The Truth About Touting: Why You’re Suddenly Getting Junk Mail After Listing Your Home

If you’ve recently put your property on the market, you may have noticed a sudden wave of letters dropping through your letterbox. These often appear to be personalised notes from estate agents you’ve never met, making confident claims about how much more they could achieve for your property or how quickly they could sell it.

While it might seem like someone has taken the time to write to you directly, the reality is that these are usually auto-generated letters. They are part of a marketing system that uses publicly available information from property portals to create what looks like a personal message, but in fact is not.

At Alex & Matteo Estate Agents, we often hear from homeowners in Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Surrey Quays, Canada Water, Deptford and New Cross who find these letters confusing, distracting, and at times, misleading.

Why Are These Letters Arriving?

When your home goes on the market, it appears on platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket. Other agents monitor these sites and then use your details to send out letters automatically.

Although the letters often look personal—sometimes even using your street name—they are usually just generated from a template. They don’t reflect genuine insight into your home or circumstances, and they’re not the same as traditional leaflets or general local advertising.

Why It Matters

For sellers, these auto-generated letters can be frustrating. They may suggest:

• A higher sale price than your current valuation, without seeing your home in person.
• A faster sale, even though speed depends on wider market conditions and buyer demand.
• Improved marketing, when in fact reputable agents will already be using the main property portals and targeted strategies.

The issue isn’t with leaflets or general advertising—those can be useful ways to learn about local businesses. The problem is when a letter is made to look like a personal communication, giving the impression of individual attention when it’s really automated.

How Sellers Feel

Many of our clients tell us these letters feel like “fake” interest in their home. At an already stressful time, receiving unsolicited claims can sow doubt, make them second-guess their choices, and add unnecessary pressure.

Our Advice If You’re Receiving These Letters

If you start to get auto-generated touting letters, here’s what we recommend:

1. Look closely – ask yourself if the letter really contains personal detail about your home, or if it’s just a generic promise.
2. Don’t be pressured – no agent can guarantee a higher price or a quicker sale without knowing your property and the market conditions.
3. Speak to your current agent – if you’re concerned, have an open conversation. A good agent will be transparent, explain their strategy, and answer your questions.
4. Stay focused – selling can be stressful enough. Stick to the plan you’ve agreed and review it with your agent when needed.

Building Confidence in Your Sale

The right approach should be simple: no gimmicks, no auto-generated letters—just honest advice, clear communication, and a focus on achieving the best outcome for every client. Many agents take pride in doing things the right way—and we’re proud to be among them. We focus on keeping the process transparent, stress-free, and tailored to your home and local market.

Final Thoughts

Auto-generated letters are increasingly common, but they are not something to worry about. They don’t mean your property is underperforming or that your chosen agent isn’t doing their job—they’re simply part of how competitive the property market has become.

Our advice is simple: recognise these letters for what they are, question any unrealistic claims, and trust in the professional relationship you have with your chosen agent.

Thinking of Selling in SE16?

Property Spotlight: Blue Anchor Lane, Bermondsey, SE16

If you are planning to sell your home in Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Surrey Quays, Canada Water, Deptford or New Cross, Alex & Matteo Estate Agents are here to help. As trusted, independent agents, we provide local expertise, transparent advice, and tailored marketing strategies to make your move a success.

Contact our team today for a free valuation and an honest conversation about your property goals.