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
29 is the age house sharing becomes ‘embarrassing’
but 11% still do it, according to new Nationwide research That equates to 27 million admitting they have felt embarrassed about their living situation With 69% saying living alone is unaffordable, it’s no surprise the average age of those in house shares is 35 From moving home (12%) to living with an ex (10%), as…
Read More 
1 in 5 London Homes Listed in Last 30 Days
The latest research from London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, reveals that one in five homes currently for sale in London have been added to the market within the last 30 days, as sellers respond to strong buyer demand. Demand for London homes is strong Benham and Reeves has analysed current residential property…
Read More 
Biggest block management headaches revealed
The latest insight from property management specialist, Rushbrook & Rathbone, has found that utilities, cleaning and gardening are the most common block management requirements, accounting for almost two thirds of all call-outs and maintenance tasks carried out in 2025. Rushbrook & Rathbone’s internal data shines a light on what most frequently drives costs when it…
Read More 
Invasive plants could be damaging your property
What every homeowner needs to know. Invasive plants growing in your garden could be causing serious and costly damage to your property without your realising. Some species can undermine foundations, cracking patios and driveways, and spreading rapidly beyond your boundaries, potentially leading to disputes with neighbours. The financial impact can be significant. Left untreated, these…
Read More 
Rents stand still at start of the year for the first time since 2017
The average advertised rent of homes outside of London remains flat (0.0%) at £1,370 per calendar month, the first time since 2017 that there has been no rise from Q4 to Q1: Average advertised rents in London rose by 0.7% this quarter to £2,736pcm Average rents outside of London are still 1.6% higher than this time last year, though this is the lowest this figure has been since 2018…
Read More 
London estate agents represent best value added
The latest research from AgentWise, the agent community helping to support estate agents through global collaboration and market insight, has found that London estate agents represent the best value added during the transaction process when compared to many other global property hotspots, with the average commission earned per property sitting well below other major global…
Read More