When buying or selling a property, it is not a legal requirement to use an estate agent. However, using an estate agent can provide several benefits, such as access to a wider range of properties for buyers and exposure to a larger pool of potential buyers for sellers. Additionally, estate agents can assist with negotiating deals and handling the paperwork and legalities of the transaction. It is important to note that estate agents typically charge a commission fee for their services, which is usually a percentage of the sale price of the property.