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An estate agent doesn't have to be registered to practice, although many are registered with the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and the Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA). This means they have to abide by a code of practice.

All estate agents are bound by the Estate Agents Act, whether or not they are registered with a governing body.

The contract and fees

When you use an estate agent to help you sell a property, you have to sign a legally binding contract.

Before signing, read the contract carefully and make sure you understand it. Find out whether you have the right to cancel the contract. Check how long it will run. It should allow a reasonable length of time to market your property and find potential buyers. Beware of contracts that tie you to an estate agent for a very long time.

If you are unsure, get advice from a solicitor or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

You may come across some unfamiliar terms in a contract. Make sure you understand what you are agreeing to. The terms 'sole agency', 'sole selling rights' and 'ready, willing and able purchaser' must be explained in writing if they are used in a contract.

Estate agents charge fees to sellers, not buyers, so make sure you understand how much you will have to pay, when and under what circumstances. Remember that Value Added Tax (VAT) will also be added, so take account of this in your calculations.

• National Association of Estate Agents (opens new window)
• Ombudsman for Estate Agents (opens new window)
• Citizens Advice Bureau (opens new window)
• Estate Agents Act (opens new window)

Complaints

If you have a complaint about the conduct of an estate agent you can contact the OEA.

The OEA provides an independent service for dealing with disputes between estate agents who are members of the Ombudsman Scheme, and consumers who are actual, or potential buyers or sellers of residential property in the UK.

The OEA will advise on alternative routes to take if the estate agent you wish to complain about is not a member. You can also contact the council's trading standards department.

• National Association of Estate Agents (opens new window)
• Ombudsman for Estate Agents (opens new window)
• Citizens Advice Bureau (opens new window)
• The Office of Fair Trading: Using an estate agent to buy or sell your home (opens new window)
• Estate Agents Act (opens new window)

More useful links

• Tax on selling property