What is the difference between sole agency and multi-agency when selling?
They describe how many estate agents may market your property and who is entitled to a fee — and the contract wording matters more than the label.
Sole agency. One agent has the exclusive right to market and sell the property for an agreed period. The fee is the lowest of the options, typically because the agent has certainty of earning it.
The important nuance: under a standard sole agency agreement, you generally do not owe a fee if you find a buyer entirely yourself, without the agent's involvement. But this depends on the wording, and a "sole selling rights" agreement is different and more onerous.
Sole selling rights. This is the term to watch. It entitles the agent to their fee whoever finds the buyer, including you personally, and often including a period after the contract ends. It sounds similar to sole agency and is materially worse for the seller. Regulations require the difference to be explained in writing, and it is worth reading carefully.
Joint sole agency. Two agents share the instruction and split an agreed fee, usually higher than a single sole agency but lower than multi-agency. Useful where two agents cover different markets or areas.
Multi-agency. Any number of agents may market the property, and only the one who introduces the successful buyer is paid. Fees are the highest — frequently a percentage point or more above sole agency — because each agent is working with no guarantee of return.
The trade-offs:
Multi-agency creates competition and can generate more viewings, but it also means no agent prioritises your property, and buyers seeing the same house with several agents may infer difficulty selling.
Sole agency gives an agent reason to invest effort, and a shorter tie-in limits your exposure if they do not.
What to check in any contract:
The tie-in period — a fortnight to eight weeks is typical; longer is worth resisting.
The notice period to terminate afterwards.
"Ready, willing and able purchaser" clauses, which can make a fee payable even if the sale falls through.
Withdrawal fees and marketing charges.