Online Estate Agents That Sell Houses In Scotland

To start with, I just want to re-clarify, because there seems to be common confusion about online agents and where they operate! Many prospective home-sellers are searching/Googling for online agents that specifically operate in Scotland, when really there’s no need.

One of the distinct characteristics of the online agent model is that it allows UK coverage, not just local (which is why online agents are quickly eating up the market share and putting some serious pressure onto the local agents).

Super quick breakdown of what online estate agents are…

I’m going to assume most of you are already aware of ‘what’ and ‘how’, and that’s precisely why you’re looking for online agents that service Scotland. However, if you’re not aware, and you’re here to do your research, let me give you the key points, and ultimately explain how online agents differ from your local agent down the road:

• Online agents charge a one-off fixed fee (and not a commission based fee on the percentage of the sale price, like traditional high-street estate agents do).
• While some online estate agents do offer “no sale, no fee” packages (use the search filter below to find out which ones), they do charge significantly more for them compared to their most popular and standard packages, which work on an upfront payment, regardless of whether you sell your property or not! That’s one of the major differences between high-street and online agents, and arguably one of the disadvantages of online agents.
• Online agents do NOT have local branches where you can pop into and talk to someone.
• Online agents operate out of a central UK office, where everything is managed via telephones and emails.
• While there are packages available that offer a “viewing” service (by a local property expert), most online agents offer packages which require you (the seller) to take the viewings.
• Online agents will market your property for sale across a network of the biggest UK property portals, like Rightmove, Zoopla & PrimeLocation, and that’s how they generate leads (note: that’s how the majority of local high-street agents also generate their leads).

You with me?

It must be noted, that’s a real bear-bones explanation, so if you’re after the meat and potatoes, you may want to hop over to my ultimate guide on online estate agents!

Ok, let’s take a look at some of the biggest and best options available to you…

Online Estate Agents that sell in Scotland

The prices shown have discount codes applied where available. Use the search filters to select which services you require from your online agent in Scotland. The total fee will adjust and order the agents based on lowest to highest price.

Search Filters

Require any of the following?

• Rightmove listing

  Rightmove listingAdvertise property on Rightmove (The UK's largest property portal)

  X

• Zoopla listing

  Zoopla listingAdvertise property on Zoopla (The UK's second largest property portal)

  X

• EPC

  EPCAn Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is needed when a property sold in the UK. They are valid for 10 years, so if you already have a valid one you do not to order another.

  X

• Photograghs

  PhotograghsThe agent will arrange for a photographer to visit your property to take pictures, which can be used with your adverts. Good quality photos are important in making your property look attractive and can increase enquiries.

  X

• Floorplan

  FloorplanThe agent will arrange for a professionally produced floorplan showing the layout and room sizes of your property. Many buyers find floorplans useful when viewing property details online.

  X

• Negotiation

  NegotiationThe agent will help to negotiate with potential buyers on your behalf. If you are confident in negotiating then you may not need this service.

  X

• For sale sign

  For sale signThe agent will arrange for a 'For Sale' sign to be placed outside your property to attract passer-buyers.

  X

• In-person valuation

  In-person valuationThe agent will arrange for a local expert to visit your property to conduct a proper valuation. Please note, some agents offer "free, no obligation valuations"

  X

• Hosted viewings

  Hosted viewingsA local agent will take viewings and show potential buyers around your property. Please note, some agents limit how many viewings they will take, so please read the T&C's carefully.

  X

• No sale, no fee

  No sale, no feeIf the agent doesn't sell your home, you don't pay their fee. (T&C's may apply, so please read carefully).

  X

Online Estate Agents Scotland

Estate Agent	Rating	Duration	Includes / Notes	Price
PurpleBricks	Rating 3.7 TrustPilot Reviews	Duration 6 months	Includes / Notes Free package Key features Zoopla listing Negotiation For sale sign In-person valuation No sale, no fee 13 weeks Sole Agency contract App - manage viewings, offers & communication with buyers *YES, Purplebricks now offer a 100% free house-selling service, no strings attached.	Price Free *Free	Visit WebsiteBook Free In-Person Valuation
Visum	Rating 3.8 TrustPilot Reviews	Duration 1 month	Includes / Notes Basic package Key features Zoopla listing OnTheMarket listing	Price Discount available £34 Inc VAT (Normal price: £49)	Visit Website£15 Discount Code: PIP1
Quicklister	Rating 4.8 Google Reviews	Duration 3 months	Includes / Notes Saver package Key features Zoopla listing Pay on listing (not sign up)	Price£79 Inc VAT	Visit Website
I Am The Agent	Rating 4.8 TrustPilot Reviews	Duration 30 days	Includes / Notes IATA Taster Sales package Key features Rightmove listing Zoopla listing	Price Discount available £179.1 Inc VAT (Normal price: £199.99)	Visit Website10% Discount Code: propinv21
Griffin Property Co	Rating 4.4 TrustPilot Reviews	Duration 12 months*	Includes / Notes Sell Your Property package Key features Rightmove listing Zoopla listing OnTheMarket listing *Rightmove listing is included for the first month, but after that there is an optional renewable listing for £50pcm. So if you end up advertising for 12 months on Rightmove, that's an additional £550 (£245 + £550 = £795).	Price£245 Inc VAT	Visit Website
Yopa	Rating 4.5 TrustPilot Reviews	Duration 12 months	Includes / Notes Core package Key features Rightmove listing Zoopla listing Photograghs Floorplan Negotiation For sale sign In-person valuation 16 weeks Sole Agency contract *Selling fee of £1,499 in a few specific London postcodes.	Price*£999 Inc VAT	Visit WebsiteBook Free In-Person Valuation

Please note, I try my best to keep the information of each agent up-to-date, but you should read the T&C’s from the agents’ website for the most up-to-date information.

