IN the hot-house atmosphere of the present housing market, I would like to relate an experience which happened to me recently and may become more and more common.

Over the last couple of months, I have been involved in the process of selling my house and buying another one.

Everything was going smoothly; the chain was complete, surveys had been done, contracts prepared when suddenly I was gazumped.

There was no redress, no apology and considerable financial loss.

Shock and dismay gave way to anger and frustration.

I know the law allows this to happen in England and Wales and I know there is nothing I can do about it but, while the Government considers legislation, I have two suggestions to make.

Firstly, that the buyer and vendor exchange a deposit at the time the sale and purchase is agreed.

This way, if either party backs out, the money is forfeited.

Secondly, that if estate agents value their reputation as honourable brokers, they refuse to act for clients who gazump their buyers.

This latter point is more easily achievable and I call upon all principled estate agents to make a stand against gazumping.

Anne Guest

Swan Street

Alvechurch