The top 10 best estate agents for selling a house

When it comes to selling a house in the UK, choosing the right house selling route is crucial. With countless options available, selecting a property selling company who not only understands the market but also prioritises customer satisfaction can significantly influence your experience.

In this guide we will highlight the top 10 estate agents in the UK, ranked by their online reviews, to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re looking for an estate agent with a stellar reputation like Knight Frank or one with a comprehensive market presence like Countrywide, we hope this article helps you find the right estate agent.

The Property Buying Company is a UK market leading expert in buying and selling houses, with over 4 subsidiary companies, spreading across the cash buying, estate agency and property auction markets. Enquire today to use our service, and find out what it means to sell the modern way.

What are the top 10 estate agents in the UK?

Here are the 10 best estate agents in the UK, ranked by their Trustpilot score:

This table ranks the top estate agents in the UK based on their Trustpilot ratings, highlighting their high customer satisfaction levels. Leading the list are Knight Frank and Andrews Property Group, both scoring an impressive 4.9 out of 5. 

This suggests that these estate agents consistently deliver exceptional service and maintain strong relationships with their customers. Northwood follows closely with a 4.8 rating, showing their commitment to client satisfaction.

The Property Buying Company, Winkworth and Reeds Rain also score highly with ratings between 4.6 and 4.7, indicating their reliability and effectiveness in the property market. 

Hunters, Your Move, Savills and Strutt & Parker complete the list with commendable scores ranging from 4.2 and 4.5, reflecting their solid reputations in the industry.

Who is the biggest estate agent in the UK?

The largest estate agent in the UK by market share is Countrywide, holding approximately 7% of the total estate agency market. As a leading property services group, Countrywide operates a vast network of well-known estate agencies across the country.

Some of their prominent subsidiaries include; Bairstow Eves, Bridgfords, Faron Sutaria, Freeman Forman, Gascoigne-Pees, Hamptons International, Hetheringtons, Mann Countrywide, John D Wood & Co, Palmer Snell, Taylors Estate Agents, and Abbotts Countrywide.

Below is a table of other major estate agents in the UK, who along with Countrywide, play a significant role in the property market:

The table presents a comparison of the top 10 estate agents in the UK based on their market share and their Trustpilot ratings, which provide insight into customer satisfaction.

Countrywide leads the market with a 7% share, followed by Connells Group at 6%. These two companies dominate the market, controlling a significant portion of the UK estate agency sector. LSL Property Group and Purplebricks each hold a 4% share, indicating they also have substantial influence in the market.

Despite its large market share, Countrywide has a low Trustpilot rating of 1.4/5 , suggesting widespread customer dissatisfaction. Similarly, Connells Group has a significantly higher but still low rating of 1.9/5.

In contrast, Knight Frank and Winkworth, despite holding smaller market shares (1.5% and 0.5% respectively), have much higher Trustpilot ratings (4.9/5 and 4.6/5). This indicates higher levels of customer satisfaction.

Although Countrywide and Connells Group are market leaders, they have low Trustpilot ratings, which could be indicative of issues such as service quality, customer experience or brand reputation.

Conversely, firms like Knight Frank and Winkworth may not dominate in terms of market share but excel in delivering positive customer experiences, as reflected in their Trustpilot. 

Why high market share doesn’t always indicate the best estate agent

While market share indicates the scale and reach of an estate agent, it does not necessarily reflect the quality of service or customer satisfaction. There are several things which might impact this discrepancy:

• Service quality: Large estate agents might struggle with maintaining consistent service quality across all locations, leading to lower customer satisfaction, as seen with Countrywide and Connells Group.

• Brand reputation: A large market presence can sometimes mask underlying issues such as poor customer service or outdated business practices, which can negatively impact customer ratings.

• Customer focus: Smaller estate agents often focus more on personalised service, which can lead to higher customer satisfaction. This is evident in the higher Trustpilot scores for companies like Knight Frank and Winkworth.

• Operational Challenges: Larger firms may face more operational challenges, such as managing a vast number of branches or dealing with complex corporate structures, which could detract from their ability to offer top-tier customer service.

