What Type of Contract?
There are two kinds of estate agency contract, and the difference is very important.  A ‘sole agency contract’ means you appoint one estate agent, and you will only pay them if they find a buyer…  you are entitled to sell privately, to a friend or relative, and the agent won’t charge you.

But a ‘sole selling rights’ contract means that the agent can charge you when you sell, even if they have nothing to do with finding the buyer.  The agent will send a bill if you sell your home to your best friend, your next-door-neighbour, or your own brother or sister!

By law, agents are supposed to explain this.  If an agent asks you to sign a ‘sole selling rights’ contract, but doesn’t explain what it means, you would be right to be angry and concerned.

Underhill’s don’t ever use ‘sole selling rights’ contracts – we don’t think it’s fair.  And we suggest you don’t sign them with any agent, under any circumstances.

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