The truth about why we hate estate agents

Once again estate agents have been named among the least-trustworthy people in Britain, rated in the public consciousness somewhere between politicians and journalists (ouch). Less than a third of people believe agents tell the truth, according to the annual Veracity Index from market research firm Ipsos Mori, which tracks consumer trust in particular professions – less than the same time last year.

Many of us have our own horror stories of widespread chicanery in the sector: when moving house recently, for example, I was informed I would not be permitted to view a house I was interested in until I agreed to list my flat with the selling agent first.

Agents themselves have responded with resigned acceptance to the idea that everyone thinks they are real-life versions of the eponymous hero of the Bafta-winning Channel 4 show Stath Lets Flats: clueless, tactless, and scruple-less.

 ‘Estate agents have always had a reputation, defaulting to the lowest common denominator,’ said Josephine Ashby, a director of John Bray Estates in Cornwall, with a sigh.