Selling process
Dealing With Estate Agents
Dealing with estate agents well comes down to five things: choosing on evidence, not the highest valuation; understanding the contract type (sole agency, sole selling rights or multi-agency) and the tie-in period; negotiating the fee; staying on top of communication and feedback; and knowing your rights under the Estate Agents Act 1979 and the agent’s redress scheme. The biggest trap is instructing the agent who quotes the highest price to win the business, then pushes for reductions.
What is your property worth?
Get genuine offers from checked & vetted buyers.
- Evidencenot the highest valuation
- Contractsole vs multi vs rights
- Negotiablefees can come down
- RedressTPO / PRS protect you
Choosing the right agent
Interview two or three agents and judge them on evidence, not flattery. Ask for recent sold prices they achieved on properties like yours, their average time to sell, and their asking-to-achieved price ratio. Beware the agent who quotes the highest valuation to win your instruction, then pushes for reductions once the home sits unsold — over-valuation wastes your crucial first weeks. A realistic agent who justifies their figure with local sold comparables is worth far more than an optimistic one. See how to read agent reviews.
Understanding the contract types
| Contract | What it means |
|---|---|
| Sole agency | One agent; you avoid their fee if you find your own buyer |
| Sole selling rights | One agent paid even if you find your own buyer — read carefully |
| Multi-agency | Several agents; only the one who sells is paid (higher fee) |
| Ready, willing & able purchaser | You could owe a fee even if the sale falls through — avoid |
Always check the exact wording, the tie-in period, and the notice you must give to leave.
Negotiating the fee and terms
Estate-agent fees are negotiable — a quoted 1.5% can often come down, especially for a higher-value home or if you are flexible. Push for a "no sale, no fee" arrangement payable only on completion, a reasonable tie-in (avoid long lock-ins), and clarity on what is included: professional photography, floorplan, EPC, portal listings and accompanied viewings. Get everything in writing. A lower percentage on a realistic price usually beats a higher percentage on an inflated one that never sells.
Keeping your sale moving
Once instructed, manage the relationship actively: agree how often you will get feedback after viewings, ask the agent to qualify buyers (chain, funding, proof of position), and chase progress through the conveyancing weekly. Good agents add real value here, pushing the chain along and heading off problems. If viewings are not converting, ask for honest feedback and be willing to adjust price or presentation (see no offers — when to act and when to reduce your price).
Your rights and the alternatives
All estate agents must belong to a government-approved redress scheme — The Property Ombudsman (TPO) or the Property Redress Scheme (PRS) — and comply with the Estate Agents Act 1979 and consumer protection rules, so you can escalate a complaint if needed. If the estate-agent route is not working, or you need speed and certainty rather than top price, alternatives include an online agent, auction, or a cash buyer who removes agents, fees and chains entirely.
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Written & reviewed by Lisa Hayes, Founder
Lisa Hayes is the founder of Ready Steady Sell and an independent UK home-selling expert with over a decade helping homeowners weigh cash house buyers, property investors and the wider fast house-sale industry — without pressure or hidden fees. Every guide is reviewed for accuracy under our editorial standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, no sales talk
How do I choose a good estate agent?
Interview two or three, ask for recent local sold prices and time-to-sell figures, and choose on evidence rather than the highest valuation. Over-valuing to win business is a common tactic.
What is the difference between sole agency and sole selling rights?
With sole agency you avoid the fee if you find your own buyer; with sole selling rights the agent is paid even if you find the buyer yourself. Read the contract carefully.
Are estate-agent fees negotiable?
Yes. A quoted percentage can often be reduced, and you can push for "no sale, no fee", a shorter tie-in and clarity on what is included.
How long is an estate-agent contract tie-in?
It varies, but watch for long tie-in periods and the notice required to leave. Shorter tie-ins keep you flexible if the agent underperforms.
Can I complain about an estate agent?
Yes. All agents must belong to a redress scheme — The Property Ombudsman or the Property Redress Scheme — which can investigate complaints and award redress.
What if my agent over-valued my house?
Over-valuation wastes your first weeks on the market. Ask for the sold comparables behind the figure, and be ready to re-price realistically or switch agents if it will not sell.