What Moving Taught Me About People, Pressure, and Property (Home) Scams *

*Collaboration

I always thought I was quite savvy because I’ve freelanced for years, I’ve booked travel on a whim, navigated awkward Airbnb check-ins, and managed to argue my way out of a gym contract (if you know, you know). But nothing, and I mean nothing, prepared me for the rollercoaster that was moving house.

And I’m not just talking about the physical move. I’m talking about the people. The pressure. The sneaky little surprises hiding behind shiny property photos and charming estate agent smiles. If you’re thinking of moving, here’s what I wish I knew; no sugar coating.

The Listing Looked Like a Dream… Until It Didn’t

It started, like most things do, on Rightmove. The house looked perfect; plenty of prospects, lots of light, decent floorplan. I fell for it instantly.

We booked a viewing. The estate agent was chirpy, and I was mentally arranging furniture and moving walls before we’d even left. But when we went back for a second look, with slightly more realistic eyes (and fewer rose-tinted glasses), things felt off.

There was a lingering smell of damp. The garden looked more like a hurried DIY job. And that “spacious” second bedroom? Barely enough space to open a wardrobe door without hitting the bed.

It wasn’t a scam in the traditional sense, just classic overselling. But still, it was a wake-up call. Photos lie. Descriptions lie. Even smiles lie. And when they all lie together, it can cost you a lot more than just your time.

People Turn Weird When Money’s Involved

Now, I’m not saying everyone in the property game is dodgy. Some are genuinely helpful (shoutout to the trust mortgage advisor, who basically became my emotional support person when it came to the ever-changing interest rates). But others?

Let’s just say the pressure of commission turns people into very good actors.

One estate agent we dealt with changed their tone completely when we questioned a fee. “That’s just how it works,” they said flatly. No explanation, no transparency, just… take it or leave it.

And when we did some digging? Surprise, surprise—it wasn’t how it works. We were being quoted a “standard” fee that wasn’t so standard after all. And no, it wasn’t in the paperwork. It was the kind of thing you’d never question unless someone tipped you off.

Speaking of Hidden Fees… I Fell Down a Rabbit Hole

Frustrated (and slightly embarrassed), I did what any slightly obsessive millennial would do, I deep-dived the internet. Reddit threads. Facebook groups. Blogs. I was trying to figure out whether we were just unlucky or if this was a bigger issue.

In the middle of all that pressure and late-night Googling, I landed on a property story that stopped me in my tracks—the real estate lawsuit, this lawsuit exposed how, in the U.S., home sellers were often required to pay commissions not only to their own agents but also to buyers’ agents, regardless of the service provided. The legal action challenged this practice, arguing that it led to inflated costs for sellers and limited competition among agents.

It turns out, what I experienced isn’t just a “me” problem, or even a UK problem. Buyers in the U.S. have been quietly paying estate agent commissions they never explicitly agreed to for years. And the lawsuit? It’s basically blowing the lid off a system that’s been quietly benefiting agents at the expense of buyers and sellers alike.

What struck me most was how familiar it all sounded. Confusing contracts. Agents “bundling” commissions. Buyers assuming costs they weren’t told about. Moms trying to buy their first homes only to get hit with unexpected fees at closing. It made me feel a bit less alone, to be honest, but also a lot more wary.

You’re Not Paranoid. You’re Underinformed.

I used to feel bad for asking too many questions. Like I was being difficult. But if moving taught me anything, it’s this: being inquisitive isn’t rude—it’s necessary.

No one else is going to fight your corner. Not the agent. Not the seller. Not the person who answers the phone at the council when you call to confirm your tax band (though, in fairness, she was lovely).

Ask everything. Twice. And then Google it.

I Didn’t Get Scammed… But I Got Close

To be clear, we didn’t lose money to an actual scam. But we came very close to agreeing to things that would’ve cost us hundreds extra, because they were buried in jargon or presented as non-negotiables.

We caught it because I got suspicious and asked for itemised fees. That one email saved us more than I’d like to admit. So if you’re ever in doubt, pause. Ask for a breakdown. Forward it to a mate. Print it out and read it with a highlighter if you have to.

Final Thoughts

I used to think moving house was just about packing boxes and signing forms. But really, it’s about people, and some of them are wonderful, and some are just… not. It’s about navigating a system that isn’t always built to protect you. And sometimes, it’s about standing your ground and saying, “Hang on, why am I being charged this?”

If you’re about to move, here’s my unsolicited advice: don’t rush. Don’t assume. Don’t let anyone make you feel silly for asking questions. Because you’re the one paying—literally and emotionally.

And when in doubt, put the kettle on, take a breath, and start again.