I remember the first time I found myself face-to-face with a real estate broker so disorganised that he made a hamster on a caffeine binge look composed.
It was when I ventured out for my first dream flat in the heart of London. There I was, trying to laugh while listening to Geoffrey ramble on about the property’s “ocean views.”
Now, allow me to clarify: this was central London, and unless the Thames had suddenly decided to widen significantly overnight, ocean views were unequivocally impossible.
Before you flee to the countryside in despair, rest assured that not all brokers are cut from the same questionable cloth. Since then, I’ve done my fair share of research and have gathered first-hand insights on the best real estate brokers in London—here’s who made my list.
| How much does it cost to hire a real estate broker in London? If you’re planning on purchasing property, there are generally no fees involved. However, if you’re a seller, expect to pay at least 0.75% of the selling price to your real estate agent. This percentage is just an estimate and may change depending on the real estate agent you choose. |
What I looked for
- Reputation: A broker’s reputation is everything. I scoped out online reviews, listened to personal recommendations, and verified the experiences of others who’ve hired shortlisted real estate agents.
- Market knowledge: A great broker should be well-versed in the nuances of London’s ever-shifting property market. I looked for individuals who spoke of market trends as affectionately as I do of sonnets, with insights sharp enough to slice through the London fog.
- Professionalism and communication: Precision is key. I prioritised brokers who communicated with the clarity and promptness one would expect in a briefing. They needed to return calls and provide updates.
- Negotiation skills: A broker must adeptly manoeuvre the negotiating table. I sought out brokers with a proven track record of securing favourable terms, ensuring that their clients’s financial interests were skillfully defended.
1. Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices London (King’s Cross)
Address: Unit 4, 6 Pancras Sq, London N1C 4AG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442037333899
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 2 PM
Website: Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices London
From what I’ve noted, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices London’s tailor-made real estate marketing strategies are reflected in the quick sales of their properties.
Many of their clients who were selling told me they were amazed by the interior design service offered, which indeed transformed their somewhat dated flats into attractive, modern homes.
Conversing with other sellers revealed consistent praise for the professional photography that beautifully captured their homes. What I found notable is how their virtual tours generate significant interest even before any physical viewings.
And for buyers, they have an enormous database of properties available everywhere, from Hyde Park to Bayswater. (They even have global properties available.)
However, a couple of buyers did tell me they felt the communication with their agent was sometimes a bit too formal and could benefit from a more down-to-earth approach.
Pros
- Quick sales with tailored marketing
- Amazing interior design service
- Professional photography & virtual tours
- Huge property database (local & global)
Cons
- Communication can be too formal
Customer Reviews
They were extremely helpful during the negotiations with the seller
“I have recently bought a nice flat thanks to Tiffany and Graciela. They were extremely helpful during the negotiations with the seller and they were really great at keeping the process on track, nudging solicitors and making sure everything goes as quick and smooth as possible. Really appreciate their help, professionalism and positive attitude!”
- Oleg Kovalevski, Google Reviews
From ‘offer to completion’ was just 12 weeks
“The plaudits and positive comments on the reviews below are all ones which I strongly support. Both Graciela Loveday and Tiffany Fieldman were quite excellent in dealing with the sale of my flat. They were both very professional, knowledgeable of the market, and very good at keeping me regularly updated. I was impressed with the number of prospective buyers they managed to have to come and view the property. From ‘offer to completion’ was just 12 weeks, and both Gracie and Tiffany worked hard behind the scenes to ensuring good communication between buyer and solicitors, and overcoming some obstacles and possible delays. Well done to both as good professional team. I recommend their skills and expertise.”
- Hamish Campbell, Google Reviews
2. REMAX Real Estate Agents London
Address: 75A Barking Rd, London E16 4HB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442070550441
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 4 PM
Website: REMAX Real Estate Agents London
If you’re browsing for properties or dipping your toes into property sales, REMAX Real Estate Agents is a wise choice.
The first thing that caught my eye was their free valuation service. When I spoke with one of their agents, his insights were incredibly detailed, and he explained to me how property sales would work if I were inclined to sell my flat.
