Most people assume estate agents simply market homes, arrange viewings and negotiate offers.
And yes, those things are obviously part of the job.
But the best estate agents often end up doing far more than that, particularly when it comes to protecting clients from situations they may not spot themselves.
A recent story in the national press highlighted exactly why experienced, ethical estate agents still matter so much.
Estate agents in Cambridge reportedly became concerned after a homeowner approached them to sell her property before moving to the United States to marry an actor she believed she’d met online.
Something about the situation didn’t feel right.
Concerned the seller might be the victim of fraud and could potentially transfer the proceeds abroad, the agents alerted the police. Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s fraud prevention officers stepped in and, thankfully, prevented the situation from escalating further.
Now, cases like this are extremely rare.
But property fraud itself is very real.
According to HM Land Registry, more than 300 fraudulent property activities involving over £194 million worth of homes were prevented between 2020 and 2025 alone.
And while most transactions proceed perfectly smoothly, stories like this are an important reminder that selling a home involves a huge amount of trust.
That’s one of the reasons due diligence matters so much.
By law, estate agents already have significant responsibilities around identity checks and anti-money laundering procedures. Sellers and buyers are verified, proof of funds is reviewed, sanctions checks are completed and ownership structures are investigated where necessary.
But good estate agents go beyond ticking compliance boxes.
They notice when things don’t quite add up.
Perhaps a buyer’s story keeps changing.
Maybe timelines feel unrealistic.
Maybe something about the financial setup raises concerns.
Or perhaps a vulnerable seller appears to be acting under unusual pressure.
Experienced agents spend every day dealing with people, property chains, finances and negotiations. Over time, they develop instincts for situations that deserve a second look.
And importantly, they know when to slow things down and ask further questions.
That doesn’t mean becoming alarmist or suspicious about every transaction. Far from it.
The overwhelming majority of buyers and sellers are genuine people simply trying to move home.
But having somebody experienced watching over the process can provide an extra layer of protection that many homeowners don’t fully appreciate until something unexpected happens.
That’s one of the reasons we became founding members of the Ethical Agent Network and now sit on its advisory panel. The network exists to raise standards within estate agency and promote a more ethical, professional approach to client care.
Because properly representing somebody’s interests doesn’t stop at marketing their property well.
It also means helping protect them when situations feel unusual, risky or potentially harmful.
Sometimes, the most valuable thing an estate agent can do isn’t negotiate a higher offer.
It’s recognising when something simply doesn’t feel right.
Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East
