As a property consultant, I have experience in buying properties and in selling them.
Throughout the years, I have occasionally sold property, but I have also helped clients with their sale by guiding them through the perils and pitfalls of estate agency and giving them the benefit of my experience and knowledge.
The real estate market has experienced significant changes in the past few years, and as a result some of the best agents are now on their own or have moved companies. As a buying agent with extensive experience in Central London, I know who the best estates agents are and what strategies work in each market and for each property.
Every situation is unique, and no 2 clients will get the same advice I can help you and guide you with the sale of your property. This service will not cost you a penny and give you an unrivalled advantage.
Take it from my most recent sale, a house in Notting Hill, that sold off market, in a matter of days and achieved above asking price. But more importantly, the client felt that in market that is so fragmented, they knew who to trust and what to do.
If you are curious, please feel free to call me on 07789714013. It’s free!
Towards the end of last year, I was delighted to be interviewed by London Property: The Home of Super Prime to discuss market impressions and expectations for 2023.
We discussed the estate of the property market in Central London, as well as one of my favorite subjects: the rental market and what I believe will happen to the property prices. If you are curious, the whole conversation is here: Conversation with London Property: Link
London Property provides informative and educational content from industry leaders through podcasts and videos, with new content released weekly. The platform covers various aspects of the real estate experience, including buying and selling, finance, law, tax, construction, design, and more. The goal is to provide users with the resources and connections they need to make informed decisions and navigate the super-prime property market, with a focus on personal recommendations.
The Searching Back in October, we were retained by a client who comes to London often because of his work. The property had to be in Chelsea, within 10 mins walk of his family. The client knew what he wanted, and the brief was very precise. After a careful selection, we showed the client around 25 properties in 3 days. There were 2 he liked and after much consideration, he chose one. The offer was made, and after a brief negotiation, both buyer and seller agreed. The transaction was going to be done quickly. Ideally exchanged within the standard 3 weeks.
The Challenge
Buying a freehold property in cash is ‘in theory’ quick. But then… problems started to appear. Some legal, some had to do with insurance, and others were completely outside the buyer’s control.
Solicitors: we knew the solicitor the buyer appointed, and he is very good and comes from a reputable firm, we also knew that he is very busy. At all times we had to be on top of things. Note: Don’t assume you can ‘delegate’ a deal with the solicitor. So many transactions fail because of the solicitors, just be on top of them and be patient. Also, before appointing a solicitor, as part of your due diligence ask them how many deals they are currently doing. You do not want to be the last of the pile (which sometimes can be the case when you choose the cheapest solicitor)
The Sellers’ agent: the agency dealing with the sale is very experienced and was keen to get this done. However, when time started to drag on and we were long past the exclusivity period, politically the UK was going through a storm. The Seller became nervous (and the agent too). We updated the agent every day, sometimes, more than once a day. Note: having a fluid conversation with the seller’s agent is key. At all times, keep them in the loop of what’s going on, even if what you have to say is not good news. Managing expectations is key.
The Bank: Did you know that banks in some jurisdictions (Dubai for example) are not willing to send money to a 3rd party account in the UK (what is known as a 3rd party payment)? Even if that account is that of a solicitor. That they will only transfer to an account in the client’s name but if the client has no UK account this is an issue. Fortunately, because of our extensive network of contacts, we knew the perfect company which could be of help. Even then, the buyer’s bank made a mistake and send the money to the wrong place (!) Note: If you live abroad do not wait until the last minute to make a transfer. Speak to your bank and get those details right. Have it all organized well before the exchange date. Your solicitor can hold the funds for you in escrow.
The Perfect Conclusion As experienced buying agents, we have the knowledge and the contacts to make things happen, and for the execution to be as smooth as possible. We are constantly monitoring the progress of a transaction and if there are issues, we have the tools to solve them. We do not take NO for an answer. Despite facing many complications, at the end, we were the client’s unfair advantage and the reason this deal happened. Even the Seller’s agent acknowledged the deal would have fallen apart without us. The client is now about to complete. And we have already introduced him to architects and designers that can help turn this house into his dream London home.
Having a buying agent help you when buying a property is not just about finding the right property, it is also negotiating the best price (and conditions) and making sure the deal happens.
As always, I would be delighted to offer any property advice, so please feel free to contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
I would add that a good buying agent will also ensure there is smooth execution (around 30% of all transactions fail to complete). Particularly towards the end of 2022 when mortgages started to change unexpectedly, the number transactions failing to complete increased. It is not only buyers or sellers changing their minds but we see a surprinsingly high number of transactions failing because of the solicitors or surveyors. Having a good buying agent with a good reputation will certainly keep the dialogue open and make sure that everybody involved does what they are meant to do.
A good buying agent will also ensure that if you are going to part with (what to most people is) a ‘big sum of money’ this is a good investment. The number need to make sense. A reputable buying agent will tell their client if something is good value (or not). And if it can be negotiated down (or not).
And yes, a fee is involved (nobody works for free!) but as mentioned there a buying agent may negotiate a much better price than you would have been able to have got yourself, and save you time and stress.
2023 is going to be a buyers' market for most postcodes, make that advantage go further with the right advice.
Ps: Address is not listed on that list (it reads that there are 1000 buying agents in the UK) but we have been around for many years and mostly work through word of mouth - because a satisfied client is the best publicity. Every search Address carries out is undertaken as it we were to buy the property for ourselves.
And to a bright 2023!! As we are slowly easing back into 'normal life' the press is awash with predictions (mostly gloom & doom) about the property markets.
But there is some press that focuses on facts and data... like this article from the Evening Standard (Jan 3, 2023) that lists London's most in-demand streets. No surprises to find out many of them are in RBKC & St Johns Wood, the latter having experienced a real property boom in the past 2 years.
Mayfair also continues to be in high demand as more foreigners return to London to take advantage of a lower pound and more negotiating power.
While the list of the most in-demand streets may surprise some, the reality is that they all share some similarities: they usually have large family houses which attract long-term owners, with residents raising their children in the property and selling after retirement. There is also a strong sense of community as well as historic architecture. These streets are like gold dust because they are best-in-class and thus scarce.
Don't hold your breath for prices to fall on these streets anytime soon... [although having a good buying agent may help you beat the queue and get a better price]
