Can an Estate Agent Refuse a Viewing?

Viewings are absolutely vital for any house hunter. Even if an estate agent has shared extensive details on the property – including a floorplan, photos and walkthrough video – it’s definitely best to visit the place in person.

Not only will doing so help you to get a clearer “feel” for a property, but it may also highlight certain problems that might not be obvious when viewed remotely. These issues may include:

• Damp
• Subsidence and other structural issues
• Asbestos
• Problems with neighbours or the surrounding area

However, what if an estate agent turns your viewing down? In this article, the professional homebuying team at Property Solvers answers the question “can an estate agent refuse a viewing”?

Read on to find out where you stand if an estate agent refuses your viewing request.

Can an Estate Agent Refuse to Show a Property?

Estate agents should never refuse to show you a property.

However, as with any business, property professionals have the right to refuse service as long as their actions are not considered discriminatory.

Here are just a few reasons why an estate agent may turn down your request for a viewing:

• The property is in the process of being taken off the market;
• They consider you an abusive customer;
• Your required date and time are unsuitable for them, or for the seller
• The notice you have provided is too short (sellers usually have to give a buyer 24 hours’ notice before a viewing);
• They suspect that you may be a time-waster with no intention of making an offer;
• The seller has rejected the viewing;
• The estate agent the sellers to conduct the viewing is unavailable;
• They are currently having problems with the seller or property that must be resolved before viewings can continue.

However, if you have cause to believe that they have refused because of your race, religion, sexuality or any other discriminatory factor, you are within your right to report them to The Property Ombudsman (TPOS).  The same would be the case if you feel you have been lied to by the estate agent.

Can an Estate Agent Ask for Proof of Funds Before a Viewing?

More and more regularly, estate agents are asking prospective buyers for proof of funds before arranging a viewing. This is technically legal – as frustrating as it may be.

Often, a mortgage in principle constitutes sufficient evidence that you have the means and the intention to make an offer.

More and more property firms have put measures to reduce the ‘time-wasting’ to estate agents, sellers and buyers.

This includes preventing unnecessary contact by encouraging initial viewings to be undertaken remotely (or viewing a pre-recorded video).  The aim is that only “serious” house hunters (that will not pull out of the sale) should visit a property in person.

What’s more, estate agent viewing requests can often build up. Their schedules are filling up, so any viewing requests need to be made promptly to avoid disappointment. They may then wish to determine whether you’re actually in a position to buy. Asking for proof of funds may be part of this.

If you don’t have sufficient means, you’ll have wasted their time – which is currently more valuable than ever. Of course, this approach can be frustrating and may require a considerable amount of administration on the part of the prospective buyer.

Can An Estate Agent Refuse an Offer?

We’ve established that they can decline a viewing for the right reasons, but can an estate agent refuse to pass on an offer?

It is up to the seller to accept or reject any offer on their property. So, can an estate agent refuse to present an offer? Not really. Usually, up until contracts are signed, they are obligated to pass all offers to the seller.

However, the seller may instruct them to automatically turn down offers under a particular amount. If the figure you’ve put forward falls short, it won’t go any further.

In conclusion, it’s absolutely possible – and legal – for an estate agent to turn down a viewing. However, the reason they give should be fair, and must not involve any form of discrimination. What’s more, they can only reject an offer with permission from the seller.

If you believe that an estate agent is discriminating against you, you should contact the Property Ombudsman or the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team (NTSEAT). They may be able to help you resolve any complaint.

In order to avoid the complexities of buying or selling through a high street estate agent, why not contact Property Solvers today? We can buy any house with an upfront cash offer in as little as seven days, with no estate agency or legal fees to pay.

For further information, get in touch with us today. We’ll provide all of the help, guidance and assistance you require.