{"id":533,"date":"2026-10-06T09:04:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T09:04:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/?p=533"},"modified":"2026-10-06T14:02:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T14:02:37","slug":"online-estate-agents-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dy36.stage.yopa-dev.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/online-estate-agents-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Online and Hybrid Estate Agents"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The market for online and hybrid estate agents has changed significantly in recent years. They have become an established part of the UK property market, while self-employed and associate-agent models have also become increasingly prominent. According to TwentyCi <a href=\"https:\/\/www.twentyci.co.uk\/phmr\/twentyci-property-homemover-report-end-of-year-2025\/\">data<\/a>, self-employed agents accounted for around 2.2% of UK property exchanges in 2025, while the overall figure for online agents was around 5.2%. Yopa is one of the established brands operating within this broader online and hybrid estate agency sector, combining digital technology with local expertise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What exactly are online and hybrid estate agents, though, and why should you choose them to sell your home?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">What is an online or hybrid estate agent?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An online estate agent is an estate agent that uses digital technology and online marketing as a central part of its service. Traditionally, the term referred to agents without a network of high-street branches who were often able to offer lower prices than their high street counterparts with the overheads of a physical office. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, there are online-only agents, hybrid agents that combine online services with local property experts (such as Yopa), and traditional high-street agents that also provide extensive online services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hybrid estate agents provide a local agent, who values your home, advises you and negotiates for you, with online tools for managing your sale. At Yopa, your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/our-local-agents\">local agent<\/a> visits your home and handles the sale for you, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/about-yopahub\">YopaHub<\/a> lets you follow viewings, feedback and offers online. Hosted viewings are included in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/fees\">Premium and Ultimate bundles<\/a>; with Core you can host viewings yourself or add them as an extra.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">How do online estate agents differ from traditional estate agents?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most cases, there is very little difference between a high street (\u2018traditional\u2019) estate agent and a full-service hybrid agent, although there are some ultra-low-cost online agencies out there offering somewhat stripped down services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The price you pay can sometimes indicate the level of service you can expect, but rather than choosing an agent based simply on its headline price, it is worth looking at what you actually receive for the fee. This can include the valuation, photography, floorplans, property listings, viewings, negotiation and sales progression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Online and hybrid agents may offer different pricing models, including fixed fees, percentage-based fees, upfront fees, deferred payment and no-sale-no-fee options. Some services that are included by one agent may be charged as extras by another, so it is always important to check what is on offer with each agent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When comparing agents, ask:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Is the valuation carried out in person or remotely?<\/li><li>Will I have a named local property expert?<\/li><li>Which property portals will you use to list my property?<\/li><li>Are professional photography and floorplans included?<\/li><li>Who conducts viewings?<\/li><li>Who negotiates with buyers?<\/li><li>Is sales progression included?<\/li><li>When does the fee become payable?<\/li><li>What happens if the property does not sell?<\/li><li>Is there a minimum term or sole-agency period?<\/li><li>Are there any additional or referral fees?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This gives you a much better basis for comparison than the headline fee alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">How do online estate agents value properties?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common misconception is that online estate agents do not have a presence in the local area, and therefore only use automated valuations. While some online only services do rely heavily on automated or remote valuations, most hybrid estate agents employ valuers just like their high street equivalents. These agents are often called <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/our-local-agents\">local property experts<\/a>, and they usually live in the area, so they have just as much local knowledge as a high street agent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typically, a local property expert will initially assess the house based on local prices, recent sales, and the overall attractiveness of the area. This can all be done remotely. However, a visit will reveal what condition the property is in, alongside its size, layout and any individual features which should be taken into account. The agent will then be able to make adjustments as required. This is the same process that most high street estate agent valuers use as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/online-valuation\">online valuation<\/a> can be useful as a starting point, but it should be treated as an estimate rather than a guaranteed selling price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" src=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homebuyer-survey-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homebuyer-survey-1024x429.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homebuyer-survey-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homebuyer-survey-768x321.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homebuyer-survey-50x21.jpg 50w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homebuyer-survey-1500x628.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2022\/03\/homebuyer-survey-2000x837.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">How much money could you save with an online estate agent?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Work it out for your own home: take a valuation from an agent you are considering and subtract the total fee from an online or hybrid agent for the same level of service, including VAT and any extras you need. The saving depends on your home\u2019s price, the agent\u2019s commission rate and the services you choose. You can see Yopa\u2019s bundles and prices on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/fees\">fees page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">Why are online estate agent fees higher in London?