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A local estate agent on commission is usually paid a share of the price only when the sale completes, and normally does the viewings, the negotiation and the chasing. An online agent on a fixed fee usually costs less on a completed sale, but the fee is often due whether or not the home sells, and more of the work can fall to you. The right choice depends on how confident you are of the sale and how much of it you want to do yourself.

This page compares the two models in general terms. It names no company, because firms in both camps vary and change their terms.

What you pay, and when

The HomeOwners Alliance describes a typical high street commission of 1% to 1.5% of the price including VAT, payable on completion and open to negotiation. Online agents usually charge a fixed fee. Some take it upfront, some defer it, and the HomeOwners Alliance warns not to confuse a deferred fee, which is still owed if the home does not sell, with no sale, no fee.

So there are two sums to compare: the cost if the sale completes, and the cost if it does not. A lower fee that is paid on a sale that falls through can end up costing more than a commission that was never earned.

Who does the work

Valuation. A local agent visits and prices from recent sales in the same streets. Online firms vary from a local valuer to a figure from data.

Viewings. A commission agent normally accompanies them. With an online agent the seller often shows buyers round, or pays for accompanied viewings.

Negotiation. An agent who has met the buyer can check their position, their mortgage and their chain before you accept. Find out who handles offers and how.

Progression. Between offer and exchange someone has to chase the buyer, the solicitors, the lender and the chain. Some online firms include this; some charge for it; some leave it to you.

Risk if the sale falls through

Sales fall through for many reasons: a survey, a mortgage, a chain or a change of mind. On commission, the agent usually remarkets the home at no extra cost. On a fixed fee, the money may already be spent. That risk is larger for leasehold flats, homes in a chain and buyers who need a mortgage, which describes much of what sells in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

What every agent must do

Every estate agent must belong to a government-approved redress scheme. Since 6 April 2025 consumer protection law in this area sits under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, and the duty to give buyers the material information about a property remains, whichever model you use.

Choosing

Choose commission if you want the viewings, offers and chain handled for you, or if the sale has complications. Choose a fixed fee if the sale is simple, you are happy to show buyers round and you accept paying whether or not it completes. Our guide to choosing an estate agent in Bournemouth lists the questions to ask, and selling your property explains how we work. Start with a free property valuation.