The Best Online Estate Agents: A Guide to Top Digital Property Services
The rise of online estate agents has transformed the UK property market, offering a more convenient and cost-effective way to buy, sell, or let properties. Online estate agents provide many of the same services as traditional high street agents, often at a fraction of the cost, thanks to their digital-first approach. Whether you’re selling a home or looking to rent out a property, choosing the best online estate agent can help you save time and money while reaching a wide audience.
Here’s a guide to the best online estate agents, how they work, and what to consider when choosing one for your property needs.
How Do Online Estate Agents Work?
Online estate agents offer similar services to traditional agents but operate primarily through digital platforms, which reduces overhead costs. This allows them to offer competitive pricing while providing essential services like:
- Property Valuations: Many online agents provide free property valuations either through online tools or in-person visits.
- Property Listings: Online agents list properties on major platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, and PrimeLocation, ensuring high visibility.
- Viewings Management: Depending on the service package, online agents can manage property viewings or leave this to the seller.
- Negotiations and Offers: Online agents handle negotiations and relay offers between buyers and sellers, as well as tenancy arrangements for rentals.
- Sales Progression: They can assist with progressing the sale or rental through to completion, including liaising with solicitors and managing contracts.
Online agents often charge a fixed fee rather than a percentage of the sale price, making them a cost-effective option, particularly for sellers of higher-value properties.
Best Online Estate Agents in the UK
1. Purplebricks
- Overview: As one of the UK’s most well-known online estate agents, Purplebricks offers a wide range of property services, from selling to letting, with competitive fixed fees.
- Key Features: They provide 24/7 online support, a local property expert for valuations and advice, and comprehensive marketing on major property portals.
- Fees: Sellers can expect to pay £999 outside London and £1,499 within London. These fees cover the basics, but additional services like hosted viewings come at an extra cost.
- Standout Feature: Purplebricks offers a money-back guarantee if the property doesn't sell within a set period.
2. Yopa
- Overview: Yopa is another popular online estate agent that combines online services with local expertise. They offer flexible selling options and competitive pricing.
- Key Features: Yopa provides free property valuations by local agents and features a pay-now or pay-later option. Properties are listed on leading platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla.
- Fees: Their fixed fee starts from £999, with the option to pay upfront or later. Additional services, such as premium marketing and viewings management, come at extra cost.
- Standout Feature: Yopa’s local agents provide in-person support, bridging the gap between traditional and online estate agents.
3. Strike
- Overview: Strike offers a unique service by providing free home-selling services, earning money instead from additional services like mortgage and conveyancing referrals.
- Key Features: Sellers can list their property for free on major platforms, receive free valuation advice, and manage their property listing through an easy-to-use dashboard.
- Fees: While the core service is free, additional premium services (like managed viewings or professional photos) come with a fee, typically starting at £300.
- Standout Feature: The fact that Strike offers zero fees for basic property sales makes it highly appealing for budget-conscious sellers.
4. Doorsteps
- Overview: Doorsteps is an ultra-affordable online estate agent that has gained attention for its low fees while maintaining good customer service.
- Key Features: Doorsteps offers three main packages, with services ranging from online-only listings to premium packages that include a personal property consultant and viewings management.
- Fees: Their basic package starts from £99 (listing only), with more comprehensive packages available for up to £999.
- Standout Feature: Doorsteps is one of the most affordable options for those who want to list their property quickly and inexpensively.
5. HouseSimple (Now Strike Lettings)
- Overview: Strike Lettings (formerly HouseSimple) focuses on the lettings market, offering a free service to landlords looking to let their properties. They make money through added services like tenant referencing and property management.
- Key Features: The service allows landlords to list properties for free on platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla, with the option to upgrade for additional services.
- Fees: Basic listings are free, while add-ons like managed viewings, rent collection, and tenant management are available at extra cost.
- Standout Feature: Strike Lettings is an excellent choice for landlords looking to keep costs down while accessing a wide audience.
Benefits of Using an Online Estate Agent
Using an online estate agent comes with several advantages:
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Cost-Effective: Online estate agents typically charge a fixed fee rather than a percentage of the sale or rental value, which can result in significant savings, especially for higher-value properties.
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Flexible Service Packages: Most online agents offer a range of packages, allowing sellers and landlords to choose the level of service they need. This flexibility makes online agents appealing to both experienced landlords and first-time sellers.
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Convenience: With online platforms available 24/7, users can manage their listings, view offers, and communicate with potential buyers or tenants at any time.
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Wider Reach: Online estate agents list properties on the UK’s most popular property portals, ensuring that your property reaches a broad audience quickly.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Online Estate Agent
While online estate agents offer convenience and savings, it’s important to consider the following factors when selecting the right one:
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Fees and Pricing: Compare the upfront costs and optional extras. Some agents offer low starting fees but may charge more for essential services like viewings, photography, or sales progression.
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Customer Service: Although online agents offer digital support, check for the availability of customer service or local agents to provide in-person assistance if needed.
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Marketing Reach: Ensure the agent lists properties on the biggest property portals (like Rightmove and Zoopla), as this maximises your property’s exposure.
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Additional Services: Look into what extras are offered, such as mortgage advice, conveyancing, or property management, which can simplify the overall process.
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Reviews and Reputation: Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge the quality of service and customer satisfaction. Websites like Trustpilot and Feefo offer insights into past clients' experiences.
How Fraser Bond Can Assist
At Fraser Bond, we understand that whether you're selling or letting a property, the process can be complex. That’s why we offer a tailored service that combines the benefits of a traditional estate agent with the convenience of online tools:
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Expert Advice: We provide property valuations, market insights, and advice on how to maximise the value of your property.
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Comprehensive Services: From property marketing to tenant management, we handle all aspects of the letting and sales process, ensuring your experience is smooth and hassle-free.
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Flexible Solutions: We offer both traditional and digital services to meet your specific needs, whether you're looking to sell quickly or manage a rental portfolio.
Conclusion
Online estate agents are revolutionising the way properties are sold and let in the UK, offering convenience and significant savings. Whether you’re a landlord looking to find tenants or a homeowner ready to sell, the best online estate agents provide the services and tools needed to make the process efficient and stress-free.
If you’re looking for expert guidance and a seamless property experience, Fraser Bond is here to help. Contact us today to explore how we can assist with your property sale or rental needs.