While market share provides an indication of an estate agent’s reach and influence, Trustpilot ratings offer a more thorough view on customer satisfaction.

Who is the best estate agent in the UK?

Knight Frank is often regarded as the best estate agent in the UK for several reasons. Firstly, a 4.9 star rating on Trustpilot indicates exceptionally high customer satisfaction, meaning that Knight Frank consistently provides excellent service, with clients praising their professionalism, market knowledge and the overall experience.

Knight Frank operates in over 50 countries with more than 400 offices worldwide. This global presence gives them access to a broad network of buyers and sellers, particularly in the high-end luxury markets. 

The brand is synonymous with luxury housing, and their reputation is well established both in the UK and internationally. They are often the go-to for high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusive properties.

Knight Frank's ability to offer personalised, high-touch service makes them stand out, especially in the luxury sector where clients expect a bespoke experience.

Are estate agents trustworthy?

Many estate agents in the UK are members of professional bodies like the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) or the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). These organisations set professional standards and codes of conduct that members must adhere to, which can increase trust.

Estate agents who have undergone rigorous training and hold certifications are generally more reliable, as they are better equipped to handle transactions ethically and competently.

Trustworthy estate agents are transparent about fees, processes, and potential conflicts of interest. They should provide clear and honest communication throughout the buying or selling process.

While some estate agents may prioritise their commission over their client’s best interests, leading to high-pressure tactics or recommendations that serve the estate agent more than the customer, this tends to be less common among well-established, major estate agents. 

Such issues are more likely to arise with certain online-only estate agents like Purplebricks, where the business model may sometimes incentivise quick transactions over customer satisfaction.

What to look out for when selling with an estate agent

Here is a checklist for what to look out for when selling with an estate agent:

Agent’s reputation and track record

☐ Check online reviews and testimonials from previous clients.

☐ Verify the estate agent’s experience and expertise in your local market.

Valuation process

☐ Ensure the valuation is realistic and based on current market conditions.

☐ Request a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) for your property.

Fee structure and contract terms

☐ Confirm the estate agent’s commission structure and watch for hidden fees.

☐ Review the contract length and avoid long tie-periods.

☐ Decide between a sole agency or multi-agency agreement.

Marketing strategy

☐ Ask about property presentation, including photography and staging.

☐ Confirm the property will be listed on major property portals.

☐ Inquire about additional marketing efforts (social media, local ads).

☐ Ensure the marketing strategy targets the right buyer demographic.

Handling offers and negotiations

☐ Understand the estate agent’s process for managing and presenting offers.

☐ Assess the estate agent’s negotiation skills and strategy for securing the best price.

Contractual obligations and fine print

☐ Read and understand all clauses in the contract, including fees and tie-in periods.

☐ Check the cancellation policy and any penalties for early termination.

Post-sale process

☐ Confirm that the estate agent will assist with the process through to completion.

☐ Ensure the estate agent provides follow-up support after an offer is accepted.

Avoiding conflict of interest

☐ Be cautious of dual agency situations where the estate agent represents both you and the buyer.

Gut feeling

☐ Trust your instincts - if something feels off, consider other options.

How do I find the best estate agent in my area?

In order to find the best estate agent in your area, all you need to do is fill out the below:

Should I be using a local estate agent?

The decision of whether to use a local estate agent is an important one, and it often comes down to balancing the value of local expertise with the operational efficiency of the estate agent you choose.

There’s a saying, “you can’t put a price on local knowledge,” which reflects the traditional belief that local estate agents have a unique advantage due to their familiarity with the area, including knowing local solicitors, property trends and community insights.

And, while there is truth to this, it’s also important to recognise that the digital revolution has transformed the way we access and analyse data. Today, even online estate agents can access comprehensive, real-time data on property values, market trends and local demographics, helping them to provide insights that rival or even surpass those of local estate agents.

However, the most important factor in choosing an estate agent should be their operational ability. This relates directly to how efficiently and effectively they can manage your house sale. A well-organised, resourceful estate agent with a streamlined process can often provide a better overall experience than one who relies solely on local knowledge. 

Speed, ease of communication, marketing reach and negotiation skills are all important aspects that can significantly influence the success of your sale.

