5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Property Investment Agent

Hiring a property investment agent can make a big difference to how smoothly your investment plans go, especially if you’re looking to grow your portfolio or make your first serious move into buy to let property. With so many agents out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of who’s actually going to help you move forward and who might hold you back. That’s where asking the right questions upfront comes into play.

If you're thinking of investing in a place like London, the stakes are even higher. The capital’s property scene moves fast and has its own quirks, so it’s important to have someone on your side who really gets it. By focusing on a short list of smart, practical questions, you can save time, spot red flags early, and make sure you’re hiring someone who knows what they’re doing.

What Is Your Experience And Background?

This is one of the best places to start. You want someone who doesn’t just talk a good game but actually understands the property investment process from start to finish. A strong background often means they've handled different types of properties, worked through market ups and downs, and solved problems that might trip others up.

In London especially, market knowledge is just as important as general experience. Every borough is different. An agent who’s only dealt with suburban new builds outside the city might struggle to guide you through a buy to let opportunity in Shoreditch or a new development in Croydon. A person with hands-on experience in your target area gives you a huge head start.

Here are a few things worth asking during your first chat with an agent:

- How many years have you worked in property investment?

- What types of clients do you usually work with?

- Have you helped investors with goals similar to mine?

- Have you handled investments in London neighbourhoods I’m interested in?

Treat this part like an informal interview. You’re trusting someone with a significant financial decision, so there’s no harm in digging deep to find out if they’re the right fit.

How Do You Select Investment Properties?

Every agent has their own approach, and some will match properties to investor profiles more carefully than others. If you’re planning to sink your money into a long-term investment, you don't want someone who just points to what’s currently available. You want an agent who thinks ahead, considers market shifts, and understands how to help you build something steady and rewarding.

Location still carries a lot of weight, and that rings especially true in places like London. The buying trends in high-growth areas like Stratford or Barking might differ completely from those closer to the centre, such as Kensington or Westminster. A good agent should take all this into account and explain why a specific property is worth your attention.

Ask questions like:

- What’s your process for selecting investment properties?

- How do you evaluate future rental demand and potential resale value?

- What local factors do you consider when making a recommendation?

- Can you explain why you’d suggest this area over others?

This part of the conversation can reveal a lot about their attention to detail, awareness of market patterns, and willingness to tailor advice to your goals. A property might look great from the outside, but a deeper understanding of its long-term prospects is what helps protect your investment.

What Are Your Fees And Costs?

Fees can vary quite a bit between property investment agents, which is why it’s important to talk through costs early on. You’ll want to understand exactly what you’re paying for and what services are covered, so there are no surprises later. This isn’t just about avoiding high fees. It’s about making sure the cost matches the value you’re getting.

A clear pricing structure also shows how transparent and organised an agent is. If they avoid direct answers or throw vague estimates around, that could be a red flag. On the other hand, if they walk you through the breakdown, explain what’s included, and highlight any optional extras, it shows they know how to manage things properly.

Ask the agent:

- What are your fees and how are they calculated?

- Do you charge a percentage or a flat rate?

- Are there any added costs I should know about?

- Is property sourcing included, or charged separately?

- Do you charge for ongoing support or post-purchase services?

Understanding the full picture of their fees, not just the headline number, helps you avoid unexpected costs down the road and lets you plan your investment budget with more confidence.

Can You Provide References Or Testimonials?

You can learn a lot about an agent’s track record by asking about past clients. That doesn’t mean you need to read pages of reviews, but finding out if they’ve helped people in similar situations gives you a better idea of what to expect. An agent who’s proud of their work won’t hesitate to share references or put you in touch with someone they’ve helped.

When reading or hearing client feedback, look for more than just general compliments. Pay attention to details like whether the agent was easy to get a hold of, if the properties performed as expected, and how any issues were handled.

Here’s what to listen for or ask about:

- Did the agent help the client meet their investment goals?

- Was the communication smooth and consistent?

- Did they offer honest advice during the process?

- Were there any surprises or roadblocks, and how were they handled?

One investor we spoke to had been searching for a new build in East London and was matched with a property that saw strong interest the moment it hit the lettings market. What made the difference? The agent anticipated rental demand in the area and guided the buyer through the entire process without pushing unnecessary extras. That’s the kind of care and foresight you'll want.

How Will You Communicate During The Investment Process?

The way a property investment agent communicates can really shape your overall experience. Whether you’re buying your first flat or expanding your portfolio, clear and steady updates make everything simpler. It helps you stay confident about the decisions you’re making along the way.

Make sure the agent explains how and when they’ll check in with you. Will you get updates by phone, email, or messages? Will you have one contact throughout, or will you be passed to different team members? Agents who value simple, straightforward communication tend to make the investment journey less stressful.

Ask these questions before signing anything:

- How often will you check in during the process?

- What happens if I have a question—who do I talk to?

- How do you keep clients informed when there’s a delay or change?

Knowing where you stand at each step gives you peace of mind and stops small concerns from turning into bigger problems. Whether it's updates on timelines, paperwork, or new listings, staying in the loop keeps things moving in the right direction.

Make the Right Choice for Your Property Investment Journey

Working with a solid property investment agent can open doors, save time, and help you avoid expensive mistakes. But you won’t know who’s the right fit without asking the right questions. Their background, local insight, property strategy, fees, and client feedback all work together to show if they’re someone you can trust.

No matter where you’re planning to invest in London, whether it’s a small studio in Zone 3 or a two-bedroom flat near the river, take the time to ask these key questions. It’ll give you a much clearer idea of what kind of service to expect and whether you’re being led by someone who understands your goals.

A good property investment agent should be more than just a guide. They should be a partner in helping you make smart choices, avoid common traps, and grow your property portfolio in a steady, thoughtful way. It’s your money, your risk, and your future. Make sure the person you hire treats it with that same level of care.

If you're ready to take the next step in property investment, getting the right guidance makes all the difference. Explore how working with an experienced property investment agent can help unlock long-term success. At 10 Acre, we're here to support your journey in London with thoughtful advice and tailored opportunities.