Published 3 July 2025 | By FJP Investment Editorial Team

Choosing between one estate agent and several can materially affect the cost, organisation and outcome of a property sale.

Using multiple estate agents may appear to provide wider exposure and greater competition. However, most properties are already marketed through the major property portals, so appointing additional agents does not necessarily multiply the number of serious buyers who will see the listing.

For many conventional property sales, appointing one carefully selected estate agent under a reasonable sole agency agreement is the simplest and most cost-effective starting point. Multiple agency can still make sense in certain circumstances, particularly if a property has struggled to sell or different agents can reach genuinely distinct groups of buyers.

The most important factor is not simply the number of agents involved. It is the wording of the agency agreement, the quality of the marketing and the agent’s ability to identify and progress a suitable buyer.

Sole agent or multiple estate agents: the short answer

A sole agent will usually be the better starting point when:

• the agent has a strong record of selling comparable properties locally;
• the proposed asking price is supported by recent evidence;
• the property will be listed on the principal property portals;
• the fee and contract period are reasonable;
• you want one person or office to remain accountable for the sale; and
• you value consistent communication, marketing and buyer feedback.

Using more than one agent may be worth considering when:

• a previous sole agency period has ended without producing a suitable buyer;
• the property is unusual, high-value or likely to appeal to a specialist market;
• different agents can demonstrate access to genuinely different buyer networks;
• the seller prioritises speed and accepts that the fee may be higher; or
• the terms are clear and do not expose the seller to conflicting commission claims.

Neither arrangement guarantees a faster sale or a higher price. The result will still depend on the property, its asking price, its presentation, local demand and the strength of the buyer.

Can you use more than one estate agent?

Yes, a seller can instruct more than one estate agent, provided doing so does not breach an existing agreement.

Before adding another agent, check the minimum term, notice requirements and fee provisions in your current contract. A seller who appoints another agent while an exclusive agreement remains in force could become liable for more than one fee.

Government guidance on selling a home specifically warns that sellers using more than one agent may sometimes need to pay dual fees. Whether that happens depends on the contracts and on matters such as which agent introduced the eventual buyer.

Never assume that an agreement has ended simply because the property has been removed from an agent’s website. Give any required notice in writing and obtain written confirmation of the termination date and any continuing fee liability.

What do the different estate agency agreements mean?

The phrases used in estate agency contracts can sound similar but have substantially different consequences. The precise contract must always be checked, but the main arrangements are as follows.

Sole agency

Under a sole agency agreement, one estate agent is appointed to market the property for an agreed period.

If that agent introduces the buyer who eventually purchases the property, the agreed commission will normally be payable. Under the standard distinction between sole agency and sole selling rights, the seller will generally not owe the sole agent a commission if the seller finds the buyer entirely independently.

However, appointing another estate agent during the sole agency period may breach the agreement or expose the seller to more than one fee. The individual contract remains decisive.

Sole selling rights

Sole selling rights are more restrictive than ordinary sole agency.

During the agreed period, the appointed agent may be entitled to a fee if the property is sold, even where the buyer was found by the seller or introduced through another route.

This is why sellers should not treat “sole agency” and “sole selling rights” as interchangeable terms. If a contract contains sole selling rights, check:

• when the exclusive period begins and ends;
• how much notice must be given;
• whether any fee remains payable after termination;
• what happens if the seller finds a buyer directly; and
• the circumstances in which the commission becomes due.

Joint sole agency

A joint sole agency arrangement normally involves two named estate agents working under one coordinated instruction.

The agents agree how the commission will be divided, often regardless of which one identifies the successful buyer. This can provide access to two networks without creating the same competitive structure as a conventional multiple agency agreement.

The seller should still establish who will control the listing, conduct viewings, provide feedback and manage negotiations. Without clear responsibilities, communication can become fragmented.

Multiple agency

Under a multiple agency arrangement, several agents market the property independently. The agent responsible for the effective introduction of the buyer will normally claim the agreed fee.

Multiple agency fees can be higher than sole agency fees because each agent accepts the risk of carrying out work without receiving a commission. The actual cost varies, so sellers should compare written quotations rather than relying on a supposed standard percentage.

