Why We Don’t Take Part in Conditional Selling

Why We Don’t Take Part in Conditional Selling

Following the recent BBC Panorama investigation into conditional selling in the property industry, we want to take this opportunity to reassure our clients about our approach at Wishart Estate Agents.

What is conditional selling?

Conditional selling happens when an estate agent tells a buyer their offer will only be put forward to the seller if they agree to use the agent’s additional services, such as a mortgage broker or conveyancer.

A spokesperson from the National Trading Standards Estate Agency Team has made it clear:

“Estate agents who do not pass offers to sellers because the prospective buyer chooses not to use additional linked services – such as mortgage advice or conveyancing – … are in breach of their professional requirements and can face sanctions.”

This practice is not only against the rules but can also cause serious financial and emotional harm to both buyers and sellers.

Our promise

At Wishart Estate Agents, we want to be absolutely clear. Every offer we receive is recorded and sent to our clients straight away. We only request proof of funds and ID checks once negotiations have concluded, as part of the legal due diligence process. We do not and will never take part in conditional selling.

We sometimes recommend local solicitors, surveyors, or independent financial advisers because we know they provide excellent service to our clients. However, we do not receive referral fees or commissions from any professional we recommend.

Why this matters

Buying or selling a property is stressful enough without worrying whether the process is being manipulated. We believe in transparency, fairness and putting our clients first. Our reputation in York, Tadcaster and the surrounding villages is built on trust, and we intend to keep it that way.

If you are ever concerned about how an offer has been handled by any agent, the Citizens Advice Consumer Service (England and Wales) can guide you in raising a formal complaint with Trading Standards.

At Wishart Estate Agents you can be confident that every offer will always be treated fairly and passed on honestly.