Is It Better to Work with One or Several Estate Agents?

UK Housing Market

Deciding whether to use a sole estate agent or multiple agents can be one of the most significant choices you face when selling your home in the UK. While some sellers believe that listing with more than one agent will increase visibility and boost their chances of a quick sale, experts often recommend the opposite. The right approach depends on your specific circumstances, market conditions, and your personal priorities. This article will explore the different options, explain what each means, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of sole versus multiple agencies. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what strategy might work best for you.

Can I instruct more than one estate agent at the same time?

Absolutely. In the UK, you have the legal right to instruct as many estate agents as you like to sell your property. The key is understanding how these arrangements work and their implications. Your options typically include instructing a sole agent, joint sole agents, or multiple agents. Each choice has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose wisely based on your selling goals and circumstances.

What do sole, joint, and multiple estate agents mean for sellers?

Understanding these terms is critical before entering into any agreement. Here’s what each entail:

Sole Agency:
This is when you appoint a single estate agent to handle the sale. The agent agrees to exclusively market your property for a fixed period, and they are entitled to the full commission if they secure a sale. If you find a buyer independently during this period, you might still owe the agent a fee, depending on your contract terms.

Joint Sole Agencies:
In this case, you appoint two agents at the same time, both working exclusively on your property. Typically, you agree upfront on how commission will be split or shared after a sale. Neither agent can sell the property independently of the other during the agreement.

Multiple Agencies:
This involves instructing several estate agents simultaneously. They all market your property independently, potentially increasing your coverage. However, this approach usually results in higher fees because each agent expects to earn a commission if they make a sale.

How many estate agents should I use?

While it may be tempting to think that more agents mean faster or higher-priced sales, industry practice and experience suggest otherwise. Many property experts recommend sticking with a sole agent unless specific circumstances justify multiple instructions.

Using just one trusted agent tends to keep things simple, reduce confusion among buyers, and avoid paying multiple commissions. Multiple agency agreements often encourage aggressive marketing tactics, but they can also create conflicts of interest, reduce the quality of service, and tend to be more costly — sometimes charging as much as 3% plus VAT compared to 1% or 1.5% for sole agencies.

Why do some sellers opt for multiple agents?

Many sellers mistakenly believe that employing more than one agent will boost their property’s visibility, sell faster, or generate a higher sale price. However, these assumptions often do not hold up under scrutiny.

Increased Visibility:

While it might seem logical that more agents mean more exposure, most property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla display listings regardless of how many agents are involved. As a seller, your property will be visible online to a wide audience without multiple listings.

Faster Sale:

Multiple agents can potentially speed up the sale process, but often at the expense of quality. Pushy tactics to beat competitors or insecure agents eager to make a quick sale may pressure buyers into low offers or create a negative impression.

Higher Sale Price:

The idea that pitting agents against each other will lead to a higher offer is often flawed. Buyers and their solicitors are quite astute and dislike games or manipulation. Such tactics can backfire, making your property appear desperate or less desirable.

The drawbacks of using multiple agents

While the appeal of increased exposure and faster sale is understandable, the reality can be quite different. Here are some pitfalls:

Higher Costs:
Multiple agencies mean paying several fees, which erodes your final profit. Fees are often higher because each agent expects to earn their share from the sale—sometimes as much as 3% plus VAT versus 1-1.5% for a sole agency.

Conflicting Marketing Efforts:

When several agents work independently, their marketing strategies may not align perfectly. This can lead to inconsistent messaging or overlapping efforts that confuse potential buyers, reducing the overall effectiveness of your sale.

Reduced Agency Commitment:
Agents may be less motivated to dedicate their best resources if they know they are not guaranteed exclusivity. Without a sense of exclusivity, some agents might prioritize other clients or not give your property the same level of attention.

Potential for Buyer Confusion:
Multiple listings of your property across various portals, sometimes with slight differences, can create confusion or suspicion among buyers. They might wonder why multiple agencies are representing the same property, which could give an impression of issues with the property or the price.

Tips for working with a sole agent

Given the downsides of multiple agencies, many experts recommend selecting a sole estate agent carefully. Here are some key considerations:

Professional Photography:
A high-quality, professional photographer can make your property stand out, attracting more viewers. This investment often pays off in better offers and quicker sales.
Effective Marketing Strategy:
Choose an agent who actively markets your property through multiple channels, including property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla. Their approach should include professional photos, engaging descriptions, and targeted outreach.
Industry Accreditation:
Ensure the agent is fully accredited by reputable bodies such as the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). These memberships indicate adherence to industry standards and ethical practices.
Online Presence:
A modern, user-friendly website with up-to-date listings and client testimonials is a good sign of professionalism and seriousness.
Personal Compatibility:
You should feel comfortable working with your chosen agent. Open communication, transparency, and trust are essential for a smooth transaction.

Final thoughts

While it may seem tempting to instruct multiple agents in the hope of generating a faster or higher sale, the evidence suggests this approach is often counterproductive, costly, and potentially damaging to your sale process. Most successful home sellers in the UK find that working with a single, reputable, and dedicated estate agent provides the best results — making the process smoother, more transparent, and more cost-effective.

By carefully selecting your agent based on their marketing skills, industry credentials, and your personal rapport, you’ll maximize your chances of achieving a sale that meets your expectations — with less stress and lower costs. Remember, the goal is to find the right buyer at the right price, not to play agent against agent in a costly competition.