Property sourcing
Finding deals for investors for a fee — a regulated estate agency activity.
Professional analysis
Requirements generally include membership of a government-approved redress scheme, registration with HMRC for anti-money-laundering supervision, ICO registration if handling personal data, compliance with the Estate Agents Act 1979 and consumer protection law, and professional indemnity insurance. Be wary of advertising returns to the public (financial promotion rules may apply).
Capital requirements
Low capital but significant compliance and marketing cost.
Cost assumptions to budget for
- Redress scheme membership
- HMRC AML supervision fee
- ICO fee
- PI insurance
- Marketing
Potential returns
Fee income per completed deal.
Main risks
- Operating without required registrations
- Misrepresenting deals
- Reputational risk
Legal checks
- Written terms with investors and sellers
- Clear disclosure of fees and interests
Regulatory checks
- Redress scheme
- AML supervision
- Consumer protection
- Data protection
Is it suitable?
Often suits
- People building a compliant property business
Usually not suitable for
- Anyone unwilling to register and follow agency rules
A general guide, not a personal recommendation. Suitability depends on your finances, experience and attitude to risk.
Step-by-step
- Register with a redress scheme and HMRC AML supervision.
- Set up terms of business and KYC.
- Source using lawful data (Plotlumen reports, licensed listings).
- Package with evidence; disclose fees.
Official sources
- Money laundering supervision: estate agency businesses (GOV.UK search)
- Estate and letting agents: redress schemes (GOV.UK search)
- Financial promotions (FCA)
Last reviewed 31 Oct 2026. Rules change — check the source before relying on this guide.
Not advice