Multiple agency also creates greater scope for disputes if a buyer has communicated with, registered through or viewed the property with more than one agent.

Does using several agents create more exposure?

Not necessarily.

If the sole agent already advertises on the property portals most frequently used by buyers, appointing another agent may result in the same property appearing more than once to substantially the same audience.

The more useful question is whether another agent can add something genuinely different. This might include:

• a strong database of buyers searching in that particular area;
• experience with the property type or price bracket;
• access to overseas or specialist buyers;
• credible off-market contacts;
• a stronger record of progressing difficult property chains; or
• a materially better marketing strategy.

If both agents plan to use the same portals, similar photographs and the same buyer database, the additional exposure may be limited.

Advantages of using one estate agent

Clear accountability

With one agent, there should be no uncertainty about who is responsible for arranging viewings, collecting feedback, negotiating offers and progressing the transaction.

Consistent presentation

A single listing avoids different photographs, descriptions or asking prices appearing for the same property. Inconsistent listings can confuse buyers and make it difficult to identify which information is current.

Potentially lower fees

A sole agent has a greater prospect of earning the commission and may therefore offer a lower fee than under a multiple agency arrangement. Sellers should compare the complete cost, including VAT and any additional marketing charges.

A more coordinated sales strategy

A good agent should review viewing feedback, recommend evidence-based changes and keep the pricing strategy under review. That process is easier when one party has a complete picture of the campaign.

A single buyer record

Maintaining one record of enquiries and viewings reduces uncertainty about which agent introduced a buyer. This can become particularly important if the agency agreement is later terminated.

Possible disadvantages of using one agent

Sole agency is only effective if the chosen agent performs well.

A weak agent may:

• recommend an unrealistic asking price to win the instruction;
• produce poor photographs or an unconvincing description;
• respond slowly to enquiries;
• conduct ineffective viewings;
• provide little useful feedback;
• fail to check the financial position of prospective buyers; or
• allow the listing to become stale without recommending a new strategy.

A lengthy tie-in period can then leave the seller unable to change direction promptly. Before signing, establish the minimum contract term, notice period and whether any withdrawal charge applies.

Advantages of using multiple estate agents

The main potential advantage is access to more than one active buyer database. This may help where individual agents have different geographical coverage or specialise in different types of property.

Competition can also encourage agents to respond quickly to new enquiries and pursue active buyers. If a property has already spent a reasonable period with one agent without generating serious interest, a broader approach may help test whether different representation produces a better result.

However, sellers should first determine whether the underlying problem is actually the agent. If the asking price is materially above comparable sales, adding more agents may simply produce several unsuccessful listings instead of one.

Our guide to how estate agents value a property explains why local evidence and current market conditions should support the asking price.

Disadvantages and risks of multiple agency

Higher selling costs

The successful agent may charge a higher commission rate than a sole agent. Sellers should request a worked example showing the amount payable at the anticipated selling price, including VAT.

Dual-fee disputes

One of the most important risks is becoming liable to two agents.

This can happen when a previous agent introduced a buyer but another agent later negotiates or completes the transaction. Agency contracts may preserve commission rights for introductions made before the instruction ended.

The latest Property Ombudsman Code of Practice for residential estate agents requires member agents to explain the possibility of continuing fee liability and dual fees.

Inconsistent listings

Different photographs, descriptions or asking prices can make the marketing look disorganised. Buyers may also approach more than one agent about the same property, complicating the record of introduction.

Less individual commitment

An agent who knows several competitors are marketing the same property has no guarantee of receiving the commission. Some agencies may therefore prioritise sole-agency listings where they have greater control over the campaign.

Pressure to secure the first acceptable offer

Competition between agents does not automatically produce a higher offer. It can instead create pressure to secure an agreement before a competing agent does.

The seller remains responsible for deciding which offer best meets their objectives. Price matters, but so do the buyer’s mortgage position, property chain, proposed timescale and likelihood of reaching exchange.

