Contract

A few estate agents offer a 'joint sole agency' contract where two agents agree to share one commission, although the total fee may be higher. If you appoint more than one estate agent to sell your property under a sole agency or a sole selling rights contract, each agent has the right to claim their fee when the property is sold.

Charges

Before you sign a contract, the estate agent must give you written details of how much you will be charged and when payments will be due.

The agent must state the exact amount you will be charged or, if this is not possible, the way the cost will be worked out and an estimate of the final amount.

You pay a percentage of the selling price of your property as a commission.

Some estate agents charge a low percentage plus an additional charge for advertising and 'For Sale' boards. In that case, the estate agent should tell you exactly how much the additional charge will be. If this isn't possible, you should be given an estimate of the charge and a breakdown of how it will be worked out.

Other agents charge a higher percentage of the selling price but this includes all costs.

Occasionally, an estate agent may charge a fixed fee rather than a percentage.

It should be clear from the estate agent's terms and conditions when you will have to pay. Fees are usually due when contracts are exchanged, but you don't pay until the sale is completed.

Under a ready, willing and able purchaser contract [see above], you have to pay as soon as a buyer whis prepared and able to exchange unconditional contracts is found. This applies even if you withdraw your property before the sale is completed. The estate agent may also charge you for 'For Sale' boards and advertising.