Selling a home can be frustrating enough without feeling like you’re stuck in a partnership that isn’t working.

Most sellers begin their property journey feeling optimistic. The valuation sounds promising, the photos look great, and the agent assures you they’re confident of a successful sale. Then the weeks start passing by.

Viewings are limited. Feedback is vague. Communication becomes sporadic. Before long, you’re wondering whether the problem is the market, your property, or the agent you’ve chosen. The truth is that not every property that sits on the market is unsellable. Sometimes, the issue lies within the strategy behind the sale.

So how do you know when it’s time to change estate agents? And what should you look for before making the move?

Not every slow sale is a bad sign

It’s worth acknowledging that every property is different, and there are a number of reasons a house sale can feel slow.

Market conditions, location, buyer demand, and seasonal trends all play a role in how quickly a home sells. A slower sale doesn’t automatically mean your agent is doing a poor job. However, if weeks are turning into months with little progress and no clear plan for improvement, it’s worth taking a closer look at what’s happening behind the scenes.

The key question isn’t necessarily “Has my home sold yet?” It’s “Is my agent actively doing everything they can to make the house sale happen?”

1. The property was priced wrong from day one

This is perhaps the most common reason properties struggle to gain momentum.

It’s understandable why sellers are drawn to the highest valuation. After all, if one agent says your property is worth £700,000 and another says £750,000, it’s tempting to believe the higher figure. Unfortunately, some agents know this.

In a competitive market, there can be a temptation to overvalue a property in order to win the instruction, only for the reality of buyer demand to emerge once the property goes live. The problem is that first impressions matter. Properties often receive the most attention when they’re first launched. If the asking price isn’t aligned with the market, buyers may simply scroll past.

Weeks later, the property can begin to look stale, even if it’s perfectly good value after reductions. If your agent can’t clearly explain how they arrived at the asking price using local evidence and comparable sales, it may be worth asking questions.

2. The marketing feels passive

Listing your property on Rightmove isn’t a marketing strategy. It’s the starting point. A strong estate agent should be actively working to put your property in front of the right buyers rather than simply waiting for enquiries to arrive.

If your listing consists of a handful of average photos, a generic description, and little else, it may not be working as hard as it could be. Equally, if there seems to be no discussion around adjusting the marketing approach based on buyer feedback, that’s another warning sign.

Every property campaign should evolve. If interest is lower than expected, your agent should be analysing why and recommending solutions rather than simply waiting.

3. You’re constantly chasing for updates

Few things frustrate sellers more than poor communication. Selling a home can feel stressful enough without wondering what’s happening behind the scenes. You shouldn’t have to repeatedly call or email your agent just to find out whether there has been any activity.

Good agents provide regular updates, honest feedback, and clear recommendations. Even when there isn’t much to report, communication matters. If you’re finding out more from property portals than you are from your agent, something isn’t right.

4. Vague feedback after viewings

Viewings should provide valuable information. Even when buyers don’t make an offer, their feedback can help shape the strategy moving forward. It can highlight pricing concerns, presentation issues, or recurring objections that need to be addressed.

If all you’re hearing is “they’re still thinking about it” or “they weren’t quite ready,” it’s difficult to make informed decisions. Constructive feedback helps sellers understand what buyers are actually seeing and feeling. Without it, you’re effectively operating in the dark.

5. You’re locked into a long contract

This is often the point where frustration really starts to build.

Many sellers only discover the reality of their contract once they’re unhappy. Suddenly, they’re tied into a lengthy agreement with weeks or even months remaining before they can make a change. Long contracts don’t always mean a bad agent, but they can remove accountability. If a seller feels trapped, the relationship rarely improves.

One of the reasons we offer a four-week minimum period at Davies & Davies is because we believe good service should retain clients, not lengthy contracts. If we’re delivering value, you’ll want to stay. If we’re not, you should have the freedom to make a different decision.

Ready to switch? Check your current agreement

If you’ve decided it’s time to move on, the first step is checking your current agreement.

Pay particular attention to notice periods, sole agency clauses, and any fees that may still apply if a buyer introduced by the original agent eventually purchases the property.

This is one area sellers often overlook – the possibility of dual commission. If a buyer was originally introduced through your first agent and later purchases through your new one, there can sometimes be disputes over who is entitled to the fee.

A decent, new agent should help clarify this early and make sure everyone is clear on where responsibility sits before marketing begins.

Research new agents

Once you understand your position, start researching alternative agents carefully and create a shortlist. Make use of free estate agent finder tools to compare agents on how quickly they sell, how close they come to securing the asking price and how successful they are.

Take the time to interview your shortlists of estate agents. A good agent should be able to explain exactly how they’ll approach your sale differently. Look beyond the valuation figure. Ask about communication processes, marketing strategies, local market knowledge, and contract terms.

Ensuring a smooth switch

A well-managed switch should feel seamless. Your new agent should help coordinate the transition, ensuring the existing listing is taken down before refreshed marketing is launched. This avoids duplication, prevents confusion among buyers, and helps maintain momentum on key property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla.

Most importantly, choose someone who is willing to have an honest conversation about what’s gone wrong so far and what can realistically be improved moving forward.

Reignite new interest in your house sale

Switching estate agents can feel like a big decision. This is especially true if you’ve already invested time and energy into the process, but staying with an agent who isn’t delivering simply because you’ve already started with them rarely improves the outcome.

Sometimes a fresh perspective, a more accurate pricing strategy, stronger communication, or a more proactive marketing approach is all that’s needed to reignite interest and get your sale moving again.

Because ultimately, your estate agent should be helping you move forward, not leaving your property sitting on the shelf wondering what went wrong.

Contact us:

mark@daviesdavies.co.uk – Sales Director (contact for sales, lettings and new homes)

katrina@daviesdavies.co.uk – Director of Property & Block Management (contact for property and block management)

Davies & Davies Estate Agents, 85 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EG

Article & images by Barefaced Studios

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