Their regular advertising campaigns and exposure on social media mean properties cater to buyers both local and international—an approach that several of their clients I spoke with highly praised.
The buyers I talked to lauded REMAX for the helpful property alerts they received, which aligned perfectly with their meticulous search parameters. And many appreciated the tips, from mortgage offers to completion-day formalities.
However, some shared their frustrations about the delays during the exchange of contracts phase, attributing the slow progress to a seemingly understaffed conveyancing department.
Pros
- Free property valuation
- Knowledgeable agents
- Wide reach for property listings
- Helpful property alerts for buyers
- Supportive guidance throughout the buying process
Cons
- Potential delays in contract exchange
- Possible understaffing
Customer Reviews
Kindness and quick responses made the process stress-free
“I recently used the services of REMAX to find a new home in London. I mainly thank agent Anastasiia who was very helpful from the beginning. She is standout real estate agent. Her kindness and quick responses made the process stress-free. She understood our needs perfectly and efficiently handled all paperwork. She goes above and beyond to ensure client satisfaction, making her a top choice for your real estate needs. Highly recommended!”
- Laura Gpe Aguilar Sanchez, Google Reviews
Their open communication and genuine care kept me informed
“Choosing a property manager can feel like a gamble, but with Real Estate Agents London, it felt like finding a trusted friend. They took the time to understand my needs and concerns and tailored their services accordingly. Their open communication and genuine care kept me informed and at ease every step of the way. It’s more than just property management with them – it’s a true partnership. Highly recommended!”
- Baby Yoda, Google Reviews
3. Knight Frank Mayfair Estate Agents
Address: 120A Mount St, London W1K 3NN, United Kingdom
Contact details: +442039251642
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Website: Knight Frank Mayfair Estate Agents
Knight Frank Mayfair caters to buyers, sellers, and those needing property management for both residential and commercial properties.
The real estate agents I conversed with on the phone were very informative about what they could offer me as a potential buyer. They specialise in country houses and rural properties if you’re a little exhausted from city life.
I liked how they provide exclusive listings that aren’t available publicly. And others I spoke to felt the same.
I’ve heard praise about their access to over 200 financial providers too. A few sellers remarked about their expertise in commercial property valuation, allowing them to maximise their property’s value.
Several property owners bragged about how Knight Frank’s team handles everything impeccably, from maintenance to tenant issues. A few buyers I spoke to loved the follow-up and corrective measures taken by the real estate agents here.
However, some sellers mentioned longer waiting times for offers, especially in niche markets like senior living residences.
Pros
- Country house expertise
- Exclusive non-public listings
- Wide network of financial providers
- Expert commercial property valuation
- Top-notch property management
Cons
- Long waiting times for offers in niche markets
Customer Reviews
Ensured a smooth signing of the contract
“Great experience renting a property with Knight Frank. I got an amazing property exactly where I wanted (thanks to my super helpful agent Mark Johnson). Knight Frank and Mark ensured a smooth signing of the contract and Mark went above and beyond by helping me throughout my property stay when I encountered some issues with the property. It was a lovely experience and if I am back I would definitely use their services again.”
- Sanket Gupta, Google Reviews
Kept me regularly updated throughout the transaction
“We have just purchased a flat where George Simpson was the selling agent. George was incredibly professional, helpful and really nice to deal with but most importantly kept me regularly updated throughout the transaction and went above and beyond to solve any hurdle that arose. He had great contacts that we used on the surveying and legal front, who were willing and able to work at his pace and to his deadlines, whilst still providing clear and helpful advice. In short the transaction would not have happened in the timescale it did without George’s constant perseverance. I would definitely instruct him when I come to sell.”
- Sophie Rodriguez, Google Reviews
4. The Private Realtor
Address: Devonshire House, One Mayfair Pl, London W1J 8AJ, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +442039165838
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Website: The Private Realtor
If you’re a seller who wants maximum property exposure, a private realtor is worth considering.
