Tricks some sale agents use to make you buy a property

It is important to note that this article does not represent all the property sales agents in the UK. Many of them are very professional and uphold the highest industry standards. However, you should be aware that the tactics described below exist and are widely used by some agents.

Overvaluing Properties: 

Most agents list properties higher than the actual market value to entice sellers. This is to maximise the selling price, please the sellers and, of course, make more profits. However, it is very important to note that the property value can vary depending on its condition and other factors, many of which the sellers know well.

When we check an instant valuation of any property on Zoopla or Rightmove, the price shown is an average value between lower and higher prices. For buyers, this can mean being tricked into paying more than the property is worth. 

Glossing Over Problems: 

Agents will often downplay or fail to mention issues with the property, such as structural problems, dampness, or the need for significant repairs, to make the sale. This is despite a legal framework that makes the seller responsible for disclosing anything that may impact the buyer’s purchase decision. 

When an agent acts on behalf of a seller, disclosing important information also becomes the agent’s responsibility. However, in practice, this responsibility is pushed into surveyors and solicitors, and when things go sideways, the agent often blames surveyors for being overzealous or, in other words, exaggerating. Finally, a buyer faces a hard choice and decision about whom to trust, and the answer to that is not always straightforward and very much depends on the market conditions.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics: 

Buyers might be pressured to make quick decisions with statements like "This won't be on the market long" or "We have other interested buyers," pushing them to commit before they are ready or have completed due diligence.

'Bait and Switch' Tactics: 

Advertising a highly desirable property at a reasonable price to attract interest, only to inform potential buyers that it's been 'sold' and then directing them to less appealing or more expensive properties.

Withholding Information: 

Not disclosing important information about the property or the local area that could affect the buyer's decision, such as plans for significant construction nearby.

The other method avoids direct communication between the buyer (or his representatives, such as the surveyor) and the owner. This allows the hiding of many issues and legal liabilities to disclose known facts. For example, the seller is away on the day of the survey inspection, so no one can ask about the property's history or verify other observations.

Manipulating Property Descriptions: 

They use vague or misleading language in property descriptions to mask issues or overstate the quality or size of the property. Or to make it appear more trendy or ‘posh’.

Artificial Scarcity: 

Suggesting that the property is in higher demand than it is to create a sense of urgency, encouraging buyers to act quickly out of fear of missing out.