You sign up with an estate agent, put your house on the market and wait... Months go by without potential buyers, leaving you frustrated. Should you switch agents, or stick with the one you have and cross your fingers?

## When should you change estate agents?

Changing estate agents — especially after your listing goes live — is a big decision. There’s an element of risk involved, and it’s never easy to say ‘you’re fired’ to anyone. Still, the benefits of switching away from an underperforming agent can’t be overstated.

Sellers tend to change agents for a range of different reasons. You should consider changing estate agents when:

* Your agents aren’t responsive — or don’t communicate to the standard upon which was agreed.
* You haven’t had many (or any) house viewings
* Their properties aren’t advertised on Zoopla or Rightmove

If the **pros and cons** of switching estate agents are making your head spin, you’re in the right place. We’ll begin this guide with the burning question: can you change estate agents? Then, we’ll talk about what to consider before moving from one agency to another. After that, we’ll show you how to switch agencies, step by step. Finally, we’ll explore common FAQs about changing estate agents.

If your property has **been on the market for months with little to no interest**, then the chances are you’ll be considering whether your estate agent is doing their job properly. You may even come to a point when you decide to stop working with them and look for another provider, either because you’re dissatisfied with their performance or they’re not responsive enough.

Unfortunately, though, switching or changing your estate agent isn’t always as simple as it may seem, with many homeowners tied into contracts with a particular agent for a minimum period - or worse still, tied into fixed-fee agreements that mean they’ll have to pay the agent, whatever happens. 

Below, we share more information on **how to switch successfully.**

## Can you change estate agents?

Many people wonder if they can change estate agents after listing their homes. Is changing estate agents even legally allowed? In short, yes, it is and you can change estate agents - but you might be subject to a minimum tie-in period.

In layman’s terms, a tie-in period is the minimum amount of time — usually measured in weeks — your estate agent has to market your house. Tie-in periods are usually included in agency contracts, and they typically range from 4 to 12 weeks.

Some agency agreements don’t stipulate tie-in periods. Others include tie-in agreements, [but don’t charge sellers fees](https://www.getagent.co.uk/estate-agent-fees) if they decide to exit early. Others contain strict fixed-term tie-ins and hefty fees for early termination. In short, check your contract for conditions before making solid plans to change agents.

## Considerations when deciding if you should switch estate agents

Should you change estate agents, or is it better to stick with the one you have? Before bailing out, consider the following things:

* Are you on a fixed fee contract? If so, you might have to pay your current estate agent a fee to exit the contract.
* Do you have a sole agency agreement or a sole selling rights agreement? If you’re bound into a sole agency agreement, your agent will only receive a fee if they find a buyer. If you’ve signed a sole selling rights agreement, you’ll have to pay the fee, no matter what.

Before you switch, you should **take a good look through your agreement** with your estate agent to understand your position and rights. Most agents have an _exclusivity agreement_ in place, which means you must stick with them for a minimum period. 

This can vary depending on your agent and local competition, but it’s usually one to three months - and many estate agents also allow homeowners to pull out if they give a certain period of notice. 

Look for this information in your contract and speak with a solicitor if you’re confused about your rights.

Selling a home is complex. If you’re confused about your rights or your obligations as a seller, consider speaking with a qualified solicitor.

### Why do you want to switch?

Now we’ve got the legal stuff out of the way, a quick question: **why do you want to switch to another estate agent?**

It’s easy to make emotionally-charged decisions when you’re stressed about selling your home, so it makes sense to create a list of reasons why you’re unhappy with your current provider. Note down the positives too. Being balanced will encourage you to make a rational decision about whether to leave your current agent, and will help you understand what you require from your next one.

#### My agent has stopped communicating with me

It's important to keep in mind that most estate agents are handling the sales of several properties at once. While communication is key, it is common for some minor delays in correspondence.

