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Choosing and working with an estate agent

You may want to choose an estate agent that is registered with the NAEA or the Ombudsman, as this will mean they have to abide by a code of practice. You can find one in the area in which you are interested by searching on the NAEA website. All estate agents are bound by the Estate Agents Act, whether or not they are registered with a governing body.

If you have a complaint about the conduct of an estate agent you can contact the Ombudsman for Estate Agents. The OEA provides an independent service for dealing with disputes between estate agents who are members of the Ombudsman Scheme, and consumers who are actual or potential buyers or sellers of residential property in the UK.

The OEA will advise on alternative routes to take if the estate agent you wish to complain about is not a member. You can also contact the trading standards department of your local council.

• Estate Agents Act (opens new window)
• The Office of Fair Trading (OFT): Using an estate agent to buy or sell your home (opens new window)
• National Association of Estate Agents (opens new window)
• Ombudsman for Estate Agents (opens new window)

Making an offer

gazumping occurs when a property is sold at a higher price after an offer has been accepted

If you make an offer on a property make sure that it is 'subject to contract', this means you can pull out of the deal if there are any problems. Under the Estate Agents Act, an estate agent is legally bound to present any offer to the vendor.

Unlike in Scotland, a buyer's offer is not legally binding in England and Wales, even if accepted by the seller. 

Once your offer is accepted, ask for the property to be taken straight off the market for the duration of the sale. The seller may be reluctant to do this if you haven't already sold your property. It is not in an estate agent's best interest to allow gazumping to occur as they rely on their reputation, however a determined buyer may go straight to the seller with their offer.

More useful links

• Using an estate agent - selling a property
• The Office of Fair Trading: Using an estate agent to buy or sell your home (opens new window)
• Property prices (opens new window)