Making a property purchase is one of the most significant financial commitments you’ll undertake in your lifetime. If you’re considering buying a home in the UK in 2025, securing an estate agent with the appropriate expertise to navigate you through the process will be paramount.
Numerous estate agents are vying for your business, advertising through online channels, “For Sale” boards, and even billboards. With such a vast array of professionals available, identifying the ideal one can feel overwhelming. By following these steps, you can learn how to select an estate agent and ultimately engage the perfect professional for your home acquisition.
1. Secure a Mortgage in Principle
You might wonder what this has to do with choosing the right agent. Often, prospective homebuyers jump straight into their property search without consulting a mortgage lender. However, it’s a wise strategy to meet with a lender first, even before seeking an estate agent, to establish how much you can realistically afford to spend on a home.
Obtaining a mortgage in principle (MIP) early in the process will clarify the maximum amount you are likely to be able to borrow. This insight helps you focus on properties within your budget, preventing wasted time viewing listings that are beyond your financial reach. Furthermore, an MIP demonstrates to both estate agents and sellers that you are a serious and qualified buyer. In competitive markets, a mortgage in principle letter can be crucial for sellers to even consider your offer.
2. Seek Recommendations from Your Network
With a multitude of estate agents operating, one effective way to find a good one is to ask trusted individuals in your network if they can recommend someone with whom they’ve had a positive experience.
Ideally, you’re looking for an agent who has experience with clients in circumstances similar to yours. The needs of first-time buyers, for instance, differ from those who are moving home or looking to downsize. Similarly, an agent specialising in city centre flats will possess different knowledge compared to one whose expertise lies in suburban detached houses.
Some estate agents in the UK may hold certifications or memberships from professional bodies like Propertymark (e.g., NAEA Propertymark for sales) or RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). While the specific “NAR” designations mentioned in the original text are US-based, UK agents can demonstrate additional training through various qualifications. Look for agents who have:
- Completed additional training in residential sales: Demonstrating a deep understanding of the intricacies of residential property transactions.
- Specialised in representing buyers: Indicating specific skills in identifying suitable properties and negotiating on behalf of purchasers.
- Experience assisting older clients: Showing sensitivity and knowledge of the particular needs of clients aged 50 and above.
- Advanced negotiation skills: Highlighting their ability to effectively advocate for their client’s best interests during price and contract discussions.
3. Research and Interview Potential Candidates
When evaluating candidates for your property purchase, begin by examining their online presence. Check their agency’s website and social media profiles, paying attention to whether they have successfully completed deals in your specific target area. The more familiar an agent is with the location you’re hoping to buy in, the more valuable their insights will be.
Also, review their online testimonials and check websites like the Better Business Bureau (in the US, for the UK this would be checking for an agent’s membership of a redress scheme like The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme to see if any complaints have been upheld against them).
An interview provides a vital opportunity to understand an agent’s working style. Seek someone who not only possesses local knowledge but also genuinely comprehends your budget and specific needs. “Observe how polished and professional their proposal is,” advises Katherine Hutt, president and founder of Nautilus Communications and former chief communications officer with the Better Business Bureau. “The more effort they invest in a presentation for you, the more effort they’ll invest in presentations when they’re working for you. You want someone who is truly astute.”
Key questions to ask include how long they’ve been working as an agent, whether they operate full-time or part-time, and their current client load. It’s also beneficial to ask about the typical price range and specific neighbourhoods of properties they help their buyers find. If you’re a first-time buyer, inquire about their experience assisting others in this category. The same applies to other unique scenarios, such as moving from a different part of the country.
Interviews also allow you to ascertain the agent’s preferred communication method and their availability. For example, if you prefer texting and anticipate viewing properties outside standard working hours during the week, you’ll need an agent who is happy to accommodate this.
Finally, request that the agents you’re interviewing provide contact information for a few recent clients so you can check their references. Reach out to these clients to learn about their experiences and the level of support the agent provided throughout the process. Ask if they would re-engage that agent for their next property transaction. If the agent was a referral from a friend or acquaintance, you already have a head start on this crucial step.
4. Discuss Fees
This is a critical point: whether they represent the buyer or seller, estate agents earn a commission on the successful completion of a deal. In the UK, seller’s agents typically charge between 1% and 3.5% plus VAT of the final sale price.
Historically, in the UK, the seller has almost always paid both their own agent’s fee and, if applicable, a portion of a buyer’s agent’s fee if that agent was introduced by the seller’s agent. However, recent developments and shifts in market practices mean that buyer’s agents (or property search agents) might increasingly charge their fees directly to the buyer. This means that as a buyer, you might be responsible for paying your agent’s fee out-of-pocket, or it might be negotiated as part of the overall transaction.
It is absolutely crucial that you clarify and understand exactly how much an agent will be paid, and by whom, before you agree to work with them. When you proceed to exchange contracts on a home, ensure the contract clearly specifies the agreed fees and who is responsible for paying each agent.
5. Trust Your Instinct
Above all, choose an agent you trust and with whom you feel comfortable, especially if the road to completion encounters any obstacles. If you get a negative feeling from someone during your initial interview, it’s unlikely to improve once you start working together.
“It’s like dating — sometimes it just comes down to chemistry,” says Herman Chan, an associate broker and Realtor (US term) with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International in Berkeley, California. “If everything checks out, but you just don’t vibe with that person, don’t go with them. There are plenty of other estate agents out there who will be happy to help you and might be a better personality fit.”
6. Review Your Contract
Once you select an agent, you’ll need to sign a contract, often called an agency agreement. This contract should clearly outline all the agreed-upon terms, including the commission rate and any other fees. Another crucial factor to examine is the contract’s duration. Aim for an agreement limited to a timeframe of six months or less, if possible. According to recent UK market data (April 2025), properties typically stayed on the market for an average of around 45 days (from listing to ‘sold subject to contract’). Therefore, if you haven’t found the home you want within a few months, it’s beneficial to retain your options.
Bottom Line
In a competitive housing market, where limited available properties and high prices can significantly constrain your buying choices, having a trusted agent by your side genuinely makes a difference. Follow the steps outlined above to choose an estate agent who is the right fit for you and your specific circumstances.