Terminology

Sole agency - The estate agent is the only agent with the right to sell your property. If you find a buyer yourself, you don't have to pay the estate agent's commission although you may still have to pay for advertising or a 'For Sale' board. If you change from one agent to another, there may be a period when both agents' commissions are due if your property is sold.

Sole selling rights - The estate agent is the only person with the right to sell your property. It is different from sole agency: if you find a buyer yourself, you still have to pay the estate agent.

Ready, willing and able purchaser - You have to pay if the estate agent finds a buyer who is prepared and able to buy your property and exchange unconditional contracts. You still have to pay even if you withdraw from the sale and unconditional contracts are not exchanged.

Multiple agency - You can ask several estate agents to act for you on a multiple-agency basis. Only the estate agent who sells the property will be entitled to a commission. The rate of commission is likely to be higher than for a sole agency or sole selling rights.