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Estate Agent Problems When Selling a Home
If you are unhappy with an estate agent, follow its complaints procedure first. If it does not respond or you are unhappy with the answer, complain to the redress scheme it belongs to: The Property Ombudsman or the Property Redress Scheme. These investigate for free. Complaints about solicitors or conveyancers go to the Legal Ombudsman.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Complaining
Estate Agents
Follow the company's complaints procedure. If it does not respond or you are unhappy, complain to The Property Ombudsman or the Property Redress Scheme. Ask the estate agent which scheme it belongs to. The ombudsman will investigate for free. For solicitors and conveyancers, contact the Legal Ombudsman. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Agent firstUse the agent's complaints procedureThen its redress scheme
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Ask the agent which redress scheme it belongs to.
Step 2 of 5
Complain in writing through its procedure. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 5
Keep copies of your contract and messages.
Step 4 of 5
If unresolved, complain to its redress scheme.
Step 5 of 5
For conveyancing problems, see our solicitor complaint guide.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Estate Agent
Its complaints procedure first.
The Property Ombudsman or Property Redress Scheme
Free, after the agent's procedure.
Legal Ombudsman
For solicitors and conveyancers.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Read the agency agreement carefully, especially any tie-in period and fees.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/selling-a-home/making-a-complaint Checked 13 October 2026