How to choose the right estate agent

Fees, contracts, marketing — what actually matters.

Fee structure

High street: 1–1.5% + VAT, sole agency. Online fixed-fee: £900–£1,800 upfront. Don't optimise for the cheapest — optimise for who sells fast at your best price.

Sole vs multi-agency

Sole agency is cheaper but slower if you pick badly. Multi-agency (2–3% + VAT) can be worth it on high-value or slow-market homes.

Contract length

Insist on ≤10 weeks tie-in with a 14-day notice period after.