Estate agents provide advice and property details to buyers. But the agent’s main concern is to get the best deal for the seller, who is the client. As a buyer, you are the client only if you are paying an agent to find a property for you.
Personal interest
Remember that estate agents may be in a position to benefit personally from the sale of a property. You must be told promptly, and in writing, if your estate agent, or a relative or business partner of the estate agent, owns the property you want to buy.
Property particulars and viewing
The estate agent can provide a written description of the property (known as property particulars). This will give you an idea of what a property is like. It is against the law for an estate agent to make false or misleading statements about a property. If the particulars say the property has double-glazing and loft insulation, it should have these features.
You may see these terms in property particulars:
If there are terms you do not understand, ask for an explanation.
If you think you might be interested in buying a property, the next stage is to go and see it. The estate agent cannot charge you for arranging a viewing or showing you round the property. However, if you view a new property, or one that is still under construction, you may be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit or sign papers if you are interested in buying. Get advice from a solicitor first.
You can read more direct gov advice from the governments own helpful website.
If you have a complaint about an estate agent then you need to speak to The Ombudsman for estate agents
Estate agents are not regulated but around 10,000 (70% of them) are part of a voluntary association The National Association of Estate Agents . They have signed up to a code of practice to become a member and therefore you are guaranteed a good level of service.
To read more about estate agents and viewings read the remainder of our exclusive housebuying guide.