For instance, our house selling company prides itself on having one of the most straightforward and efficient internal processes in the industry. This allows us to speed sales, sometimes completing them in as little as seven days. Our ability to combine cutting edge data analysis with an efficient operational structure ensures that your house is sold directly to us, or our network of pre-vetted investors in a matter of days, rather than months.

My estate agent is not local, is that bad?

Choosing an estate agent who isn’t local – such as an online or hybrid estate agent – might initially raise some concerns, especially if you’ve been led to believe that local estate agents have an advantage due to their proximity and familiarity with the area. But this isn’t always the case.

While local estate agents are often valued for their neighbourhood knowledge, the reality is that the housing market has evolved significantly with the advent of online and hybrid estate agents. These agents, who may not be based in your immediate area, can often provide services that are faster and more efficient that their local counterparts.

Online estate agents, like Purplebricks, offer the benefit of widespread digital marketing and extensive data-driven insights, while hybrid estate agents combine the best of both worlds with physical presence and online capabilities.

However, if speed is your top priority, particularly in situations where a quick house sale is needed, traditional local and online estate agents might not always meet your needs. Even hybrid estate agents, though generally quicker, may not match the rapid turnaround you’re looking for. In these cases, working with cash house buyers could be your most effective solution, as they can often close a sale in as little as 7 days.

How do estate agents work?

By definition, estate agents are professionals whose primary role is to arrange the sale, rental, or management of homes, land and buildings on behalf of estate owners. This means that anyone acting on behalf of a property owner to facilitate these transactions can be considered an estate agent.

However, over the past 30 years, the term “estate agent” has evolved, necessitating distinctions between different types of estate agents under this broad umbrella. Today, we commonly categorise estate agents as online, local or hybrid, each offering unique services and approaches to house sales.

Most estate agents operate from a centralised office, which could be a nationwide headquarters or a more localised office. Depending on the scale of their operations and their geographical reach, estate agents may adopt different business models, such as operating branches or franchises.

What is an estate agent branch?

An estate agent branch refers to a physical office location that is part of a larger, centralised estate agency. These branches are usually spread across different towns, cities or regions, allowing the estate agency to offer localised services while still being connected to a central management structure.

Each estate agency branch operates under the same brand and follows the same policies and procedures as the main office, ensuring consistency in service quality and customer experience. 

The advantage of having multiple branches is that it allows the estate agent to have a strong local presence in various areas, providing customers with the benefits of local market knowledge combined with the resources and support of a larger organisation.

What is an estate agent franchise?

An estate agent franchise, on the other hand, is a business model where independent operators (franchisees) are granted the rights to operate under the brand name and business model of a larger estate agency (the franchisor). 

These franchisees usually own and manage their own offices but follow the franchisor’s guidelines, standards and practices. In return, they benefit from the established brand reputation, marketing support, training, and operational systems provided by the franchisor.

This model allows the estate agency to expand its reach and influence without bearing the full financial and operational burden of each individual location. For the franchisee, it offers the opportunity to run a business with the backing of a well-known brand and proven business framework.

Do estate agents take a percentage?

Most estate agents will take some form of payment from you during the house sale, but it will depend on the type of agent you have chosen. Local or traditional estate agents usually charge a percentage based commission on the final selling price of the home. 

This commission usually ranges from 1% to 3% of the sale price, plus VAT. This fee is payable by the seller upon the successful completion of the sale. The percentage based fee structure means that the estate agent’s earnings are directly tied to the sale price, incentivising them to secure the best possible price for your property.

Online estate agents on the other hand, typically offer more flexible pricing models. They might provide a free basic service, which could include listing the property on popular property portals, or they might offer a tiered system of paid packages.

These packages can range from basic listings to more comprehensive services, such as premium advertising, professional photography or virtual tours. Often, these fees are paid upfront by the seller, regardless of whether the property is sold, although some online estate agents also offer a “no sale, no fee” option. 

Hybrid or modern estate agents often have a completely different approach to fees. Instead of charging a percentage commission, they may offer a range of fixed-fee services or packages. 

