Sell fast or buy stress-free with the best real estate agents in Leeds!
When I sold my old home, I found that the difference between having and not having a real estate agent was like lounging in a posh penthouse versus sleeping in a cramped apartment.
My DIY attempt was a lesson in humility. Rubbish negotiations and endless paperwork dogged me.
Luckily, it went smooth sailing since I hired an agent. “Is that contract dodgy as hell? What’s actually happening in the market?” Thanks to my agent’s know-how, I had the answers.
If you fancy the same luxury—whether you’re buying or selling—this review will point you in the right direction.
How much do real estate agents in Leeds charge?
Estate agents in Leeds have varying fees, but typically, you’ll pay around 1.3% of the sale price, with additional charges ranging from 0.9% to 3.6%. This 1.3% fee generally amounts to £3,833.
1. Manning Stainton
Address: 659 Roundhay Rd, Roundhay, Oakwood
Contact Details: 0113 235 1361
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Tue – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Wed – 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Thu to Fri – 9 am to 5;30 pm
- Sat – 9 am to 4 pm
- Sun – 10 am to 3 pm
I wouldn’t have sold anything at a great price without Manning Stainton, a real estate mogul for over 25 years.
Their sensational communication and negotiation skills smoothed the process for me, whether through seamless after-sale management or valuation. They didn’t keep me waiting either; the company’s email and phone responses were quick.
As for speciality, their team excels most in marketing and selling newly constructed properties, with feasibility assessments and site acquisitions as the usual services.
From what I’ve seen, they’re also world-class in helping buyers find properties that match their lifestyle, particularly in Oakwood and Leeds’ surrounding areas.
Furthermore, they’ll meticulously and personally help first-time buyers or investors by providing added perks like mortgage advice and conveyancing support.
That said, there have been a few gripes. Some agents aren’t always clued up on the finer details of the properties, and a few clients weren’t too happy with the listing photos’ quality.
Kept Us Informed and Updated
‘A Smooth and Stress-Free Sale
I recently had the pleasure of working with Karly at Manning Stainton, and I couldn’t be happier with the entire process. Karly’s professionalism, expertise, and dedication were exceptional. She guided us through every step of the sale, from the initial valuation to the final exchange of contracts.
Karly’s knowledge of the local market was invaluable, and she always kept us informed and updated throughout the process. She was always available to answer our questions and address any concerns we had.
Thanks to Karly’s hard work and dedication, the sale of our house was smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend Karly and Manning Stainton to anyone looking to buy or sell a property.’
– Paul Daley, Google Review
Proactive at All Times
‘Excellent communication and responses to questions and a professional approach to selling our house. However, where this agent excelled was after the house had sold. Our sales progressor, Karly Bibby, was outstanding and did an excellent job of keeping everything on track and was proactive at all times. There were problems with the chain and I truly believe without Karly, the sale would have either fallen through or there would have been a much longer delay in completing.’
– Karina Gourlay, Google Review
2. Watts & Co
Address: Flexspace Leeds – Burley Hill, Office 27, Flexspace, Burley Rd, Burley
Contact Details: 0113 278 5555
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5:30 pm
Watts & Co has been one of Leeds’ sharpest names for property investors since 2010, cutting through the technicalities with a no-nonsense approach.
They offer personalised consultations, financing solutions, and long-term investment strategies, with the bonus of free, no-obligation advice calls.
One snag, however, is their weekend closure, which isn’t ideal if Saturdays and Sundays are your only free days.
If that’s not an issue, you’ll get access to off-market deals and high-yield opportunities like HMOs and buy-to-let properties, with full support throughout.
Marketing-wise, they can do 3D walkthroughs, video tours, and photos.
Viewings are fully accompanied as well, and you’ll be assisted by polite, rarely late agents who know the property’s every nook and cranny.
Getting a viewing slot isn’t always easy though, and moving it to another day can be just as tricky due to staffing shortages.
Great Ability to Coach You Through the Process
‘If you’re starting out in property, Sam and team have a great ability to coach you through the process with patience and expertise. We are thoroughly enjoying the Mastermind program, the value we are taking from it is already being implemented in our property journey and saving us time and money.’
– Richard senior, Google Review
Answered All Our Questions
‘Great weekend on the 3 Day HMO mastermind. Sam’s built up a wealth of knowledge over the years running multiple business’ and it’s all been neatly pieced together on the HMO course start to finish to help investors better maximise their opportunities and avoid and headaches down the road. There was so much packed in and Sam was very generous with his time staying late to make sure he’d answered all of our questions and given as much value as he could. Thanks for a really great weekend Sam and for all your input into my deals!’
