On Mon, 15 Aug 2005 07:42:43 +0100, "crofter" wrote:

x-no-archive: yes

reading some of these posts, it appears the buyer also gets charged
commission on the sale price?

so, who's zooming who?? In the UK, just selling agent gets (??)% - property
often gets marketed through several agencies, who share the cut- they may
also get commisssion on surveys, mortgage & insurance if arranged through
them - not neccessarily at the best rates for the buyer though..

is there anything to stop someone seeing a house, then going direct to the
seller, and arranging a private (comm. free, on both sides) sale?


Yes, it's called "a contract".

buyer beware!