When you’re ready to buy or sell property in the UK, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right estate agent to help guide you through the process. Knowing how to find a good estate agent can make all the difference—saving you time, money, and stress.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, this guide walks you through each step of the process to ensure you find an estate agent who fits your needs.
Find Your Trusted Estate Agent
How to Find a Good Estate Agent
Finding a trustworthy, knowledgeable estate agent is a key part of your property journey. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you make a confident choice.
Step 1 – Understand What a Good Estate Agent Does
Before you start your search, it’s essential to know what role a good estate agent plays. Estate agents are licensed professionals who help clients buy, sell, or rent properties. Their services often include:
- Determining property value (valuation)
- Creating marketing strategies
- Coordinating viewings and open houses
- Guiding negotiations
- Handling contracts and paperwork (often liaising with solicitors/conveyancers)
- Managing timelines to ensure a smooth completion
A good buyer’s agent (also known as a buying agent or property finder, who works solely for the buyer) will help you find properties, navigate surveys, make offers, and ensure a smooth completion. A good seller’s agent (the traditional estate agent) will help price your property competitively, prepare it for sale, market it, and negotiate the best possible price.
Step 2 – Know What You’re Looking For
The best estate agent is one who aligns with your unique goals and preferences. Keep these factors in mind as you evaluate your options:
- Experience: Look for full-time agents with several years in the industry.
- Expertise: Do they specialise in buying, selling, or specific types of property (e.g., country estates, new builds, buy-to-let)?
- Local Knowledge: Familiarity with your specific market, including recent sales, is essential.
- Credentials: Memberships with professional bodies like Propertymark (which encompasses former bodies like NAEA for sales) demonstrate dedication to professional standards and consumer protection.
- Reviews: Online reviews and testimonials offer insights into how past clients felt about their experience.
Step 3 – Ask Around and Do Some Research
Start by asking friends, family, and neighbours if they’ve worked with an estate agent they’d recommend. Referrals from people you trust can lead you to experienced professionals who’ve already proven themselves.
Next, do some online digging. Check major property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, local listings, and online directories. Look for agents with solid reputations, active listings in your area, and visible local engagement. Be wary of overly flashy ads—dig deeper into their performance and client feedback.
Step 4 – Interview Estate Agents Before Making a Choice
Don’t just hire the first estate agent you find. Interview at least two or three agents to compare their experience and approach. Ask questions like:
- How long have you worked in this area?
- How many properties did you sell (or help buyers purchase) last year?
- What’s your communication style (e.g., phone, email, text)?
- How will you market my property / How will you help me find properties?
- What makes your agency different from others?
This is your chance to evaluate whether they understand your goals, know the market well, and can offer clear guidance throughout the process.
Step 5 – Understand Fees and Contracts
Before you commit to working with an estate agent, understand their fees and what you’re agreeing to. For sellers, commission is typically a percentage of the sale price (e.g., 1% to 3.5% plus VAT), and may be negotiable depending on market conditions and the scope of services offered. Fixed fees are also common, particularly with online agents.
You will be asked to sign a contract (often called an agency agreement). Be sure to read the terms carefully and ask about notice periods or cancellation clauses if you’re unsure. For buyers engaging a buying agent, they will also have an agreement outlining their fees.
Land & Rural Property Specialisation
While the original text mentions “LandLeader” as a specific US platform for land marketing, the UK has its own networks and specialist agents for this niche. For those buying or selling land, agricultural property, or rural estates, look for estate agents with specific expertise in:
- Rural property sales
- Equestrian properties
- Farms and smallholdings
- Land for development
These specialist agents often have dedicated departments or firms, and a deep understanding of planning regulations, land use, and the specific market dynamics for such properties. They are often members of professional bodies like the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or Propertymark, which ensures high standards and expertise in land and rural property transactions.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right estate agent takes time and effort—but it’s worth it. The right professional can help you avoid costly mistakes, negotiate better deals, and feel confident every step of the way.
Follow this guide to know how to find a good estate agent, and take the first step toward a successful property experience.