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Original poster

Estate agent - is this shady?

36 replies

amijustbeingsuspicious · 28/05/2024 16:52

An estate agent wanting to sell our property quoted us 160£ + VAT for the EPC. Spoke to another estate agent who says it’s 90.

is there an actual reason for the discrepancy, or are the estate agents looking to make some money off the top? If so, is this standard practice? Feels a bit cheeky

OP posts:
BarcardiWithGadaffia · 28/05/2024 18:49

amijustbeingsuspicious · 28/05/2024 18:48

It’s a good question. I don’t know if it’s the same company - when I told the second agent who quoted me 90 (and bizarrely this I was a “fancier agent” with a lower quote), he was quite horrified and said the other agent would be taking the remainder for themselves.

but I don’t know if that’s just a competitor comment.

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Why not ask them why the discrepancy, there might be a reason or a mistake then decide

Original poster
amijustbeingsuspicious · 28/05/2024 18:48

Applesandpairsofrocks · 28/05/2024 18:46

Are they outsourcing to the same company and both charging a different amount?

Or using different companies in which case both could be over charging but just by different amounts 🤷‍♀️

but yes very common that it costs more to use anyone recommended by the ea for any part of the process

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It’s a good question. I don’t know if it’s the same company - when I told the second agent who quoted me 90 (and bizarrely this I was a “fancier agent” with a lower quote), he was quite horrified and said the other agent would be taking the remainder for themselves.

but I don’t know if that’s just a competitor comment.

OP posts:
Applesandpairsofrocks · 28/05/2024 18:46

amijustbeingsuspicious · 28/05/2024 17:45

I see that but I think it’s a bit crazy the price discrepancy between two agents for a standard issue thing

Show quote history

Are they outsourcing to the same company and both charging a different amount?

Or using different companies in which case both could be over charging but just by different amounts 🤷‍♀️

but yes very common that it costs more to use anyone recommended by the ea for any part of the process

Redlarge · 28/05/2024 18:27

Mine was £80 with vat

Original poster
amijustbeingsuspicious · 28/05/2024 17:45

RandomUsernameHere · 28/05/2024 17:37

I wouldn't say it's "shady", especially as the cost was disclosed at the outset. They're not obligated to offer a service for the same price as another agent.

I see that but I think it’s a bit crazy the price discrepancy between two agents for a standard issue thing

OP posts:
RandomUsernameHere · 28/05/2024 17:37

I wouldn't say it's "shady", especially as the cost was disclosed at the outset. They're not obligated to offer a service for the same price as another agent.

Original poster
amijustbeingsuspicious · 28/05/2024 17:13

Jc2001 · 28/05/2024 16:59

I wouldn't tell them anything. Or just say you're getting it done elsewhere as it too expensive.

But I don’t want to use them now because it feels a little underhanded that they are charging so much more! But then I don’t know if many agents do this to make extra money

OP posts:
Jc2001 · 28/05/2024 17:01

A quick Google says it should be between £35 and £120 including vat. Depending on the size of your house.

Jc2001 · 28/05/2024 16:59

I wouldn't tell them anything. Or just say you're getting it done elsewhere as it too expensive.

Original poster
amijustbeingsuspicious · 28/05/2024 16:58

Jc2001 · 28/05/2024 16:57

Go for the cheapest. Epc is one of those pointless box ticking exercises you have to go through when selling. I swear half the time they don't even visit the house and just make it up.

EA is trying to rip you off.

You don't have to go through the EA I don't think.

Edited

Would you explain to the EA that this is the reason you don’t want them to sell your property, or not bother?

OP posts:
Jc2001 · 28/05/2024 16:57

Go for the cheapest. Epc is one of those pointless box ticking exercises you have to go through when selling. I swear half the time they don't even visit the house and just make it up.

EA is trying to rip you off.

You don't have to go through the EA I don't think.