However, if your estate agent doesn’t keep you in the loop or has stopped responding to messages or calls entirely, then that’s grounds for dismissal - they’re not doing their job and they’re not providing good customer service.

#### I’ve had no house viewings

Consider the _[reasons why you’ve had no viewings.](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/why-house-not-selling)_ Is it because of your agent's marketing efforts? Is it because your home isn't staged well? Are there other factors impacting your sale?

#### I can’t find my property online

Most estate agents include online listings on sites like **Zoopla and Rightmove;** if you were promised these and you can’t find your property online, then your agent isn't doing their job properly. **Look to switch ASAP.**

#### My agent wants me to significantly reduce my asking price

Some agents may pressure owners into significantly reducing their price to encourage a **quick sale**, or initially over-value your home to get your business. Ensure you get at least three valuations to make sure your asking price is right.

Now you have a list of reasons why you want to move, interview new estate agents and see who can provide the best service.[Questions](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/ask-to-estate-agents) like “Why do you think my property hasn’t sold?” and “What would you do differently?” will help you find a replacement.

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## How to change estate agents

Sometimes, switching agents is inevitable — and taking a logical approach can make changing from one agency to another easier. Here’s how to change estate agents, broken down step by step:

1. **Review your tie-in period:** Check your contract for a tie-in period. Tie-in periods generally range between one and three months. Some agreements don’t include tie-in periods.
2. **Give your estate agent notice:** Many contracts stipulate a minimum notice period — two weeks, a month, or two months, for example. Give your agent notice before leaving to ensure you don’t breach the terms of your contract.
3. **Create an estate agent shortlist:** Review some of the most highly rated estate areas in your area, comparing and contrasting terms, conditions and perks. Write your top five contenders on a list.
4. **Interview estate agents:** Interview potential new estate agents to see which one provides the best service for the best price. Ask questions like ‘Why do you think my property hasn’t sold?’ and ‘What would you do differently?’
5. **Choose a new estate agent and establish terms:** Select a good estate agent and discuss terms — tie-in period, amount of commission, notice period and perks.
6. **Sign your new contract:** When you’re happy with the terms and conditions of your agreement, sign on the dotted line and set sail.

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### Important things to do when changing estate agents

#### Read your contract

Once you have decided to switch and you’re ready to instruct a new agent, you should **read your contract and understand the next steps.** Most agents have a minimum tie-in period, so check these dates and understand the potential withdrawal fee if you choose to leave early. 

It’s worth weighing up the pros and cons of paying an exit fee or holding out for a buyer with your current agent; if you must go, then give your notice period and instruct a new agent.

#### Give the right notice period

Most estate agents require a **notice period of around two weeks,** which gives them a chance to have one last push and help you to find a buyer. Others may go in the opposite direction and remove your property from sale and cancel any upcoming viewings and appointments.

It’s important to note that if you’re in a [sole agency contract](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/estate-agents/estate-agents-contracts), you must not allow another agent to start selling or marketing your property until your old agent stops working under your notice period. Get ready to launch beforehand, but be patient, and make sure your new agent is aware of the circumstances so that you and they do not breach existing contracts.

#### Get the old agent to pass on details

The good news is that all estate agents field queries, so if someone contacts your old agent about your home, they should pass their details on to you. _We recommend requesting details of names of previous viewers,_ and then your new estate agent can chase these and ensure you don’t miss out on a sale or offer. 

Again, read into the terms of your agreement and have a plan in place with your old agent; if they behave unprofessionally after you leave them, consider making a complaint both to the estate agency and to The Property Ombudsman.

_Switching estate agents doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated: it’s just about knowing your rights under your agreement and choosing a replacement that fulfils your needs and helps you to sell your home fast._

_At GetAgent, we help you see which agents will do the best job of selling your home, based on past performance._ **_[Click here to get started - it’s FREE](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor)._**

## Will switching estate agents cost me more money?

Many people worry about paying double estate agent fees when they switch estate agents. If you previously signed a fixed-price sole selling rights agreement, you may still need to pay your old agent after you move to a new agent. If you went with a fixed-price sole agency agreement, however, you can move to a new agent after your tie-in period ends.

