Are Online Estate Agents Better Than High Street Agents?
The Death of the High Street Window
When was the last time you bought a house because you saw a printed piece of paper in an estate agent's shop window? Exactly. Today, 95% of property searches begin online via portals like Rightmove and Zoopla.
Agent Types Compared
| Feature | High Street Agent | Online Agent (e.g. Purplebricks) | Direct Platform (My Savvi Home) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | 1.5% - 2.5% + VAT | Fixed fee (£999+) | Low monthly sub (£0 commission) |
| Viewings | Agent hosts (usually) | You host (or pay extra) | You host |
| Motivation | No sale, no fee | Upfront fee (paid regardless) | Subscription (flexible) |
| Control | Low | Medium | High |
Online agents disrupted the market by offering fixed fees instead of percentage commissions. However, they often require you to pay upfront or sign restrictive credit agreements. If your house doesn't sell, you still owe them £1,000+. Furthermore, they often push expensive conveyancing and mortgage add-ons to make up their margins.
The Direct Sale Evolution
Direct sale platforms like My Savvi Home are the next logical step. Since the seller is already doing the viewings and the online portals do the marketing, why pay an agent at all? A direct platform simply gives you the software tools to list, message, and sell your property yourself.