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want an accurate valuation, you need someone who understands the local property market in that area. They must be able to understand what factors drive people to the area, what aspects of the property will help it to sell and how much to price it for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of that can benefit from boots on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some agents charge different fees for London and other areas with similarly priced properties, while others use national pricing. Where fees differ, this may reflect increased local operating costs for those agents living and working in a more expensive area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It should not, however, be assumed that an agent charging the same fee nationally has no local presence, or that a higher fee necessarily means a better valuation. The important question is whether the agent has sufficient knowledge and coverage of your particular local market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">London trends have always been variable too, differing from borough to borough, so local knowledge can be particularly useful when deciding how to position and price a property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same principle applies across the UK: national house-price trends do not necessarily reflect what is happening on an individual street or in a particular area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">How much do high street estate agents charge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High street agents usually charge a percentage of the eventual sale price. The rate depends on the agent, the area, the type of agreement and the service provided. Ask each agent for a quote that includes VAT, and compare what each one covers rather than assuming one national price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cheapest option is not necessarily the best option, and the most expensive agent is not necessarily the best, either. Consider the agent&#8217;s local experience, marketing strategy, communication, negotiation and sales-progression service, plus independent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getagent.co.uk\/\">reviews<\/a>, alongside the fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" src=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/online-estate-agents-vs-high-street-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2019\/04\/online-estate-agents-vs-high-street-1024x429.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2019\/04\/online-estate-agents-vs-high-street-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2019\/04\/online-estate-agents-vs-high-street-768x321.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2019\/04\/online-estate-agents-vs-high-street-50x21.jpg 50w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2019\/04\/online-estate-agents-vs-high-street-1500x628.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2019\/04\/online-estate-agents-vs-high-street-2000x837.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7\">Aren\u2019t high street agents also online?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, and no! While in the 80s and 90s, high street estate agents were the only way to view a range of properties, this all changed in the early 2000s, when a little-known website called Rightmove suddenly became the place to advertise. Thanks to an aggressive marketing strategy, it quickly became the number-one choice. Zoopla followed shortly afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Property portals are now a fundamental part of the UK housing market, and virtually all established estate agents use digital marketing in some form. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So\nin that sense, high street agents are also online. The vast majority of them\nalso now have websites, and you can easily contact them by email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difference today is less about whether an agent is \u201conline\u201d and more about what additional services are available and how they are delivered. For instance an online-only or hybrid agent may be able to provide 24-hour online technology and communication channels with local property experts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9\">Do you have to pay upfront with online estate agents?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many cases, you do have to pay upfront, but this varies between agents and packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some agents offer a deferred payment option, while others offer a no-sale-no-fee service. Each model has advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With an upfront fixed fee, you know what you are paying, but you may still have to pay the fee if your property does not sell. With a deferred fee, you may not have to pay immediately, but check whether the arrangement involves credit, interest or other charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a no-sale-no-fee service, the fee tends to be slightly higher because the agent takes on more risk. It doesn\u2019t mean there are no possible charges though, so check the contract for any sole agency period, cancellation terms and other charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before instructing an agent, check exactly when you become liable for the fee and what happens if you withdraw the property, change agents or find your own buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"429\" src=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/fareham-1024x429.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2702\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2021\/09\/fareham-1024x429.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2021\/09\/fareham-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2021\/09\/fareham-768x321.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2021\/09\/fareham-50x21.jpg 50w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2021\/09\/fareham-1500x628.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.yopacrm.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/uploads\/2021\/09\/fareham-2000x837.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10\">Do online estate agents offer accompanied viewings?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most online and hybrid estate agents offer accompanied viewings, although there is sometimes a charge for this service. How much depends on the estate agent and the package you choose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If accompanied viewings are important to you, check whether they are included in the headline fee, charged separately, or available only in certain areas. Also check who will conduct them and whether the same local property expert will remain involved throughout the sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember though, the number of viewings a property needs can vary substantially depending on its price, location, presentation and the wider market. So, whilst you should always do your research on an agent&#8217;s performance, historic average-viewing figures should not be treated as a reliable prediction for an individual property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What percentage of properties do online estate agents sell?