– Oliver Harkin, Google Review
3. Zenko Properties Leeds
Address: Graphical House, 2 Wharf St
Contact Details: 0113 247 0777
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Sat – 9 am to 4 pm
Founded in 2014, Zenko Properties is a frontrunner in terms of efficiency. Clients we interviewed shared stories of receiving offers in record time, with a couple even securing deals within two days!
Their communication is just as sharp. If something needs attention—be it an issue, an update, or a market trend—they’ll handle it fast.
Additionally, Zenko’s service range spans residential sales, estate agency, and property investment.
This company also offers property valuations with two options: a quick, online estimate for a rough idea and a more detailed, no-pressure valuation from a local expert.
What’s more, because the staff are members of reputable bodies like ARLA Propertymark and the Property Redress Scheme, Zenko’s clients are protected from bad practices or unfair treatment.
However, some tenants have voiced concerns, particularly about viewing cancellations and hefty cleaning fees.
Excellent Communication
‘I highly recommend Zenko. They have been great at managing my property. Ian has found suitable tenants, dealt with maintenance issues and had excellent communication over the past 2 years. Zenko managing my property allows me to travel without any worries. When problems arise, Zenko solve them promptly. Amazing service!’
– Brooke Nolan, Google Review
Friendly, Professional and Informative
’We have dealt with Ian at Zenko for the last few years and always found him to be friendly, professional and informative. He made the letting of our apartment in Leeds really easy and his continued support with this is invaluable.
His exceptional market knowledge combined with his client management skills has always resulted in a positive experience for us. We would highly recommend Zenko and in particular, Ian.’
– Nicola Aked, Google Review
4. Preston Baker Estate Agents
Address: 470 Roundhay Rd, Roundhay, Oakwood, Leeds
Contact Details: 0113 487 8787
Operating Hours: Mon to Sat – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
Since 2008, Preston Baker Estate Agents have made their mark, even snagging the ‘Best Innovation in Estate Agency 2023’ award at London’s EA Masters.
Their stellar track record speaks for itself as well. Interviewed sellers highlighted their accurate valuations and swift sales, while buyers love the straightforward approach and insightful, free advice.
Moreover, their search tool and personnel are noteworthy. The tool can find properties on the market and narrow down options based on your preferences; the agents can dig up properties that haven’t even hit the listings yet.
The best bit is you’ll be assigned a dedicated agent, ensuring you get tailored services and someone who’ll do the legwork, such as paperwork sorting and buyer-finding.
On the flip side, getting in touch can be a headache, and some clients even mention their calls getting dropped. And if you’re looking for rapid-fire updates, you might have to be a bit patient.
Their Service Is Bar None
‘We have been working with James Baker and Hugh Roberts of Preston Baker for a few years now. Their experience in assisting developers in land appraisals is precise, conservative and something we can relay upon when negotiating land acquisitions. When it comes to marketing and selling our houses, their service is bar none. Their team of dedicated agents are smart, professional and eager to work hard to find the right customers for our homes, which means everything to us. We look forward to working with Preston Baker for many years to come. Joel Ramsden – Director – Ashfield Homes & Ashfield Building Group.’
– Joel Ramsden, Google Review
Has Always Shown Such High Professionalism
‘The service I have had from Preston Baker Land & New Homes has been amazing. Hugh Roberts has always shown such high professionalism and his experience and knowledge is second to none. I would recommend to anyone and will certainly be returning in future.’
– Beth Marsh, Google Review
5. Hunters Estate Agents North Leeds
Address: 69 Street Ln, Roundhay
Contact Details: 0113 268 0242
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5:30 pm
- Sat – 9 am to 1 pm
Founded in 1992, Hunters has built a reputation as a proactive and responsive real estate powerhouse, offering services to sellers, buyers, and renters.
Sellers often benefit from a free valuation and the guidance of local specialists, who also leverage their broad networks for maximum visibility.
Buyers are equally pleased, with Hunter presenting properties that fit any need—whether you’re starting out, downsizing, or looking for an investment. Their no-obligation mortgage advice is also a nice touch, lessening the stress that comes with big decisions.
As for renters, they get notable positives like deposit-free options. And true to its name, Hunter will track down what you want, including short or long-term let, or even a shared accommodation, all while adhering to The Property Ombudsman Code of Practice.
The drawback is repairs can be sluggish. Also, some buyers have complained about encountering passive-aggressive agents on the phone.
Helped Us Secure a Good Sale Price
‘We recently sold our house through Hunters. We found them very helpful, sensible and proactive. They helped us secure a good sale price and kept us informed of developments. We were very happy with the overall service.’
– Rita Streets, Google Review
If We Had Any Issues They Were Quickly Resolved
‘Our experience with hunters north Leeds was great. If we had any issues they were quickly resolved via Katie through the maintenance email/WhatsApp. The whole process from entering to leaving the property was great so thanks to Katie and the team.
– James Pedersen, Google Review