Contracts vary from agency to agency, so make sure you examine your agreement carefully before switching.


an estate agent points out contract terms with pen

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Learn all about changing estate agents, including top tips for  switching your agent, in this comprehensive GetAgent guide.

Changing estate agents - How do I switch estate agents? | GetAgent

If your property has been on the market for months with little to no interest, then the chances are you’ll be considering whether your estate agent is doing their job properly. You may even come to a point when you decide to stop working with them and look for another provider.

Changing estate agents - How do I switch estate agents?


Moving home is inevitably going to cost money, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce the amount you would have been charged. With some effective preparation and planning, you can **avoid costly estate agent fees**, make some money off unwanted items and find the best deals possible to save money moving house.

### **Declutter**

Decluttering before a move is just one of many [moving house tips](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/selling-tips/how-to-add-value-to-your-home) you should follow. Give yourself **enough time before the move to declutter**, especially if you are downsizing. Go through each room *one at a time* and get rid of anything you haven’t used or needed recently. This will significantly lighten your load, saving you time when it comes to packing and money when it comes to your removal company calculating the volume and resulting cost of your move.

When you declutter, try avoid simply throwing your items away unless they are broken or significantly worn down. Give some **items to charity,** friends or relatives. Make some extra money by selling your items at a car boot sale or on eBay or Gumtree.

### **Move on a Weekday**

When you book a day to move house, keep in mind that **weekends and bank holidays are usually more expensive for hiring removal** companies. Instead, *stick to weekdays*, especially a Friday as you have the rest of the weekend to unpack and don’t need to take much leave off work.

### **Compare Removal Companies**

Removal companies can help you with anything from **packing your items** to storing them long-term. However, price shouldn’t be the only focus when choosing a removal company. Make sure you  compare removal companies  by looking at their reviews and any additional services they offer that could be useful to you.

### **Check the Insurance**

Make sure your **chosen removal company is fully insured** so that in the unlikely event your items are damaged or lost, they will be fully covered by insurance. You won’t have to worry about replacing your items! If your chosen company only covers your goods while in transit, it’s a good idea to check your home insurance covers your move at your current and new address.

### **Pack Everything Yourself**

If you are confident in your packing abilities, **try and do it yourself!** This can reduce your removal company quote, so why not ask your friends and family to help you save time, too.

### Compare Estate Agents

[Estate agent fees](https://www.getagent.co.uk/estate-agent-fees) can add a considerable amount [to the cost of moving house](https://www.getagent.co.uk/blog/moving-house/cost-of-moving-house). If you are selling your home and planning to move, agents usually charge a percentage of the selling price (or sometimes a flat fee) for selling your property. Often there also is a tie-in clause so that if you decide to withdraw your property from the market. The tie-in prevents you from marketing with other estate agents for a specific period of time (the time period varies depending on your area).

With finances being a big factor for those looking to move home, it’s important to make sure your agent is worth every penny. Like any service we purchase (insurance packages, phone contracts), agents should be compared. Though an agent’s marketing and negotiation abilities may vary considerably, homesellers often mistake fees as the main indication of an agent’s reliability. This is because many people find agents difficult to distinguish from one another at face value.

Choose the right estate agent by [comparing estate agents in your area](https://www.getagent.co.uk/estate-agent-fees). Using our Comparison Tool, you can see how the [best performing estate agents](https://www.getagent.co.uk/vendor) rank in your local area according to their:

- Their expertise in selling your property type
- How likely they are to achieve your asking price
- How fast they sell properties in your area

Everyone has different motivations for selling their property. Make your home sale go further by picking the best agent for the job.

### **Find the Best Deals**

Moving house is a great opportunity to find some good utility deals. New customers often get better deals than existing customers, so maybe it’s time to move to a new company.

