Home buying and selling

Content on this page ...

Back to top

February 2010

The OFT expects to publish the market study later this month.

Back to top

11 November 2009

We have now published the results of two consumer surveys, an estate agent survey and a trading standards service (TSS) survey.

The two consumer surveys were conducted for us by GfK NOP Social Research. The qualitative consumer survey comprised a series of focus groups and interviews on the consumer experience of home buying and selling in the UK. A third piece of qualitative research - consumer diaries - is still underway. The quantitative consumer survey was conducted by telephone and gathered evidence on buyers' and sellers' attitudes, expectations, behaviour and experiences.

The estate agent survey sought information on the working practices and opinions of estate agents. The TSS survey looked into the nature of complaints, investigations and enforcement actions taken by authorities.

See press release.

We aim to publish the market study early in the New Year.

Back to top

14 October 2009

We have now largely completed the study's research phase. We requested views on the study's focus at launch and also wrote directly to a range of the largest businesses operating in the market, including ancillary service providers, to request information.

Since March 2009, we have conducted a UK-wide survey of Trading Standards plus a consultation exercise. We have also spent time in Estate Agents' branches to enhance our understanding of the business.

In terms of consumer research, we contracted GfK/NOP, which completed a series of focus groups and in-depth interviews; and during August/ September 2009 carried out large-scale surveys of buyers and sellers. GfK is also running a five-month diary exercise recording the experiences with, initially, 50 buyers and sellers. We also conducted a UK-wide survey of Estate Agents over the summer.

Over the next three months we will be analysing our findings.  We expect to publish some of our research once it is in an appropriate form and ahead of the Market study report itself, which we expect to have in a publish-ready state by the end of 2009.

Back to top

19 June 2009

We are currently in the main phase of our research, and would like to thank all those organisations and individuals who have contributed to the study to date. 

We requested views on the study's focus at launch and also wrote directly to a range of the largest businesses operating in the market, including ancillary service providers, to request information.  We are currently reviewing the responses received. 

We will shortly be conducting a survey of Trading Standards in addition to an international consultation exercise. Some members of the study team have also spent time in Estate Agents' branches to enhance their understanding of the business.

In terms of consumer research, we have contracted GfK/NOP, who recently completed a series of focus groups and in-depth interviews and have just started a five-month diary exercise with a collection of buyers and sellers recording their experiences. During July and August, we will be carrying out large-scale surveys of buyers and sellers, and a survey of Estate Agents.

We hope to publish some of our research findings once they are in an appropriate form in late summer or early autumn, and aim to publish the Market study report at the end of the year.

Back to top

25 February 2009

The OFT has formally launched its market study into home buying and selling, following two months of discussion with interested parties on its scope. The OFT intends to complete the study before the end of 2009 and will publish updates on this webpage as the study progresses.

See press release

Download Statement of scope for market study into home buying and selling (pdf 74 kb)

See questions and answers

Back to top

8 December 2008

The OFT announces plans to launch a market study into home buying and selling.

See press release

Queries, as well as comments and submissions on the issues raised by the study should be emailed to homebuyingandselling@oft.gov.uk

They can also be sent to:

Home Buying and Selling Market Study
Floor 2C
Office of Fair Trading
Fleetbank House
2-6 Salisbury Square
London EC4Y 8JX

The OFT is unable to provide advice or resolve individual complaints for consumers. Consumers can seek advice from Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, or the Consumer Direct website.

The team leader for the study is John Reynolds (020 7211 8763)

The project director is Mary Starks (020 7211 8307)

The senior responsible officer is Heather Clayton (020 7211 8826)




Back to: Current market studies

  • OFT telephone enquiries:08457 22 44 99
  • Consumer Direct telephone enquiries:08454 04 05 06