Selling a home is a long process, and the relationship with your estate agent is part of how it unfolds. For some homeowners, there comes a point in the sale when it feels right to look at that relationship afresh – whether that’s a question of marketing, communication, or a shift in circumstances around the move.
Knowing what’s involved – the terms of the current contract, the costs that may apply, and what a considered relaunch looks like can help the decision feel more straightforward.
Related: Common mistakes to avoid when selling your home
The flexibility to change estate agents, within your agreement
In the UK, you’re free to change estate agents at any point during your sale, as long as you follow the terms of the agreement you signed. Those terms set out the notice required, whether a minimum period applies, and what, if anything, is payable when the agreement ends.
Homeowners think about switching for all sorts of reasons: a different marketing approach, closer communication, or a shift in moving timeline. Before anything else, it’s worth having an open conversation with your current agent. They may be able to revisit the strategy in a way that addresses what’s on your mind.
Your agreement is where the process begins
Under the Estate Agents (Provision of Information) Regulations 1991, agents have to set out their terms in writing before marketing begins, so you should have a copy to hand.
Most agreements fall into one of three categories:
- Sole agency gives one agent the exclusive right to market your home for a set period, with commission usually payable only if they introduce the buyer.
- Sole selling rights go a step further, and a fee can be due even if you find the buyer yourself.
- Multi-agency lets more than one agent market the property, with the fee going to the one who brings in the successful buyer.
Alongside the type of agreement, look for the length of any tie-in period, the notice period, any withdrawal or marketing charges, and any clause about a “ready, willing and able purchaser”. If any wording feels unclear, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask for a written explanation.
The right moment
The most straightforward time to switch is once any tie-in period has ended. Giving your current agent a fair window of several weeks helps paint a clearer picture of what’s working. Spring and early autumn tend to be busier periods in the UK property market, and some sellers like to line a relaunch up with one of these windows
The handover, step by step
- Review your agreement and note the key dates and any applicable fees.
- Meet one or two prospective agents to talk through how they’d market the property.
- Give notice to your current agent in writing and keep a copy.
- Ask for a written list of the buyers your current agent has introduced.
- Check the listing has come down from the portals once the agreement ends.
- Instruct the new agent only once the previous agreement has officially concluded.
Understanding the costs that may apply
Many agreements include a clause that says if a buyer introduced by the previous agent later buys the home, that agent may still be due their commission for a defined period after the agreement ends. The list of introduced buyers helps your new agent spot any overlap early. Some agreements also include withdrawal fees or charges for marketing already carried out. Your Energy Performance Certificate stays valid for ten years, so a new one isn’t needed.
Finding the right agent for the next stage
Inviting two or three agents to value your home gives you a useful point of comparison. A valuation backed by recent comparable sales in your area carries more context than a figure on its own. It’s also worth talking through the proposed marketing plan, your main point of contact, and the terms of the new agreement. Every UK estate agent must belong to a government-approved redress scheme, which is worth confirming before you sign.
Related: Comparable evidence in property valuation: A guide for sellers
Price and presentation for the relaunch
A change of agent is a natural moment to look at the asking price again, guided by recent comparable sales and the pattern of interest the property has had so far. Fresh photography, a clear floorplan, a refreshed description, and, where it suits the property, a video tour all help a relisted home find its feet. Clear material information upfront, such as tenure, council tax band, and any known matters relating to the property, is required under National Trading Standards guidance and helps buyers proceed with confidence.
Related: How to accurately value your home
A considered decision
Reading your agreement carefully, having an open conversation with your current agent, and taking the time to compare the options all help the decision come together clearly.
If you’d like to talk through what a relaunch might involve for your property, speak with your local Ellis & Co team about a free valuation and a tailored marketing plan.
