Whether buying or selling you will probably use the services of an estate agent. Although they don't need to be registered to set up in business, many do belong to the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) and members of the Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme.
You may want to choose an estate agent that is registered with the NAEA or is a member of the Property Ombudsman scheme, as this will mean they have to abide by a code of practice. You can find one in the area in which you are interested by searching on the NAEA website. All estate agents are bound by the Estate Agents Act, whether or not they are registered with a governing body. Please use the links below to see the Estate Agents Act and to visit the NAEA website, where you will find more information:
If you have a complaint about the conduct of an estate agent you can contact The Property Ombudsman. The Property Ombudsman 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 Property Ombudsman will advise on alternative routes to take if the estate agent you wish to complain about is not a member. For more information, please use the link below to visit the Property Ombudsman's website:
You can also contact the trading standards department of your local council. You can find contact details of your local council through the link below:
If you make an offer on a property, make sure that it is 'subject to contract' - this means you can pull out of the deal if there are any problems. Under the Estate Agents Act 1979, an estate agent is legally bound to present any offer to the vendor.
Property and housing
