate our value to their business.”

The Daily Mail group has been hit hard by the advertising slump. It recently sold off the London Evening Standard and, last week, its antiques fairs business.