The brokers I spoke with told me they cover all the major online portals like Prime Location, Zoopla, and Rightmove. They even use social media to maximise property exposure.
From what I’ve heard, these brokers collaborate with the top leaders in interior design, cleaning services, and more to keep their clients satisfied. They excel at accessing otherwise unavailable properties, thanks to their thorough research.
Private Realtor also has a range of off-market UK hotels for sale with access to lucrative buyers. A few hoteliers shared with me their satisfaction with the swift and efficient process of working with private realtors.
However, a common critique among sellers was the surprising price cut fee, which wasn’t always clearly communicated upfront.
Pros
- Wide property exposure
- Top-notch collaborations
- Access to exclusive listings
Cons
- Price cut fee not clearly communicated
Customer Reviews
Straightforward and responsive throughout and built trust
“An excellent outcome. My family and I recently moved to a fabulous new home, which we purchased through Raphael at The Private Realtor. He was straightforward and responsive throughout and built trust from the outset which enabled a smooth transaction in a challenging market. I would have no hesitation picking up the phone to Raphael next time and have recommended him to friends.”
- Harry Swales, Google Reviews
Priced it much more accurately to market value
“My husband and I recently purchased our first family home together through Dema at the Private Realtor. Dema was brilliant to work with throughout – super responsive, clear and comprehensive about the property’s aspects and liaised really fairly and openly between us and the sellers, which I really appreciated. In particular, we would not have reconsidered this property had Dema not priced it much more accurately to market value than other agents with whom it was previously listed. I would highly recommend her to help in either a property search or indeed a sale, based on our experience.”
- Sara Sayeed, Google Reviews
5. Bhoday Estate Agents
Address: Crescent Way, London SW16 3AL, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +442037801111
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6:30 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Website: Bhoday Estate Agents
Bhoday’s sales services are aggressive and they have innovative marketing strategies.
With specialisations in areas such as Kennington, Stockwell, and Vauxhall, this agency uses social media “boosting” campaigns to target the right audiences.
A few sellers mentioned to me that they liked this because they never had to worry about foot traffic. The online viewings through Facebook and Instagram helped their flat be seen.
Despite the excellent exposure, some homeowners felt that the actual negotiated price fell slightly short and that they could’ve held out for a better offer.
As for rentals, they offer full property management services. Several who own rental homes told me that from minor repairs to tenant screening, they take care of everything. They even have experts to furnish the place beautifully.
However, some who opted for their let-only service felt that things were less streamlined. While the initial setup was fine, once the tenant moved in, they were left to handle issues on their own.
Pros
- Excellent foot traffic
- Online home viewings
- Full property management
Cons
- Could hold out for better offers
- Let-only services are hands-off
Customer Reviews
The best estate agent in London in my humble opinion
“I have been using the marvellous Justin Bhoday for many years and I can highly recommend him. He is the best estate agent in London in my humble opinion and no accolade is too high. He is extremely professional, patient, kind, honest and talented. Did I mention his ‘people skills’? He is an excellent communicator and also great fun. He goes to great lengths to make both buyer and seller happy (I have been both). He is also not at all ‘pushy’, and has the skill to know when to wait for events to unfold, and when to steam ahead, always with charm and grace. You would be crazy to use anyone else for your buying and selling within London.”
- Pallas Athena, Google Reviews
The photos and marketing materials were top class
“We recently sold our house with Bhoday Estates and can not recommend them highly enough. Victoria handled our sale and was always available, professional and diligent throughout. We ummed and ahhed about using a boutique agency over a high street player but decided to go for it based on other reviews as well as the approach to our valuation. It was clear Justin and Victoria really understood the market and that was important to us when selling during a period of mortgage uncertainty. The photos and marketing materials were top class and Victoria handled all the viewings with no fuss whatsoever. The best bit about the process was the communication, Victoria was available on WhatsApp which worked perfectly for us with a young family, equally she was only ever a phone call away. I would definitely recommend Bhoday Estates if you’re looking for a personable service, a transparent and hardworking agent and ultimately someone who can get the job done!”
- Jenny Murphy, Google Reviews
