Glossary · Estate agents

Tie-in period

The minimum period an estate agency contract runs before you can end it, commonly 8 to 16 weeks on a sole agency agreement.

Also known as: minimum term · lock-in period

A tie-in period is set out in the agent's terms of business. During it, you can usually still give notice, but the contract only ends once the tie-in and any notice period have both passed. If you instruct a second agent before then, you may owe both agents a fee.

Tie-ins are negotiable. Asking for a shorter one costs a confident agent nothing, and it is your main protection if the service disappoints.

Common questions

Can I leave during the tie-in?: You can give notice, but the contract normally runs until the tie-in ends. Check the exact wording before instructing another agent.

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