Frequestly Asked questions

When you decide to sell your property, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is how you want to market it, and that means choosing the right kind of mandate. The two most common types are sole mandates and open mandates, and understanding the difference can help you make the best decision for your needs.

A mandate is simply an agreement between you (the seller) and the estate agent(s) about how your property will be marketed and sold. It outlines the agent's responsibilities and gives them the legal right to find a buyer on your behalf.

A sole mandate means you give one agency exclusive rights to market and sell your property for a certain period of time.

  • Dedicated attention:
    The agent knows they are the only one working on the sale, so they often invest more time, money, and effort into marketing your home.
  • Less hassle for you:
    You only deal with one agent, making communication simpler and more consistent.
  • More secure viewings:
    Your home is only shown by one agency, which helps control who comes in and out.
  • Professional marketing:
    A sole mandate often leads to better-quality photos, advertising, and home staging because the agent is confident in their investment.
  • You're committed to one agency for a period, so make sure you choose a professional you trust.
  • You can't sell through another agent, or privately, during the mandate period without breaching the agreement.
An open mandate means you can list your property with multiple agencies at the same time, or even try to sell it privately.
  • Wider exposure:
    More agents might mean more buyers seeing your property.
  • Flexibility:
    You can work with as many agents as you like, or even sell it yourself.
  • Lack of commitment:
    Because no one agent is guaranteed the sale, they may not give your property their full effort or marketing budget.
  • Mixed messaging:
    Multiple listings can confuse buyers, especially if there are different prices, photos, or descriptions across agencies.
  • Rushed approach:
    Some agents may rush to bring a buyer first instead of focusing on the best possible offer.
  • More admin:
    You'll need to manage and coordinate with several agents, which can become time-consuming.
That depends on your situation. If you want focused, professional marketing and a smoother process, a sole mandate is often the better choice. If you're just testing the market or feel more comfortable with multiple agents working at once, then an open mandate might suit you better but be prepared for more involvement and less consistency.
In most cases, we recommend a sole mandate, especially if you're serious about selling. With the right agency, it leads to a faster sale, better offers, and less stress. At the end of the day, it's about trust, and choosing an agent who earns yours.

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