Estate agent contracts

Emsw

Does anyone know when I can legally end my estate agent, selling contract without fees?
My house has been on the market for 3 months with very little interest, and I am not entirely happy with the current agents. I have checked my contract and there is not end date. When I asked the agents the gave me an amount that I would have to pay to leave. Surely there should be a point when I can leave fee free?
Any help would be greatly received.

Surrey_EA

Without seeing the contract terms it's going to be very difficult for anybody to advise.

theartfullodger

Emsw said:

Does anyone know when I can legally end my estate agent, selling contract without fees?
.....

Yes, you know when you read it carefully.

Have you read the contract please??

eddddy

Typically (but not always)...

• Estate agents have a minimum contract period - so you cannot end the contract during that period

• After that period - you have to give written notice to end the contract. Usually 2 or 4 weeks notice.

• If you don't give written notice, as you say, the contract will continue 'forever' (or until the property is sold)

Many estate agents have 'no sale, no fee' contracts - so if you follow the above, you don't have to pay them anything.

But some estate agents charge you 'withdrawal fees' or 'termination fees' or 'marketing fees' when you end the contract. It should all be explained in your contract.

But you might not have a 'typical' contract - so you need to read it.


(And if you start looking at other estate agents, ask them about there contract terms and/or read the contract before signing up. Different estate agents have different terms.)

gwynlas

You can and should have a copy of the contract outlining responsibilities on both sides.