Introduction
A recent BBC Panorama investigation has shone a harsh spotlight on some of the UK’s biggest estate agents – including Connells and Purplebricks – for allegedly prioritising profits over their clients' best interests.
From favouring buyers who use in-house mortgage services to inflating valuations just to win instructions, these tactics could cost sellers thousands in lost value or mismanaged sales.
At Collyers, we believe in doing things differently – and transparently.
🔍 What the Panorama Investigation Revealed
Panorama’s undercover reporter uncovered:
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Conditional selling – pushing buyers who use in-house mortgages/conveyancing
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Sidelining potential cash buyers in favour of “hot buyers” linked to extra commission
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Overvaluing properties to hook sellers into contracts, then encouraging price reductions
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Pressure to sell extras like conveyancing and mortgages, often at inflated prices
This isn't just bad practice – it's potentially unethical, and in some cases breaches the Estate Agents Act and the industry’s Code of Practice.
💸 What It Means for You as a Seller
If you're selling your home, beware of:
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Agents who only bring buyers that use their in-house services
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Unrealistically high valuations that get revised later
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Contracts that lock you in for 12–16 weeks
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Sales progression that mysteriously stalls unless you buy extras
These tactics don’t just erode trust – they could cost you money, delay your sale, or even cause it to fall through.
🏡 How Collyers Does Things Differently
As a multi-award-winning estate agent covering Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, Torrington, and across North Devon, we’re proud to do things the right way.
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No conditional selling – every buyer is treated fairly
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Honest valuations backed by comparable local data
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Transparent fees and no pressure to use in-house extras
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Real advice based on your best interest, not our commission
✅ What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Before signing with any agent:
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Ask them to justify their valuation with evidence
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Check their tie-in period – a confident agent won’t need a long one
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Ask what happens if you don’t use their mortgage or solicitor
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Insist on fair, transparent communication throughout the sale
📞 Want an Honest Opinion? We’re Just a Call Away
If you're unsure about a valuation or concerned about an agent's tactics, we’re happy to offer a free, no-pressure consultation – whether or not you're currently selling with us.
👉 Book a Free Valuation
👉 Contact Collyers
Collyers Estate Agents – Trusted. Transparent. Award-Winning.
Proud to serve North Devon with integrity for over a decade.
