Compare local estate agent fees and valuations. Let the best one win.
Compare local estate agents on fees, valuations, and approach. Side by side. Anonymous until you choose. Free for sellers, with no cold calls.
What to compare when choosing an estate agent
Not all estate agents are equal. Here are the six things that actually matter. And what to watch out for.
Valuation accuracy
Does the agent's figure stack up against comparable sales in your area? Ask them to show you the evidence.
Tip: Beware of agents who give unusually high valuations to win your business. This often leads to price reductions later.
Marketing quality
Professional photography, detailed floor plans, and compelling property descriptions make a real difference to buyer enquiries.
Tip: Ask to see examples of their recent listings on Rightmove and Zoopla.
Local knowledge
An agent who is actively selling in your street or postcode will know the buyers, the price points, and the competition.
Tip: Check how many properties they've sold nearby in the last 6 months on platforms like Rightmove.
Communication
How quickly do they respond? Do they proactively update you? Poor communication is the number one complaint sellers have.
Tip: Test their response time before you sign. See how quickly they respond to your initial enquiry.
Fees and contract terms
Compare the full fee including VAT, tie-in periods, notice periods, and what is included (accompanied viewings, sale progression, etc.).
Tip: Ask about sole agency vs. multi-agency contracts and what happens if you want to switch.
Average time to sell
How long do their properties typically stay on the market before going under offer?
Tip: A quick average time to sell can indicate good pricing advice and strong buyer relationships.
How estate agent fees compare in the UK
Most sellers compare the headline percentage and stop there. The fee structure matters more than the rate. These are the four main fee models, what each one really costs, and when each one makes sense.
Sole agency
Most commonTie-in periods. Some are eight weeks, some sixteen. Ask what the contract says before you sign, and what the notice period is if you want to switch.
Multi-agency
Wider exposureThe higher rate is the trade-off for the wider reach. Worth it on a stuck property. Expensive on one that would have sold quickly anyway.
Online / hybrid flat-fee
Fixed priceThe fee is yours whether the property sells or not. Read the small print on accompanied viewings, floor plans, sale progression, and any 'extras' that lift the headline price.
No-sale-no-fee
Risk shifts to agentThe percentage tends to sit at the upper end of sole-agency rates. It is sole agency with a different risk shape, not a free lunch.
Before you sign, ask these four questions
- 1Is VAT included in the fee you just quoted me, or added on top?
- 2What is the tie-in period, and what happens if I want to switch agents?
- 3Are accompanied viewings, the floor plan, and sale progression included, or extra?
- 4If I withdraw the property before any offer is accepted, do I owe anything?
For a deeper read on how fees work and how to negotiate them, see our full guide to estate agent fees in the UK.
4 mistakes sellers make when choosing an agent
These cost UK sellers thousands of pounds every year. And some of them break the Estate Agents Act 1979.
Choosing the agent with the highest valuation
High valuations win instructions. It is a well-known tactic. If a property is overpriced it sits, goes stale, and sells for less.
Not comparing fees properly
A 0.5% difference in fee on a £400,000 home is £2,000. Always compare what is included, not just the headline rate.
Signing a long tie-in period without a review clause
Some agents lock you in for 12+ weeks. If things aren't going well, you need a way out. Read the contract carefully.
Only speaking to one agent
One agent's view is just one opinion. Getting multiple valuations gives you a real picture of your home's worth.
ValuQ addresses all four. Agents compete, you stay anonymous, and you only connect with the one you choose.
Get competing agent valuationsEstate agent comparison. Your questions answered
How do I compare estate agents in the UK?
To compare estate agents in the UK, you should: get valuations from at least 3 local agents, compare their fees (typically 1–3% of sale price plus VAT), ask about their marketing approach and which portals they use, check their sold history and average time to sell, and look at their local market knowledge. ValuQ makes this easy. Local agents compete for your instruction and submit their valuations and approach without you having to contact each one individually.
What should I look for when choosing an estate agent?
When choosing an estate agent to sell your property, look for: local market knowledge and recent sold properties nearby, realistic and well-reasoned valuations (not just the highest figure), clear fee structure with no hidden charges, strong photography and marketing approach, responsiveness and communication style, and evidence they are actively selling in your area.
What is a typical estate agent fee in the UK?
Typical estate agent fees in the UK range from 1% to 3% of the final sale price, plus VAT. The average is around 1.2–1.5% for sole agency. Online and hybrid agents often charge lower fixed fees (£500–£2,000) but may require upfront payment regardless of whether your property sells. Always compare what is included in the fee. Photography, floor plans, portal listings, accompanied viewings, and sale progression support.
What is the average estate agent fee in the UK in 2026?
For a sole-agency sale, expect 1.2% to 1.5% plus VAT on the final sale price. Multi-agency deals run higher at 2% to 3% plus VAT, paid only by the agent who finds the buyer. Online and hybrid flat-fee agents charge £500 to £2,000, often payable upfront. On a £400,000 home, those rates work out to roughly £5,760 to £7,200 for sole agency, £9,600 to £14,400 for multi-agency, or £500 to £2,000 for online (paid whether the sale completes or not).
Should I pick the agent with the lowest fee?
The lowest fee is rarely the lowest total cost. A cheaper agent who undersells your home by 2% costs you more than an agent on a higher fee who gets the price right and runs a sharper sale. Compare what each agent will actually do to find a buyer (photography, portals, accompanied viewings, sale progression, communication) before you compare the percentage. Then decide whether the difference in fee is worth the difference in service.
Is no-sale-no-fee always better?
Not automatically. No-sale-no-fee shifts the risk to the agent, but agents price that risk into the percentage. The headline rate tends to sit at the upper end of the sole-agency range. If your home would have sold quickly anyway, a standard sole-agency contract is often cheaper. The model makes more sense on a property that has already stalled, or in a slower-moving local market.
Should I go with the agent who gives the highest valuation?
Not necessarily. Some agents deliberately give high valuations to win your instruction, then advise price reductions after a few weeks on the market. This is called "overvaluing" and it is one of the most common mistakes sellers make. Always ask agents to justify their valuation with comparable sold properties in your area. The most important factor is choosing the agent with the best local knowledge, marketing approach, and communication. Not just the highest number.
How many estate agents should I get quotes from?
You should get valuations from at least 3 estate agents before choosing who to list with. This gives you a realistic picture of what your home is worth and lets you compare approaches and fees. ValuQ sends your property brief to multiple local agents simultaneously, so you can compare valuations from several agents without having to arrange separate appointments with each one.