How to compare estate agents before signing

Invite more than one agent to value the property even if you ultimately intend to appoint only one. Comparing proposals can reveal substantial differences in pricing, marketing and contract terms.

Ask each agent:

• Which comparable properties have you sold recently?
• What evidence supports your recommended asking price?
• Where will the property be advertised?
• Are professional photographs, a floor plan and video included?
• Who will conduct the viewings?
• How and when will feedback be provided?
• How will prospective buyers be financially qualified?
• What is the minimum contract term?
• How much notice is required to terminate the agreement?
• Is the agreement sole agency or sole selling rights?
• What is the total fee, including VAT?
• Are there withdrawal, photography or additional marketing charges?
• Could a fee remain payable after the agreement ends?

Do not automatically select the agent offering the highest valuation or the lowest fee. An ambitious valuation is of little benefit if it cannot be supported by buyer demand or mortgage valuations.

Check the agent’s redress scheme and professional credentials

Residential estate agents in the UK must belong to an approved redress scheme. The two government-approved schemes are The Property Ombudsman and the Property Redress Scheme.

You can check this requirement through the government’s property-agent redress guidance.

Membership of a professional organisation such as Propertymark or regulation by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors can provide additional reassurance, but it is separate from the legal redress requirement. Verify any membership directly rather than relying solely on a logo displayed on an agent’s website.

How to change estate agents without creating a fee problem

If a sole agent has not delivered the expected result, changing agents may be appropriate. Take the following steps before doing so:

1. Read the existing agreement, including its minimum term and notice provisions.
2. Give the required notice in writing.
3. Obtain confirmation of the exact termination date.
4. Ask the outgoing agent to identify every person they consider to have been introduced to the property.
5. Keep a copy of the agency agreement, correspondence and viewing records.
6. Give the incoming agent the list of previously introduced buyers.
7. Ask the new agent to confirm that their instruction will not knowingly create overlapping liability.

If there is uncertainty about commission entitlement or potentially significant dual fees, obtain independent legal advice before signing another agreement.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to use one estate agent or several?

For many standard property sales, one carefully selected agent provides clearer accountability, consistent marketing and potentially lower fees. Several agents may be useful when they can demonstrate access to distinct buyers or when an earlier sole-agency campaign has been unsuccessful.

Do I have to pay two estate agents if I use multiple agents?

Not automatically. Under a straightforward multiple agency arrangement, the agent responsible for the successful introduction will normally receive the fee. However, overlapping contracts or a previous agent’s continuing entitlement can result in dual fees. Check every agreement before appointing another agent.

Do I pay an estate agent if I find my own buyer?

Under an ordinary sole agency agreement, a seller will generally not owe commission if they find the buyer entirely independently. Under sole selling rights, a commission may still be payable. The precise contract wording should be checked.

Will several agents sell my house faster?

They might, but there is no guarantee. If the property is overpriced, poorly presented or affected by weak demand, appointing more agents may not solve the problem. Marketing quality, pricing and buyer readiness are usually more important than the number of agency boards.

Can I switch estate agents?

Yes, once the existing agreement permits termination and the required notice has been given. Sellers should obtain a list of buyers introduced by the outgoing agent because a later sale to one of those buyers could create continuing commission liability.

Should I choose the agent offering the highest valuation?

Not without supporting evidence. Ask for recent comparable sales and an explanation of the proposed pricing strategy. An inflated asking price can reduce enquiries and leave the property sitting on the market.

Final thoughts

Most sellers do not need several estate agents simply to place their property in front of online buyers. A capable sole agent with realistic pricing, strong presentation and a clear communication plan will often provide the most straightforward route.

Multiple agency can be worthwhile where different agents bring distinct buyer networks or where a properly tested sole-agency campaign has failed. It should be a deliberate strategy rather than an assumption that more listings automatically mean a better result.

Whichever route you choose, read the agreement before signing. Pay particular attention to the difference between sole agency and sole selling rights, the minimum term, termination procedure, total fee and any continuing liability for previously introduced buyers.

This article is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Agency terms vary, and sellers should obtain professional advice where contractual liability is unclear.