Buying a property is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Yet, most buyers step into the process with a huge misconception: They believe the estate agent is there to help them.

Here’s the truth that few people talk about: Traditional estate agents don’t work for you. They work for the seller.

Their mandate? To achieve the highest possible price for their client – the vendor – not to save you money.

Who Does the Estate Agent Really Work For?

Estate agents are legally bound by the Estate Agents Act 1979 and Consumer Protection Regulations, which make it clear:

• Their client is the vendor (seller).
• Their job is to market the property and secure the best possible price for that vendor.

This isn’t malicious. It’s just business. Agents are incentivised by commission, which means the higher the sale price, the more they earn.

The Cost of Being an Unrepresented Buyer

Let’s look at the numbers:

• According to Zoopla, buyers in the UK pay on average 2–5% more than they intended.
• In competitive markets, buyers can end up paying 10% above asking price.
• The HomeOwners Alliance reports that 1 in 3 buyers regret overpaying for a property.

Example: A home listed for £500,000 might sell for £530,000. That extra £30,000 came from a negotiation where you were outmatched.

The Psychology of Overpaying

Buying a home isn’t just a financial decision – it’s an emotional one. Estate agents know this. Their job is to create urgency: “We’ve had a lot of interest in this property.” This often leads to buyers stretching beyond their budget.

“You’re negotiating against a professional who does this every day. Without an advocate, you’re walking into the lion’s den unarmed.”

Real Stories of Overpaying Buyers

Meet Sarah and James. They fell in love with a Victorian semi in Kent listed at £485,000. The agent mentioned “two other offers on the table.” Panic set in. They offered £495,000 to secure it.

The result? They overpaid by £10,000 and added £600 a year in extra mortgage costs. Over 25 years, that’s £15,000 extra.

Enter the Buyer’s Agent – Your Advocate in the Market

This is where Empreso changes the game. A Buyer’s Agent works exclusively for you, the buyer.

• Step 1: Reality Check – Understand the market and set realistic goals.
• Step 2: Smart Sourcing – Find on-market and off-market opportunities.
• Step 3: Strategic Negotiation – Use insider knowledge to negotiate in your favour.

Case Study – How We Saved £25,000 for a Client

The Situation: Our client Alex wanted a flat listed at £450,000. The agent said, “Offers over £450,000.”

Our Strategy: We analysed the market and advised Alex to hold at £430,000 with strong positioning.

The Outcome: Alex bought the property for £425,000 – a £25,000 saving.

“A buyer’s agent doesn’t just save you money—they save you from financial regret.”

Buyer’s Agent vs Estate Agent – Who’s on Your Side?