Already signed up with an Estate Agent?

If you have signed a "sole agency" contract, you would be forgiven for thinking that you are not allowed to sell your house privately as well. Not so - this merely prevents you from using another estate agent. Private sales websites are not deemed to be estate agents, as they do not charge commission and are not involved in the selling process - they merely advertise the property for sale. So as long as there is no clause in the contract forbidding you from selling your house privately, you can advertise your house privately.

What if there is a clause in the contract forbidding private sales?
Talk it through with your estate agent. Tell him that you want the best chance possible of selling your house (it may have the positive effect of encouraging him to find a buyer). It's perfectly possible to vary the "standard" terms of the contract after it has been signed, as long as it is signed by both parties. Put in a clause to say that no commission is payable on a private sale.

If your agent causes a fuss then it may well be worth finding another one who will be more accommodating. If you are moving estate agents, then check the existing contract to see how long after termination the previous agent can claim commission.

For more information on moving house and dealing with problem estate agents, see Which

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