Bypassing the estate agent when purchasing a property

Q: Is it permissible to bypass an estate agent in purchasing a property? 

Example, I see a property for sale on their website/see their board outside the property. I then go directly to the seller and do a private deal with them, to avoid getting the estate agent involved and to avoid paying them commission. Is this permissible?

A: Yes, it is permissible.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)