How buying agents can help you to secure your dream home in the UK

Whether a well-appointed townhouse, a modernist masterpiece or a grand country mansion, every buyer has their own idea of a dream home. However, there are frequent obstacles that keep buyers just out of reach of their property aspirations.

For young families, finding a home within a stone’s throw of a good school is often a priority. Commuters might be looking to live in areas with excellent transport links. Many may aspire to live in a particularly attractive area, whether a beautiful piece of countryside or a favourite part of London. These are the factors that lead buyers to turn to buying agents in order to secure the perfect home for their wants and needs.

One of the most significant reasons that buyers choose to work with buying agents is that they provide access to off-market properties that would typically be unavailable to regular buyers. It has been frequently reported by the press that an increasing number of homes are not being listed with traditional estate agents. Research shows that one in four London properties (22.3%) were sold off-market, with the figure for properties valued at £1m or more increasing to one in three (29%). The country market is perhaps even more discreet, and particularly hampered by a dire lack of stock.

“When buying in the country, bringing in a buying agent will give you the edge in a highly competitive market”, says Jamie Freeman, country expert at Haringtons. Founded in 2004, Haringtons is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious buying agencies.

“With so many country homes being sold off-market, you’re missing out enormously if you can’t access these properties. A buying agent will have contacts that regular buyers do not have. This means a broader variety of homes will be available, providing buyers with more options to find the right home for them.”

Many also value the buying expertise offered by an independent advisor. Buying agents have learned over decades of experience how to land a deal that many will only need to make two or three times in their life. Jamie says, “We are experts at helping our clients avoid any potential landmines while buying their homes. Our advice is completely independent, and our only objective is to guide buyers towards the right decisions.”

In London, with such high demand for homes, a buying agent who is well known by estate agents can often secure a better deal than a buyer acting on their own. “Estate agents in the areas I operate know and trust my expertise,” says Nina Harrison, London expert at Haringtons. “Because of this, I can negotiate more confidently on behalf of my clients, and secure the best possible deals.”

Buying agents also provide their clients with in-depth area knowledge. “London is a city in a constant state of transformation and reinvention,” says Nina. “Being able to advise clients on the benefits and drawbacks of London’s many and varied neighbourhoods is an important part of my job.”

With the nation’s ongoing issues with housing stock, and a tumultuous mortgage market, many are seeking the services of a buying agent now more than ever. The reality is that a buying agent can offer the most sure and effective means to owning your dream property in the current landscape. For something as significant as finding and buying a new home, independent expertise is a must.