Are you guilty of any of these? Estate Agency Jargon.
December 14, 2015
While researching this article I found a few dictionary definitions of jargon that stood out.
- Special words and phrases which are used by particular groups of people, especially in their work and industry. Often not understood by ‘outsiders.’
- Unintelligible or meaningless talk or writing.
- Utter shite spouted by someone who doesn’t have the brains or energy to explain stuff simply.
I like the third explanation best. Working in Public Relations and communications means I hear a lot of jargon. It’s painful, I detest it but if I’m really honest I visit jargon land every so often.
Being a PR bloke who specialises in working with estate agents means I get to hear even more jargon than most. A double whammy if you like.
So I’ve come up with this quick 11 point jargon buster for the estate agency industry – How many of these do you use on a regular basis when speaking with an applicant / vendor?
- Vendor – The person selling a place.
- The ‘applicant’ – The person buying the place.
- Sole agent – Not to be confused with soul agent which would refer to a fan of Luther Vandross and James Brown who sells and lets properties. Basically this means the only agency selling the place.
- Chain free – This should be an easier place to buy due to the lack of people, solicitors, agents, surveyors etc involved.
- Mortgage Offer – The lender’s letter proving you have a loan for the money to buy the place.
- Conveyancing – The legal stuff that needs doing when you are buying a place.
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) – The piece of paper which shows how energy efficient (drafty or insulated) the place is.
- Subject to contract – You’ve agreed to buy the place, they’ve accepted your offer but everything is still in the lap of the gods until exchange of contracts (or if you are really unlucky completion) happens.
- Stamp duty – The Government tax which makes buying your place a lot more expensive especially if it’s a holiday home in Cornwall or a studio flat to rent out in Dalston(as of April 2016).
- Exchange – When everything is legally agreed by everyone involved and you can swap contracts making buying the place a whole lot more likely. At this point you can have a drink.
- Completion – The moment the place becomes yours. Keys in your hand, kiss the agent, order a take away and have another, larger drink.
I have a love / hate relationship with jargon.
I hate it, but love hearing or reading it. It’s weird.
So if you can add to my I Beg Your Jargon Hall of Fame please use written electronic correspondence techniques to engage me with your content.
Or just email me examples of jargon at Jerry@propertyprexpert.co.uk
Here’s to your next…. moment of extreme joy when someone gives you the go ahead to sell / let their place AKA…… instruction.
Jerry@propertyprexpert.co.uk
You May Also Enjoy
First-time buyer enquiries fall 27% as borrowing costs rise
First-time buyer enquiries a quarter lower than last year as higher borrowing costs put moving plans on ice The gap between housing supply and demand continues to widen as sales slow First-time buyer enquiries are a quarter (27 per cent) lower than last year in the wake of the the Bank of England’s decision…
Read More 
Homes completing on Friday the 13th sell for less
With Friday the 13th fast approaching, new research from Homebuyer.Agency has revealed that homes completing on the supposedly unlucky date have sold for as much as £24,950 below the wider market median, while properties bearing the number 13 have also consistently commanded lower prices. Homebuyer.Agency analysed Land Registry price paid data across England and Wales…
Read More 
Surrey, Herts & Bucks named most exclusive markets
Surrey, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire have been named England’s most exclusive new-build property markets outside London, according to new research from UK Property Development (UKPD), with these counties boasting the highest proportions of new homes commanding asking prices of £1 million or more. UKPD analysed current new-build property listings across England using Rightmove data, before looking…
Read More 
Friday the 13th spooks home-movers
Rightmove analysis reveals that people avoid moving on Friday the 13th, despite Friday usually being the busiest day for home moves Analysis of Land Registry data going back to 1995 shows that Friday the 13th is the quietest Friday for home moves The 13th is also the quietest day of the month for home moves,…
Read More 
Section 21 reform divides landlords and tenants
Five months after Section 21 was abolished, landlords and tenants remain sharply divided over whether the reform was necessary, but both sides agree that good relationships and clear communication have the greatest influence on how secure a renter feels, according to new research from LRG. The Autumn 2026 Lettings Report, based on responses from 405…
Read More 
70% of landlords anticipate rent rise due to Autumn Budget
As landlord exodus threatens rental supply The latest research from LegalforLandlords has found that 70% of UK landlords are considering increasing rents following the Government’s latest property income tax changes, while almost half are considering selling properties or reducing their portfolios, raising concerns about the future availability and affordability of privately rented homes. LegalforLandlords commissioned…
Read More