Menu
04/12/2006
Estate agents 'not trusted'
Estate agents are regarded as one of the least trusted professions, according to a survey by consumer association Which?.
The survey of over 1,500 adults who had ever bought or sold a property found that 94% thought that estate agents overvalued properties, while 85% thought that they also referred people to financial advisors who were linked to them.
Around seven in ten respondents said that they believed that estate agents invented offers, while 74% thought that they worked together dishonestly and 69% believed that they falsified sales particulars.
Over half of respondents (55%) said that they thought that estate agents put up false sales boards to suggest that they are doing a lot of business.
The findings resulted in estate agents being one of the least trusted professions, with only politicians being trusted less, Which? said. Doctors and teachers were found to be the most trusted professions.
However, Which? also found that the internet is helping people to avoid using estate agents by enabling them to sell their home on line. The consumer association said that around 10% of people had not used an estate agent the last time they bought or sold a property.
The survey coincides with a second vote in the House of Lords on a Bill to regulate estate agencies. The Bill would ban estate agents that refused to join an approved ombudsman scheme.
Louise Restell, campaigns project manager for Which?, said: "The internet has given birth to a wealth of private sales sites which do away with the need for an estate agent altogether and this could be the future for many home-movers.
"However, Which? is pleased to see that estate agents will soon be required to sign up to an independent complaints procedure. This means that all home-movers will finally be able to access redress without having to resort to court."
(KMcA)
The survey of over 1,500 adults who had ever bought or sold a property found that 94% thought that estate agents overvalued properties, while 85% thought that they also referred people to financial advisors who were linked to them.
Around seven in ten respondents said that they believed that estate agents invented offers, while 74% thought that they worked together dishonestly and 69% believed that they falsified sales particulars.
Over half of respondents (55%) said that they thought that estate agents put up false sales boards to suggest that they are doing a lot of business.
The findings resulted in estate agents being one of the least trusted professions, with only politicians being trusted less, Which? said. Doctors and teachers were found to be the most trusted professions.
However, Which? also found that the internet is helping people to avoid using estate agents by enabling them to sell their home on line. The consumer association said that around 10% of people had not used an estate agent the last time they bought or sold a property.
The survey coincides with a second vote in the House of Lords on a Bill to regulate estate agencies. The Bill would ban estate agents that refused to join an approved ombudsman scheme.
Louise Restell, campaigns project manager for Which?, said: "The internet has given birth to a wealth of private sales sites which do away with the need for an estate agent altogether and this could be the future for many home-movers.
"However, Which? is pleased to see that estate agents will soon be required to sign up to an independent complaints procedure. This means that all home-movers will finally be able to access redress without having to resort to court."
(KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 September 2006
September house prices 'unseasonably strong'
House prices were "unseasonably strong" in September, the Nationwide has reported. The building society's latest housing survey found that August's interest rate rise did little to cool house prices the following month. House prices increased by 1.3%, bringing the annual rate to 8.2%. The average house price in the UK is now £169,413.
September house prices 'unseasonably strong'
House prices were "unseasonably strong" in September, the Nationwide has reported. The building society's latest housing survey found that August's interest rate rise did little to cool house prices the following month. House prices increased by 1.3%, bringing the annual rate to 8.2%. The average house price in the UK is now £169,413.
23 March 2004
Estate agents need to improve customer services, says OFT report
Estate agents must improve their approach to customer services and more vigorous price competition is needed in the estate agency market, according to an OFT report published today. The study examined competition in the market, levels of customer satisfaction, and the effectiveness of relevant legislation in tackling misconduct and unfit agents.
Estate agents need to improve customer services, says OFT report
Estate agents must improve their approach to customer services and more vigorous price competition is needed in the estate agency market, according to an OFT report published today. The study examined competition in the market, levels of customer satisfaction, and the effectiveness of relevant legislation in tackling misconduct and unfit agents.
09 July 2013
Sandringham Estate Worker Critical After Falling Into Lake
A worker at the Queen's Sandringham estate is in a critical condition after falling into a lake. It is understood that the estate worker, a man in his 30s, was using a ride-on lawnmower when he fell into the Lower Lake at the Norfolk estate at around 13:00 on Monday.
Sandringham Estate Worker Critical After Falling Into Lake
A worker at the Queen's Sandringham estate is in a critical condition after falling into a lake. It is understood that the estate worker, a man in his 30s, was using a ride-on lawnmower when he fell into the Lower Lake at the Norfolk estate at around 13:00 on Monday.
18 August 2008
NAEA Poll Shows Adverse Effect Regarding Stamp Duty
A survey of members conducted by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), has produced one of the largest responses from estate agents with over 1350 replies, demonstrating what a contentious issue the recent stamp duty 'announcement' is and the effect it has had on the property market.
NAEA Poll Shows Adverse Effect Regarding Stamp Duty
A survey of members conducted by the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), has produced one of the largest responses from estate agents with over 1350 replies, demonstrating what a contentious issue the recent stamp duty 'announcement' is and the effect it has had on the property market.
21 May 2009
Letting Agent Charges Out Of Control Says Citizens Advice
Private tenants are being badly let down by a system that allows letting agents to operate completely unchecked, routinely ripping off tenants by imposing unjustified and excessive charges and providing a poor or non-existent service, a new report from Citizens Advice says today.
Letting Agent Charges Out Of Control Says Citizens Advice
Private tenants are being badly let down by a system that allows letting agents to operate completely unchecked, routinely ripping off tenants by imposing unjustified and excessive charges and providing a poor or non-existent service, a new report from Citizens Advice says today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
