Estate Agent Insider: The Case of the “Just Testing the Market” Seller

Published: 16/04/2026

There’s a very specific phrase that should come with a warning label in estate agency.

“We’re just testing the market.”

Ah.

Translation (for those new to the industry):

• “We’re not really committed to selling.”
• “We’d like an unrealistic price.”
• “We will definitely blame you when it doesn’t sell.”

When the agent arrives at the valuation appointment, they are greeted with freshly hoovered carpets, a strategically placed fruit bowl, and vendors who have already decided their house is worth £50,000 more than anything else on the street because… well… "it only needs the right buyer" (yes... one who hasn't seen any other houses!)

You nod. You smile. You gently try to introduce concepts like “recent comparable sales” and “current buyer demand” and deliver your thoughtfully considered valuation.

They nod.

But they do not listen.

They list their property at their valuation price.

Week 1:
“I bet the agent is getting loads of interest online, right?”

... Week 3:
“The agent is clearly not getting the right kind of buyers through our door.”

... Week 6:
“Maybe the market has slowed down?”

... Week 8:
“Maybe we should change agents?”

At NO POINT does their 'vendor valuation' come under suspicion!

Eventually, after much soul-searching (yours, not theirs), the inevitable conversation happens.

You suggest a price reduction.

A deep, philosophical silence, as though you’ve just questioned the structural integrity of their entire existence.

“Well… we’re not desperate to sell... we're not in any rush.”

"Of course you’re not" the agent thinks.

You’re just… 'testing' the market, right?

Six months later after leaving their first agent, the property quietly reappears with a new agent...  similar photos, slightly reduced price, and a description that now includes the phrase “realistically priced to attract interest.”

Welcome back.

We’ve been expecting you.

Next week: The buyer who says on their viewing with you “I absolutely love it” but then needs to see 20 more identical houses just to be sure.