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is difficult to answer, because not all online agents publish comparable data showing how many properties they take on and how many ultimately sell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Customer reviews can therefore be useful when assessing an agent&#8217;s performance. However, a high review score should not be interpreted as evidence of a particular sale or completion rate since reviews often tend to focus on customer experience more than sales success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When comparing agents, look for evidence about local experience, marketing reach, customer service and how they support sellers through the process, rather than relying on a claimed \u201csuccess rate\u201d alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How are online estate agents regulated?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Online estate agents are not exempt from the normal rules and regulation of the industry simply because they operate online. Estate agents must comply with relevant consumer-protection and estate-agency <a href=\"https:\/\/www.propertymark.co.uk\/professional-standards\/uk-regulation.html\">legislation<\/a> for their region, and they must belong to an approved redress scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When choosing an agent, check which redress scheme they belong to and read the agency agreement carefully before signing. Pay particular attention to the fee, the length of the agreement, whether it is sole agency or sole selling rights, and the circumstances in which you could still owe a fee after ending your agreement with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also ask how the agent handles important property information and whether they will help you provide the information buyers need at an early stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12\">What about conveyancing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conveyancing is the process through which you legally transfer the ownership of a property from one person to another. With most online options you can use your own conveyancer or solicitor although there may be a few exceptions. If an estate agent offers a deferred-payment or other package linked to a particular conveyancing provider, check the terms carefully before agreeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most high street estate agents will have a recommended solicitor or conveyancer from whom they receive commission. If this is the case, the relevant referral arrangement should be disclosed to you. You are not generally required to use the estate agent&#8217;s recommended legal professional, so it is worth comparing the service and total cost with alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\ncan find more information on the conveyancing process in our article entitled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/conveyancing-everything-need-know-afraid-ask\/\"><em>The Ultimate\nGuide to Conveyancing<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13\">Can I sell a home without any estate agents at all?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But\nyou will have to do all the legwork. Prepared for that? Then read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selling your home without any estate agent at all essentially means preparing and photographing your home, writing an accurate description of the property yourself and arriving at an accurate asking price for your property. Then comes the crucial bit \u2013 finding somewhere to market your home. Major property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla generally work with estate agents rather than accepting direct listings from individual homeowners, so private sellers need to consider alternative ways of reaching buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In\nmany cases, people who aren\u2019t using estate agents will advertise homes in the\npress or on social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram or perhaps place\na hard copy advert in local businesses or distribute fliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The\nnext stage is to arrange viewings as and when they come in, although you may\nhave to arrange to take time off work to show people around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\nmust also consider what offers you are willing to accept. Because you do not\nhave the same marketing reach, you may have to accept a lower price for your\nhome. Negotiation, however, can be key, so don\u2019t be afraid to turn down offers\nif they are too low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your solicitor or conveyancer will help you through much of the paperwork, but there may be additional costs and responsibilities associated with managing the transaction yourself since you will need to verify the other person\u2019s identity and ensure that everything is legitimate. In addition, you will need to keep track of the progress of the sale and any related chain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This can be a lot of work, but if you are interested in selling your own home, check out our full guide to doing so <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/guide-selling-house-privately\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do decide to use an estate agent though, there can be major advantages to using an online or hybrid agent versus a high street estate agent. They usually offer very competitive fees thanks to their ability to offer comparable services without the overheads. By creating online communication hubs that allow negotiation outside of conventional office hours the selling process is made easier and more convenient, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately though, you will find the best estate agent for you by comparing the total cost, contract terms, local expertise, marketing, communication, viewing arrangements and level of support you will receive from the point of valuation through to completion.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"valuation-widgets\">\n    <div class=\"valuation-widgets__col\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/online-valuation\" class=\"valuation-widget\">\n            <div class=\"media\">\n    <div class=\"media__media\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dy36.stage.yopa-dev.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/wp-content\/themes\/yopa\/assets\/images\/icon-house.svg\" alt=\"\" role=\"presentation\">    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"media__inner\">\n        <div class=\"media__heading\">\n            Instant online <span class=\"chevron\">valuation<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"media__content\">\n            <p>Get a rough estimate of your home's value now.<\/p>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"valuation-widgets__col\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/property-valuation\" class=\"valuation-widget\">\n            <div class=\"media\">\n    <div class=\"media__media\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/dy36.stage.yopa-dev.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/wp-content\/themes\/yopa\/assets\/images\/icon-currency.svg\" alt=\"\" role=\"presentation\">    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"media__inner\">\n        <div class=\"media__heading\">\n            Face-to-face <span class=\"chevron\">valuation<\/span>        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"media__content\">\n            <p>Book an appointment with your local Yopa agent.<\/p>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The market for online estate agents has increased dramatically in recent years, going from virtually nothing in 2008 to accounting for 7% of the property sold on the UK market in 2017. 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