BBC Panorama - Conditional Selling

Following the recent BBC Panorama investigation into conditional selling within the property industry, we felt it was important to clearly explain our approach and, more importantly, to reassure our clients of what they can always expect from us at Wishart Estate Agents.

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

The National Trading Standards Estate Agency Team has been very clear on this practice, stating that: “Estate agents who do not pass offers to sellers because a prospective buyer chooses not to use linked services, such as mortgage advice or conveyancing, are in breach of their professional requirements and may face sanctions.” Quite simply, it is not allowed. More importantly, it can cause unnecessary financial risk, delay and emotional stress for both buyers and sellers.

At Wishart Estate Agents, we believe clarity and fairness should be the foundation of every property transaction. Every offer we receive is recorded and passed on to our client promptly and in full. Always. We only request proof of funds and identification once negotiations have been agreed, as part of the legal due diligence process, not as a condition of an offer being considered.

We do not, and will never, take part in conditional selling.

From time to time, clients ask us to recommend local solicitors, surveyors or independent financial advisers. We are happy to do so because we have worked alongside many excellent local professionals for years, some for nearly two decades. However, we do not receive referral fees or commissions from any professional we recommend. Our suggestions are made purely with our clients’ best interests in mind.

Buying or selling a property can already feel overwhelming. The last thing anyone needs is to worry about whether the process is being influenced by hidden conditions or commercial pressures.

Our reputation across York, Tadcaster and the surrounding villages has been built on trust, transparency and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. That isn’t something we take lightly.

At Wishart Estate Agents, you can be confident that every offer will always be treated fairly, communicated honestly, and handled with care