Edited in response: I understand that buyers must be financially checked to ensure sales don’t fall through. However, at the time I was asked to provide all of my financial information, I had not yet made an offer on the property; I was interested in viewing it. I don’t believe it’s appropriate to divulge all of my financial information to you prior to even viewing the house. As mentioned, my mortgage provider could have confirmed that I had a Decision in Principle prior to viewing, and I could have provided my financial information along with my offer, if I decided to make one. My main issue was that when I explained this to the agent, I was asked if they could speak to my partner who they suggested would be better placed to discuss finances. I had not even mentioned having a partner. It felt heavily implied to me that the estate agent felt that, as a woman, I was not the right person to speak to about financial matters and that my male partner would be more knowledgeable about our finances. I highly doubt my male partner would have been asked the same question if he’d made the call. It is not good enough to say that being sexist wasn’t your intention, or that you’re sorry I “feel this way”. Asking to speak to a woman’s partner about financial matters - especially when her partner isn’t even part of the conversation - is misogynistic. I think the agent involved would benefit from unconscious bias training to avoid alienating half the population who, shockingly, are capable of earning money and buying property in the 21st century! I have spoken to many estate agents over the last few months, and none have been as misogynistic, condescending, and off-putting as Lawrence Rand.