These packages can vary in price and the level of service provided, from basic property listings to full-service offerings that include professional photography, marketing and negotiation. In some cases, these agents might cover their costs by building them into the buyers purchasing costs.

What estate agent has the cheapest fees?

The Property Selling Company is widely recognised as the UK’s cheapest estate agent, offering a unique fee structure that can be highly attractive to sellers. With The Property Selling Company, sellers incur no selling or legal fees, which is a significant departure from the traditional estate agent model where sellers usually pay a 1% to 3% +VAT commission on the sale.

Their cost-saving approach is possible because the fees are shifted to the buyer. The costs associated with the house sale, including legal fees, are built into the purchase price of the property. This means that the buyer effectively covers these expenses as part of the transaction, allowing the seller to avoid the usual costs involved in selling their home.

This model can be particularly appealing to sellers who want to get the most return without worrying about the usual fees associated with selling a home. 

What's the average cost of an estate agent?

Traditional estate agent commission usually ranges from 1% to 3% plus VAT. The current average commission rate is around 1.42% plus VAT. For example, if your house sells for £270,000, this would amount to approximately £3,834 in fees. This fee is usually paid upon the successful sale of your home.

Online estate agents on the other hand will charge a fixed upfront fee, regardless of your final selling price. These fees can range from free (in the case of basic listing services) to around £1,999, depending on the company and the level of service you require. Unlike traditional estate agents, these fees are paid upfront, which means you’ll need to pay them regardless of whether it sells or not.

Meanwhile, modern estate agents like The Property Selling Company, offer their services free to the seller, with the costs being covered by the buyer as part of the purchase price.

Alternatives to using an estate agent

When considering alternatives to using an estate agent, speed is often a significant factor. Traditional and online estate agents can sometimes take months to secure an offer and even longer to navigate the conveyancing process, which can be frustrating if you need a quick sale.

While modern estate agents offer a slightly faster process, usually taking about a month to secure a buyer and another month to complete the sale, this may still not be quick enough for those in urgent need of selling their property. 

Fortunately, there are alternative options available that can offer much faster sales, like property auctions and cash house buyers.

Property auctions can be an effective way to sell your house quickly, particularly if you’re open to selling at or slightly below market value. Depending on the type of auction you choose, you can expect a sale to complete within 28 to 56 days:

Cash house buyers, such as The Property Buying Company, offer the fastest route to sell your home. We specialise in buying properties directly from homeowners, often completing the sale in as little as 7 days. In many cases, the entire process can be tailored to your timeline, with some transactions completing in as little as 3 weeks.

The main advantage of using a cash house buyer is the speed and certainty of the sale. Unlike traditional or modern estate agents, cash buyers can offer a guaranteed sale without the delays associated with property chains, mortgage approvals or lengthy negotiations.

Who is best to sell your house with?

The best choice for selling your house depends on your specific goals and priorities.

If your primary goal is to achieve the highest possible price, working with a reputable local estate agent is usually your best bet. Their in-depth knowledge of the local market, combined with tailored marketing strategies, can help you attract the right buyers and secure a strong offer.

If speed is your main concern, selling to a cash house buying company is the most efficient option. These companies can complete the sale in as little as seven days, offering a quick and hassle-free process, especially if you need to sell urgently. 

For a good balance between speed and price, selling your home at auction is a solid choice, as auctions are particularly effective if your house has unique features or requires some attention, as they can attract competitive bids while ensuring a relatively quick house sale.

Sell your house for cash!

If you’re considering selling your house through an estate agent, it’s worth exploring the option of selling directly to a cash house buying company like The Property Buying Company. Unlike traditional estate agents, which often involve lengthy processes, potential delays and uncertainty, we offer a streamlined, quick and hassle-free experience.

With The Property Buying Company, you can expect to sell your home in as little as 7 days, eliminating the stress of waiting for a buyer, dealing with property chains, or negotiating fees.

Furthermore, the entire transaction is handled with professionalism, as reflected in our impressive Trustpilot rating of 4.7/5. This makes us a reliable alternative to the traditional estate agency route, especially if you’re looking for a fast, secure and straightforward house sale.