For landlords · 5 min read
Estate agent vs letting agent: which do you need?
An estate agent sells property and is paid a commission on the sale price, usually on completion. A letting agent finds tenants and, if instructed, manages the tenancy, charging either a one-off tenant-find fee or a monthly percentage of rent. Many high street branches do both under one name, which is why the terms get used interchangeably. If you are renting your property out, you need lettings services — and you can now get them without a percentage-based agent at all.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an estate agent and a letting agent?
An estate agent sells property, charging commission on the sale price, usually 1–3% plus VAT on completion. A letting agent finds tenants and optionally manages the tenancy, charging a one-off tenant-find fee or a monthly percentage of rent. Many high street branches offer both.
Do estate agents rent out properties?
Many do, through a lettings arm of the same business. Check which service you are being quoted for, because sales and lettings fee structures are completely different.
What does a letting agent actually do for the fee?
It depends on the service level: tenant-find only covers advertising, referencing and set-up; rent collection adds collecting rent and chasing arrears; full management adds repairs, inspections and compliance renewals. Only full management includes attending the property.
Do I need a letting agent to rent out my property?
No. There is no legal requirement to use one in England. You remain responsible for compliance either way — an agent carries out the work, but the legal duties stay with the landlord.
Back to guides
