The estate agent had arranged for photographs of the flat to be taken and uploaded to Rightmove before the unit was cleaned or tidied. As a result, the photos were poorly presented, and the market response was less than ideal. The landlord questioned whether the so-called “Fully Managed” service was misleading in name.
Upon further enquiry, it became clear that the agent had originally been engaged to provide Fully Managed services for rental purposes—this typically includes tenant liaison, rent collection, tax reporting, and routine maintenance. However, once the tenant vacated and the deposit was returned, the agent ceased all further involvement.
In the UK, unless the landlord explicitly instructs the agent and agrees to the associated fees, no additional tasks—such as deep cleaning, lawn mowing, repainting, or repairs—will be carried out. These services often incur costs ranging from £1,000 to £2,000 and may also include a separate administrative or coordination fee.
It is also important to note that property photographers in the UK are engaged solely to take photographs. They will not help clean or stage the home prior to shooting. If the property is messy or unpresentable, the resulting images will reflect that reality, potentially deterring prospective buyers.
In the end, the owner decided to return to the UK from Hong Kong in person to clean and prepare the property before re-listing it for sale with new photos.
This case illustrates a common misunderstanding: “Fully Managed” refers specifically to rental management and does not cover property staging or preparation for sale. During the selling process, landlords are still expected to participate and give clear instructions.
📌 Professional Advice:
Always clarify the scope of services before signing a management agreement. Do not assume the service includes renovation or cleaning.
To improve the presentation of your listing, consider hiring a professional cleaning team or contractors beforehand.
The UK property industry is process-driven. Agents will only act upon instruction—assumptions or expectations are not enough.
