10 Questions to Ask Your London Estate Agent | Keating Estates

10 Questions to Ask Your London Estate Agent

Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or letting in London, your choice of estate agent can have a huge impact on your success. In a fast-moving and often competitive property market, the right agent will provide more than just listings — they’ll offer insight, support, and strategy tailored to your goals.

At Keating Estates, we’ve helped thousands of Londoners navigate the property market with clarity and confidence. Here are the 10 questions we believe every client should ask before choosing an estate agent — and why the answers matter.

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1. How Long Have You Worked in This Area?

Local knowledge is essential in London, where even neighbouring streets can have very different markets. An experienced agent will know:

  • What sells or lets well and why
  • Street-by-street pricing trends
  • Buyer and tenant behaviour in your postcode

2. What Properties Like Mine Have You Sold or Let Recently?

Look for agents who’ve handled:

  • Similar size and style homes
  • Comparable price ranges
  • Properties in your specific part of the city (not just broad postcodes)

Ask for examples of recent listings, sale prices achieved, and time on market

3. How Will You Value My Property?

Avoid agents who simply guess based on portals. A good agent will:

  • Use real-time data from recent sales or rentals
  • Walk through your property to assess layout, condition, and features
  • Talk you through how buyer/tenant demand affects value

4. What’s Your Marketing Strategy?

An agent’s marketing plan should go beyond uploading photos to Rightmove. Ask about:

  • Photography and floorplan quality
  • Email and social media outreach
  • Pre-registered buyers or tenants in their database
  • Off-market or soft-launch options

5. Who Will I Be Dealing With Day-to-Day?

You want a direct contact who:

  • Knows your property inside out
  • Is available when needed
  • Will keep you updated — not leave you chasing answers

6. What Fees Will I Pay?

Ensure transparency with:

  • Sales commission structure or letting fees
  • Any add-on charges (e.g., marketing, tenancy agreements)
  • VAT clarity and contract duration

Tip: The cheapest agent isn’t always the best. Focus on value, not just cost.

7. How Do You Handle Viewings?

Ask how viewings are arranged and managed:

  • Will you have notice?
  • Will the agent accompany all viewings?
  • How will feedback be shared?

An organised, professional approach reflects well on your property.

8. How Will You Qualify Buyers or Tenants?

You don’t want time wasters. Ask how the agent:

  • Screens potential viewers
  • Verifies buyer finance or tenant referencing
  • Manages the offer and negotiation process

9. What Happens Once an Offer Is Accepted?

The process doesn’t stop at the offer stage. Ask how the agent supports:

  • Sales progression (liaising with solicitors, surveys, etc.)
  • Lettings admin and compliance
  • Ongoing property management if needed

A hands-on agent reduces delays and stress.

10. Why Should I Choose You Over Other Agents?

This is the key question. Listen for:

  • Local experience and team strength
  • Client reviews or testimonials
  • Unique selling points (e.g., off-market access, fast sale track record, in-house property management)

A confident, well-prepared agent will answer with substance — not sales talk.

Bonus Tip: Ask for a Tailored Strategy

Every property and client is different. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you’re upsizing in Balham or letting in Herne Hill, your agent should adapt their strategy to your goals and timeline.

Q&A: Working with Estate Agents in London

Yes — it’s wise to compare at least two or three to evaluate service, strategy, and chemistry.

Yes, depending on your contract. We often take over listings that haven’t progressed.

Often. Local agents tend to offer better area insight, flexibility, and hands-on service.

Most offer free, no-obligation valuations — including Keating Estates.

Let’s Talk About Your Property Plans

At Keating Estates, we believe in straight-talking advice, local expertise, and results-driven service. Whether you’re selling, buying, letting, or renting — we’re here to answer every question you’ve got.

Visit: www.keatingestates.com
Call: 020 7274 3111
Email: info@keatingestates.com