Moving to a new house is an **exciting time**, and you don’t need to spend huge amounts of money to do it! *Compare your quotes, sell unwanted items, and make sure your items are covered.* With some preparation and research, you can reduce many of your costs.

To find out how much your home is worth, visit our [Free Online Valuation](https://www.getagent.co.uk/online-valuation) Tool today and get an instant valuation report sent straight to your inbox.

two men carry cardboard boxes upstairs to their new home

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Moving home is inevitably going to cost money, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce the amount you would have been charged. 

How to save money moving home

It’s no secret that **Estate Agents** haven’t gained the best name for themselves over the years… so when it comes to selling your home it’s natural to feel confused about who to trust and imperative to **choose the right Estate Agent.** With over 1*7,000 Estate Agent branches in the UK…* you may question: **How would you even begin choosing the best?** Well, fear not…  

## Our Recommendations  

Many people will ask for recommendations **from neighbours, friends or family.** It’s key to remember that recommendations are based on the **individual experience** of a particular agent, selling a particular home in a particular area. If you go for an agent based on recommendations, be sure to understand others’ perspectives on that agent, obtaining a wide view before signing the contract. **It is helpful to speak to numerous agents in the area and even more helpful to go on open house viewings with prospective agents.** This will allow you to understand their viewing technique without putting them out.

## Using Local Estate Agents  

Many homeowners will look in their **local area for Estate Agent** boards and shop fronts, speaking to each Agent as they go. This allows you to see and speak to potential Agents quickly however, this method does not allow you to understand how each agent actually performs. Spend time asking each agent **important questions** instead.  

## Important questions to ask  

- Q: How many similar properties have you sold recently?  
- Q: How much did they sell for?  
- Q: How long did they take to sell?  
- Q: Do you have buyers ready for a property such as mine? If so, how many? 
- Q: What checks to you put in place to ensure a buyer can afford my property?  
- Q: What is your advertising strategy?  
- Q: How are viewings managed? Who conducts the viewings?  
- Q: Are there any additional charges?  
- Q: What contracts do you offer? Can these be viewed up front?  

These questions are important for any Estate Agent viewing your property, ensure that you **understand and like their answers, questioning anything that you are unsure of.**  

## Compare Estate Agents 

If you want to choose the **best local estate agent**, avoid the leg work, use **Estate Agent Comparison sites.** These clever tools usually compare Estate Agents *fees* so you can see the agents in the area with a few taps on your keyboard…but be sure to use an **unbiased  and free comparison** tool such as [GetAgent](https://www.getagent.co.uk/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_content=chooseestateagents). The **GetAgent** team always provides an unbiased online comparison of Local Estate Aget type in your postcode.   

Get useful **information in a click:**  

 - % of asking price they usually achieve  
 - Number of properties listed in the area  
 - The average time it takes the agent to sell a property  
 - Selling Fee they ask  

With data sourced from Zoopla, Rightmove, OnTheMarket & Land Registry, GetAgent’s comparison provides a **truly objective view of the sales statistics…** for the cherry on the cake, it even whittles down to the *best 6 estate agents in your area*.  

## One More Tip  

When choosing your Best Estate Agent, it’s easy to just instruct the cheapest… but remember: **the lowest cost doesn’t necessarily mean they would be the best Estate Agent to go with.** It’s understandable your home is an investment and as such, it’s important for you to gain as much of the sale price as possible, but you may gain more back from an Estate Agent who values your house at a slightly higher rate, achieves 99% of their asking price, but charges a slightly higher fee, than an Agent who charges a lower fee, but does not achieve their asking prices!

You can start to compare Estate Agents **straight away.**  

a row of colourful houses of varying sizes on UK street

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Many people will ask for recommendations from neighbours, friends or family. It’s key to remember that recommendations are based on the individual experience of a particular agent, selling a particular home in a particular area.

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