No-commission move slated by rival agencies

  A London agent’s proposal to scrap commission on house sales until the end of the year has been condemned by rivals.   Lauristons, which has six branches across London, announced on Monday that it had introduced the option to drop its 2-3% commission in favour of an upfront, non-refundable fee of £999. The deal is valid for all properties that go on the market before the end of December, and would mean an average loss of around £8,000 per home in commission.   Patricia Farley, director of estate agent Farley & Co, said: “I can’t believe that anyone who is selling a home on a no-commission basis is going to market it as well, or advertise it thoroughly. Selling someone’s home costs money as soon as they walk out your door.”   Other agents warned that the move would not encourage more buyers into the market, and that it would be tough to convince sellers to pay an upfront fee. David Salvi, of Hurford Salvi Carr, said: “The problem with a forward fee is that the public don’t believe agents can work without an incentive.”   Steve Truman, managing director of sales and marketing at Lauristons, stood by the decision, saying: “The market is changing. Estate agents are one of the only professional groups who don’t charge a fee up front.”   Peter Bolton King, National Association of Estate Agents chief executive, said more agents were now charging withdrawal fees to recoup costs. He said: “Agents are having to think of other ways of surviving. But I honestly think that, in the vast majority of areas, the public will not be happy with upfront costs of £1,000 or so. It may be less money, but generally you get what you pay for.”   helen.roxburgh@rbi.co.uk