Top 10 Questions to Ask From Real Estate Agent in the UK

So, you’re revving up to buy a property in the UK. You’ve browsed Rightmove, spent weekends touring charming terraces and suspiciously cheap flats, and now you’re facing the estate agent the gatekeeper of your future home. But before you go straight ahead, slow down and ask the right questions. This is your test lap. Time to tune your buying instincts. 

Here are the top 10 questions you should be firing at your Letting Agents Uk—whether you’re eyeing a swanky London loft or a cosy semi in Yorkshire. 

1. How Long Has the Property Been on the Market? 

This is your first checkpoint. If the property has been sitting there longer than a forgotten Volvo in a barn, it’s worth asking why. 

A home lingering on the market might mean it’s overpriced, has hidden issues, or the seller simply hasn’t found the right buyer. If it’s been sitting for 3+ months, it could be your cue to negotiate harder—or run the other way. Fast. 

2. What’s the Seller’s Situation? 

We’re not saying you need to know their shoe size, but understanding why the seller is moving helps you judge how desperate—or flexible—they might be. 

Are they relocating for work? Upsizing? Chasing the sun in Spain? If they need a quick sale, that’s your green light to make a cheeky offer. But if they’re not in a rush, prepare for a bit more back and forth. 

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3. Has the Price Changed at All? 

If the price has been slashed more times than a used car on Gumtree, something’s up. Agents won’t always spell it out, but multiple drops might suggest the seller misjudged the market—or there’s something lurking beneath the floorboards. Ask about price history to get the full picture. 

4. Any Offers Been Made Yet? 

This is like peeking into the other racers’ engines. If there are no offers on the table, it might give you leverage. If there are several, you may have to up your game. 

And don’t fall for “we’ve got a lot of interest” unless there’s proof. Some agents say that like car dealers talk about “one careful owner.” 

5. What’s Included in the Sale? 

White goods? Curtains? That oddly luxurious garden shed? Always clarify what comes with the house. 

You don’t want to move in expecting appliances and find yourself staring at empty sockets and echoes. Bonus points if the seller is leaving behind something actually useful—like a functioning boiler or, dare we dream, a dishwasher. 

6. Are There Any Known Issues With the Property? 

This is your check and survey. Ask if there are any structural issues, plumbing problems, damp patches, or neighbour disputes. 

Legally, agents have to tell you about known issues. But if you don’t ask, they might not volunteer that the flat has the insulation value of a biscuit tin. Be polite, but thorough—this could save you thousands. 

7. What’s the Area Like? 

You’re not just buying a house—you’re buying into a neighbourhood. Ask about transport links, schools, crime rates, and whether that “quiet street” turns into Ibiza on Friday nights. 

Even better, do your own test drive through the area at different times of day. Because “vibrant” can sometimes mean “drums until 3am.” 

8. Evaluating the Property’s True Value 

Just because it looks like a show home doesn’t mean it’s worth the asking price. Ask the agent how they arrived at the figure. 

Then compare it with recent sales in the same postcode. Online tools like Zoopla or the Land Registry can be your Sat Nav here. You’re looking for a fair price, not a showroom markup. 

9. What Are the Next Steps After Viewing? 

If you like what you see, you’ll want to move quickly. Ask the agent what the process looks like from here—when can you make an offer, what documents do they need, how long does it typically take to exchange? 

This gives you a roadmap, especially important if you’re part of a chain or trying to coordinate a sale and purchase at the same time. 

10. How Do I Make an Offer? 

You’d be amazed how many people fall at the final hurdle. Don’t just say “I want to buy it!” and expect magic. Ask the agent the proper procedure—do you need to submit it in writing? Will they present all offers to the seller? 

Also ask if a “best and final” process is likely. It’s like a property auction—minus the paddle waving. 

Summing Up 

Buying property in the UK is no Sunday drive—it’s full of twists, surprises, and adrenaline. But ask the right questions, and you’ll be in the fast lane to a great deal. 

Don’t be shy. A good estate agent will respect a buyer who knows what they’re doing. And if they don’t? Well, there are plenty of letting agents across the UK who will.