In this episode of The Viking Chats, Kristjan Byfield sits down with Costas Frangeskou, Director of Growth at Goodlord, to explore a career that’s taken him from one of the UK’s most recognisable portals to the heart of lettings technology - and the insights he’s gained along the way.
From early agency days through to his tenure at Rightmove, and now shaping the future of digital lettings at Goodlord, Costas has seen the industry from every angle. But what makes this conversation special isn’t just his CV - it’s his honest, thoughtful take on the real challenges facing agents today, and what meaningful progress looks like for an industry in flux.
Whether you’re a letting agent, PropTech supplier, landlord, or anyone trying to navigate the evolving landscape of residential rentals, this episode offers clear-eyed reflection, practical strategy, and a glimpse into what tomorrow’s lettings journey could - and should - look like.
🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✅ How Costas went from agency floor to digital boardroom
We trace Costas’s journey from frontline agency work into high-growth roles at Rightmove and Goodlord. Along the way, he shares how each chapter has shaped his understanding of what agents need - and what tech needs to do to be truly useful.
✅ The unique pressures facing agents in today’s market
Costas unpacks how lettings teams are being squeezed from both sides: landlords expecting more service for less, and tenants demanding faster, clearer communication and higher standards. Tech can help - but only when it’s deployed with empathy and purpose.
✅ Why good lettings is still about people, not just platforms
One of the strongest themes in the episode is this: you can automate process, but not care. Costas is a champion of tools that make space for great service - not replace it. He talks candidly about how agencies can stay human while staying competitive.
✅ Lessons from Rightmove that still apply today
Costas shares what it was like to work at the UK’s biggest portal - what they got right, where they struggled, and how those experiences helped shape his approach at Goodlord. It’s a rare inside look at how the industry’s biggest players operate.
✅ What true partnership between agents and PropTech looks like
Too often, suppliers talk at agents. Costas advocates for something different: listening, iterating, and building with the people who use your product. That mindset underpins how Goodlord has evolved - and why they’re doubling down on agent feedback.
🔍 Why This Conversation Matters
Lettings isn’t getting simpler. But the agents who thrive will be the ones who think smarter - about people, process and partnerships.
Costas brings a grounded, deeply experienced perspective to questions many are afraid to ask:
He doesn’t pretend to have all the answers - but he does offer something better: clarity, honesty and practical steps forward.
🎧 Who Should Listen
