ADVERTORIAL
WHEN ADVICE COMES WITH STRINGS ATTACHED
By Henry Wright, Quick Mortgages
stayed in-house.
henry@quickmortgages.com Henry Wright
A lot of our police staff clients have been in touch with us recently, asking the same question: What’s going on with estate agents, and should I be worried? The recent surge in concern follows a BBC Panorama investigation that shone a stark light on the sales tactics being used by some of the UK’s biggest estate agency chains. The programme, The Undercover Estate Agent, revealed cases where buyers were pressured into using in-house mortgage brokers and solicitors, with hints, and in some cases outright claims, that their offer might not be taken seriously otherwise. Unsurprisingly, this has caused alarm
among many would-be homebuyers, particularly within the police community. When you’re managing unsociable hours and the high demands of frontline service, the last thing you need is to be misled during one of life’s biggest financial decisions.
Inside the Tactics Panorama’s undercover footage showed buyers being told their offer would only be forwarded to the seller if they used the agency’s in-house broker. Others were advised that using an external solicitor would delay the process, or that sellers would feel more confident if everything
While not necessarily universal
across the industry, these tactics raise serious concerns. It’s not just ethically questionable, it’s legally shaky too. The Estate Agents Act 1979 makes it clear that all genuine offers must be passed to the seller, regardless of who the buyer’s broker or solicitor is. Agents are required to act in the seller’s best interests, not to steer buyers toward services that generate internal commission. For buyers, especially first-timers, this
can be incredibly confusing. You’re excited, maybe nervous, and eager to secure your new home. It’s easy to go along with what feels like the smoother path. But in doing so, some people may end up with advice that costs more, isn’t truly independent with fewer choices as a result.
Why It Hits Home for Police For those in the police, the issue is more than frustrating, it’s personal. Officers and staff often need flexible, transparent support when it comes to mortgages. Income can be complex, time is limited, and the job rarely follows a standard nine-to-five routine. We’ve worked with clients who were
told they had to use a certain broker, or that their offer wouldn’t be taken seriously unless they followed the agent’s “recommended” path. That simply shouldn’t happen. You have every right to use your own
independent mortgage advisor, someone who understands your circumstances, works for you, and isn’t being paid to meet a referral quota.
Standing Your Ground Standing your ground is second nature in policing, but it’s not always easy to spot when you’re being subtly pressured behind the scenes. That’s why it’s so important to know your rights and to trust your instincts. You do have a choice. The right to ask questions. The right to independent advice. And the right to walk away from anything that doesn’t feel right.
At Quick Mortgages, we’re proud to support the police community with:
• Competitive solicitor and conveyancing quote options
• Fee-free mortgage advice • Access to the whole of market, not a restricted lender panel
No pressure, just clear honest help when and where you need it.
If you’ve experienced any kind of pressure when buying a home or just want to talk through your options with someone who genuinely understands your needs, we’re here when you need us.
Call Quick Mortgages on 0121 661 46 76 or see their website at:
www.quickmortgages.com
53 | POLICE | AUGUST | 2025
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