How does the UK Consumer really feel about Estate Agents?

The Office of Fair Trading’s latest report tells us that outdated rules on the selling and buying of property in the UK are holding back online alternatives to high street estate agents and that estate agency fees could be costing consumers up to £570 million a year!
Although we all complain about the lack of service and the high fees charged, the OFT reports that “most consumers say they are happy with the service they receive from estate agents”.

Sarah Beeny on Buy to Let in UK

There have been numerous articles written recently, pronouncing the death of the buy to let market – but things seem to be changing and we’re seeing a sharp upturn it seems. This is likely down to increased demand for rentals with the shortage of affordable homes for first time buyers, and the lack of available finance …

The Demise of the Estate Agent

The OFT has supported the growth of such businesses in order to promote competition and commission reductions. This vindication, together with the public’s resentment of paying an average R3000 a pop to sell a home…

The Office of Fair Trading: Are we really satisfied with Estate Agents?

The Office of Fair Trading recently published their findings on the estate agency sector in the United Kingdom. According to them most consumers are happy with the service they receive and satisfaction levels have risen since 2004. Do you agree? Will consumers continue to use them or turn to online buying and selling?