Thanks, merman for your reply. The estate agent is one of the most well known, with offices everywhere. Your post has alarmed me a bit. Do you think I will get the booking deposit back? I didn't realise this type of thing was happening on a large scale. I will get onto my solicitor, first thing Tuesday. Is there any point in contacting the EA's head office, or in contacting the Association of Auctioneers and Valuers. I sent the cheque in by post, and never got a receipt for same.