Estate agent gripes persist

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Estate Agents Ombudsman Christopher Hamer has reported a "surprising" workload despite the low market activity. He said sales disputes dropped by just 3% last year even though market activity was down as much as 60%.

The Ombudsman expects most of his work this year to shift to the rental market as many estate agents expand into lettings to fight the downturn.

He received 1043 new cases last year, 743 for sales and 300 for lettings. The total was a rise of 20% on the previous year and 78% more than in 2006. The complaint was upheld in 65% of cases.