Referral fees: The quiet scandal in Estate Agency

Referral fees: The quiet scandal in Estate Agency

A more transparent way of working for buyers and sellers in Kingston.

November 21, 2025

Another change we have added to our process.

We have removed all referral fees.

No kickbacks, no “introducer fees”, no small print. If we recommend someone, it is not because they pay us, it is because they are good at their job.

We are doubling down on what has made this process successful, just telling the truth.

What are referral fees?

In simple terms, they are payments most agents get for sending you to a particular:

  • Solicitor

  • Mortgage broker

  • Surveyor

  • Other service provider

The problem is obvious, it creates doubt.

Are they recommending them for you, or for them?

We do not want that anywhere near our business.

What this means if you are selling

  • Advice based only on the move you are trying to make

  • Clear costs, you see who you are paying and what for

  • Less friction, everyone involved is there on merit, not because of a side deal

What this means if you are buying

  • No pressure to use “our” contacts

  • If you want recommendations, you will get honest ones

  • No surprises later about who was paying who

And for us

On paper, we are walking away from extra income. In reality, it keeps things simple.

  • We focus on getting your sale agreed and completed

  • You know exactly where you stand

  • The process stays clean and transparent

We are not changing our core approach, upfront legal work, clear pricing, and a strict four-week market discovery process. Dropping referral fees just removes one more thing that gets in the way of a straightforward move.

Warm regards,
The Carringtons Team

At least three bidders miss out on almost every Carringtons property—unprepared for our rapid sales pace.
Carringtons sells properties in under three weeks by creating competitive markets, catching many buyers off guard.

1. Our process swiftly attracts multiple qualified buyers within two weeks.  
2. Unprepared buyers often feel surprised and disappointed by the speed.  
3. We ensure every buyer has a fair chance—without regret.

- First-Time Buyers: Secure a mortgage in principle, proof of deposit, and a conveyancer.  
- Cash Buyers: Demonstrate immediate proceedability with conveyancer-verified funds.  
- Buyers with Homes to Sell: Ideally have your property under offer, solicitors instructed, and an exchange timeline.

Our priority is sellers: we generate qualified offers quickly for optimal choices, strengthening their position for onward purchases.  
Each seller's needs vary; we present all offers equally and advise on the best fit—valuing certainty over price alone. For instance, a swift cash buyer may prevail over a higher chained offer.  
If selling in Kingston or surrounds, discuss how our process accelerates your sale—positioning you strongly for any purchase.