Paper Watch

Consumers criticise 50% rise in estate agent's fees

the national consumer Agency (NCA) criticised the decision by leading estate agent Sherry FitzGerald to increase the fees it charges for selling houses by 50 per cent. Ann Fitzgerald, acting chief executive of the NCA, said it was incredible and unacceptable for estate agents to increase fees in response to a downturn in the property market. Sherry FitzGerald confirmed an increase in fees charged by its outlets in Dublin and Cork. The average increase from 1 per cent to 1.5 per cent of sale price will add €2,000 to the cost of selling a €400,000 house.

Irish Times, Friday, 25th May