The Trust Problem in Estate Agency – And How to Fix It
There’s no getting away from it. Estate agents don’t fare particularly well in the league table of trusted professions.
In a recent survey*, nurses were ranked as the most trusted professionals, with 92% of people saying they would trust them.
Estate agents, by contrast, appeared in the bottom ten, with just 32% saying they would trust them.
That still placed us ahead of politicians (9%) and social media influencers (6%), but if we’re being honest, that isn’t a particularly high benchmark.
So why do estate agents rate so poorly?
We’ve heard it said more than a few times that estate agency resembles the “Wild West”, with too many so-called cowboys operating without accountability.
The reality today, however, is very different.
Estate agency is now more regulated than ever before — though we would still welcome higher entry standards across the industry.
Agents must comply with an extensive framework of legislation, alongside numerous codes of practice, professional guidelines and ethical standards.
(We consider that a good thing.)
There are also professional bodies — such as the Ethical Agent Network, of which we are proud members — that actively uphold higher standards. Membership requires independent testing, ongoing accountability and a commitment to clear ethical principles.
Agents who fail to meet those standards tend not to last.
Transparency has also improved significantly.
The internet has played a major role in that. Online reviews and social media now make it far easier for sellers and buyers alike to assess an agent’s reputation and track record — though, like any open platform, they can occasionally be misused.
(We’re always happy for people to review our Google feedback.)
That said, it would be disingenuous to pretend all estate agents operate in the same way.
When you’re selling your home, you are absolutely entitled to be sceptical — and to expect a high standard of service.
As local, independent agents, we believe that works in our favour.
We don’t promise what we can’t deliver. We aim to provide realistic market valuations, honest advice and a clear appraisal of a property’s saleability.
Our contracts are straightforward and transparent, with no hidden conditions. Our fees are clear and fair.
Supporting our local community also matters to us.
We’re particularly proud that a significant proportion of our business comes from recommendations — from past clients who trust us enough to refer family, friends and colleagues.
That trust is earned over time, through consistency and integrity — not quick wins or short-term thinking.
We hope this has gone some way towards addressing the wider trust question in estate agency. And if you’re considering selling your home or letting your property, we’d welcome the opportunity to explain in more detail how we work — and why trust sits at the centre of everything we do.
Estate Agency Done Ethically
We are proud members of the Ethical Agent Network (EAN).
EAN is a national group of independent estate agents who are independently assessed to ensure they meet strict standards of honesty, professionalism, service and community care.
To learn more about how we work — and why we are the only local agency in the network — please get in touch.
* Source: Ipsos Veracity Index 2025