How much can you actually save by using an online estate agent in Scotland?

Down to brass tacks, huh? I’m with ya’

The average UK high-street agent charges 1.5% – 3% of the sale price, while the average online agent charges a fixed fee of £500!

According to the UK House Price Index on the GOV website, the average house price in Scotland was £146,000 in August 2017. Now, if we assume your local agent charges you 2% of the average house price, the agent fee would be £2,920!

Yup, that’s a massive difference. BYE-BYE EXTORTIONATE LOCAL AGENT! Right?

If you want to crunch the numbers and get your hands on numbers specific to YOUR circumstances, you can gather quotes from your local agents and then use the calculator below…

So, how much can YOU save?

How long will it take to me sell my house in Scotland if I use an online estate agent?

That’s a difficult question to answer, because the answer depends on several variables, including the current condition of the Scottish property market, location of your property, your asking price etc.

However, what I think you’re really asking is (whether you realise it or not): will you sell your house quicker or slower if you use an online agent compared to a high-street agent?

Ok, so here’s my opinion…

Since the majority of prospective buyers look online for their next home these days – on websites like Rightmove & Zoopla – I don’t think there’s actually much difference in efficiency, because the majority of high-street agents put their stock on those portals and also generate their leads from them! So all the agents – both online and high-street – generally get their leads from the same source.

Your local high-street agent may gather a few extra leads from window-shoppers and the local trade, but the effectiveness and volume in those numbers are no way near as significant as they used to be pre-internet era.

Ultimately, I can’t tell you how long it would take to sell your home if you used an online agent, but I can say that I think you’ll probably generate the same amount of leads and interest regardless of which type of agent you use.

House prices in Scotland: how much should you list your house price?

Depending on which online agent you opt for, and which features you bolt onto your package, you may choose a package which includes a property valuation by a local expert based in or near your property in Scotland.

However, if you choose one of the packages which don’t include a local agent, which are generally much cheaper options, you can use an online valuation tool available by almost all online agents via their website. However, be warned, those tools aren’t always entirely reliable as they rely on historical and current house price data of similar properties in your area. So, for example, if you live in a remote village in the Scottish Highlands with a few properties, or have a particular unique property, those valuation tools are going to be as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Either way, it’s recommended to conduct your own house price research, which includes looking on websites like Rightmove & Zoopla, and then comparing the results with what the figure your online agent comes back with.

Tip: many [of the more expensive] online agents provide free and no obligation in-person property valuations, with the hope that you end up using their services to sell your home. So you could book one (or more) of those free valuations and then NOT use their services, but then take the valuation into consideration when using a cheaper package (that doesn’t include a local agent). Just saying.

Other costs when selling your home in Scotland!

Scotland HomeReport

If you’re selling a property in Scotland you’ll be legally required to provide a home report. This is a pack that provides information about the property for potential buyers, and includes the following 3 components:

• a single survey
• an energy report
• a property questionnaire.

Producing a home report costs between £500 and £700 plus VAT on average, and it can depend on the size and value of your property. While the additional fee may feel like a sharp sting, it’s worth bearing in mind that if you’re also buying a property, you won’t need to pay to get it surveyed, as it will also come with a home report (arranged by the seller).

Selling your home without a home report, or to include any false information in the documents is against the law, and by doing so could lead to a £500 penalty.

If a potential buyer requests for the report, it must be sent to them within nine days. Although, there are some exceptions:

• you don’t think they can afford to buy your home
• you don’t think they’re interested in buying it
• you wouldn’t want to sell your home to them.

For more information on home reports, I recommend the Shelter website and the GOV website, which includes how and where to get your home report arranged.

Conveyance Solicitor

When you’re selling a property and buying at the same time, conveyancing typically costs between £800 and £3,000. However, fees can vary depending on several factors, including the conveyancing firm you choose, the type (e.g. specialist vs general practitioner, and local practitioner vs online) and price of property you’re selling and where it’s situated.

it’s important to note that cheapest is not always best, as the more experienced practitioners with good reputations will typically cost more, but they’re more likely to achieve a smoother transaction, so paying a little extra for a reputable solicitor is generally a good spend.

Capital gains tax

You maybe subject to CGT if the property you are selling is not your main home (for example, if it has been rented to tenants or is a holiday home). The amount payable varies by case, but it mostly depends on your personal income and the net profit from the sale.

However, if the property you’re selling has been your only home for the entire time you owned it, and you used it as your home all the time that you owned it, then you’re unlikely to be subject to CGT.

There’s more info available on the GOV UK website, which should help you determine whether you will be subject to CGT if you sell your property in Scotland.

Have you used an online agent to sell your property in Scotland?

Whether you’ve sold or you’re currently selling with an online agent, or researching your options, please share your experience below!

Would you recommend an online estate agent, or do you think the good old traditional route can’t be replaced by an online solution?