Our founder and MD, Jennie Hancock, was delighted to be asked by The Times to author a comment piece on one of the biggest issues facing the country homes market – the psychological block facing many downsizer sellers who are struggling to accept the value of their home has fallen.

The over-60s have seen significant house price growth in their lifetime, so it’s no wonder many sellers from that generation overestimate how much their home is worth now.

Many remain anchored to peak valuations, convinced they should still apply, regardless of the current market level which is typically between 10 and 20 per cent lower. They want to downsize, but the idea of crystallising a loss is very difficult to reconcile.

The result is a blockage in the country market, with stock languishing for months and going stale, and high-quality buyers losing patience and walking away.

You can read the full article here if you’re a Times and Sunday Times subscriber.

When it comes to fixtures and fittings, there’s no such thing as a gentleman’s agreement.

Once a purchase is agreed, we strongly recommend attending the property with agents for both sides and fully documenting every item that’s to be included in the purchase, from curtains and blinds, to cookers and white goods – even down to the light fittings.

Our founder and MD, Jennie Hancock, was quoted in The Times discussing this issue, and the questionable behaviour of some sellers who decide to take things with them at the last minute!

You can read the full article here if you’re a Times and Sunday Times subscriber

Increasing numbers of homebuyers in and around West Sussex are starting their property search with one very important companion in mind – their dog.

With miles of rolling countryside, winding footpaths and beautiful coastline to explore, it’s hardly surprising that four-legged family members are playing an increasingly important role in property decisions. For many buyers, it’s not just about the kitchen size or the commute, it’s about the walkies!

Since around 3 million UK households acquired a dog during the pandemic, our furry friends have become even more central to daily life. A dog friendly home isn’t simply a “nice to have” anymore, it’s firmly on the priority list.

Outdoor space is more important than ever. Fully enclosed gardens are a must, particularly for homes backing onto farmland or open countryside. After all, no one wants an unexpected sheep-chasing adventure. Pools and ponds are perfectly welcome provided they are safely fenced to keep both pets and little ones out of mischief.

Inside the home, practicality rules. Utility rooms are having a moment, doubling as paw-washing stations after muddy woodland walks or salty swims at the beach. Some buyers are even looking for built-in dog showers with hot water, dedicated pet areas or cleverly designed feeding stations. Luxury living, canine edition.

Location matters just as much as layout. Quiet roads, scenic walking routes, dog-friendly beaches and welcoming village communities all add serious appeal. Easy access to vets, and dog-friendly cafés or pubs are also on the list. After all, what’s a Sunday stroll without a pub stop that offers water bowls and biscuits at the bar? The Kennels Goodwood even have a yearly dog festival, Goodwoof!

Dogs have always been loyal companions, but today they are influencing lifestyle choices more than ever. For many buyers, finding the perfect country home isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about choosing a place where every member of the family feels at home, paws included. 🐾

This spring, the West Sussex property market is settling into a more balanced phase, creating genuine opportunity for buyers – particularly in the county’s sought-after villages. Increased supply, improved mortgage stability and a sharper focus on value are shaping a market that is calmer, more transparent and easier to navigate.

Across West Sussex villages, from Petworth and Midhurst to smaller South Downs and coastal communities, significantly more homes are now coming to market. With reduced competition and urgency, buyers are able to spend more time assessing setting, scale and long-term suitability – all critical factors in village purchases.

Mortgage rates, while still above historic lows, have eased further in recent months. This has had a positive impact on confidence, particularly for buyers making lifestyle moves into villages where price points are higher and decisions tend to be long term. Greater certainty around borrowing costs is encouraging buyers to re-engage and plan with clarity.

Pricing remains key. Properties that are accurately priced are attracting interest and progressing, while over-ambitious pricing is quickly exposed. This creates scope for informed negotiation and value-led decisions, especially when buyers are advised with detailed local insight.

For those looking to buy in a West Sussex village this spring, whether in the South Downs or along the coast, the current market rewards preparation, patience and expert guidance. With improved choice and more attractive prices, we’re seeing some fantastic opportunities for buyers seeking quality homes in well-established communities.

The start of the year always brings fresh starts, new ideas and unexpected opportunities, and in property that can sometimes lead to the most satisfying outcomes of all.

Right now, I am working with one very specific buyer who is actively looking to move into one of our beautiful villages in PO18 or GU29. This is not a speculative enquiry. They are motivated, ready to proceed and have a budget of up to £2m for the right home.

The buyer is a cash purchaser, offering a level of flexibility that is increasingly rare, whether that’s on timing, completion dates or simply making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible for the right seller. (We are paid by the buyer not the seller!)

What if their perfect house is already here, quietly waiting?

So often, homeowners assume “now isn’t quite the right time”, while buyers assume “nothing suitable ever comes up”.  Every now and then, a simple conversation creates a genuine perfect match, one that works beautifully for both buyer and seller, without pressure or publicity.

This buyer is looking for what our villages do best: character, space, privacy, gardens and a home in a perfect West Sussex village.  Perhaps it’s a house you have loved for years but now you’re starting to think about the next chapter. Or maybe it’s simply a case of if the right buyer comes along….

Well, they just might have!

This year, it might be worth seeing what happens. After all, some of the best property stories begin with a quiet conversation and end with a very happy match indeed.

If you live in PO18 or GU29 and are thinking of selling this year, please get in touch with Jennie Hancock directly on jh@propertyacquisitions.co.uk / 07776 452 128.

As expected, the Budget confirmed an additional tax on homes priced over £2 million, although it’s not as bad as first feared. Homes priced at £2m – £2.5m will pay a council tax surcharge of £2,500 annually, going up to £7,500 for properties priced over £5m.

I was delighted to share my insights with a number of publications including The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Country Life and luxury property journal PrimeResi. There’s no doubt this measure will have a significant impact on the country homes market in the South East, creating a two-tiered market in which demand for higher-value properties falls even further, while the £1m – 1.7m price bracket becomes more buoyant.

The one silver lining is that the tax won’t come into effect until 2028, which leaves a decent window for downsizers to make their move. Retirees on fixed incomes won’t want the burden of an additional annual bill they haven’t factored into their long-term plans.

“Can I get it for less?” is still one of the most common questions we hear from buyers, especially in the current buyers’ market where nearly 40% of homes on the open market have been reduced.

During the Covid property boom, paying under the asking price was almost impossible. Demand was fierce, and the best homes were snapped up within days. Fast forward to now, and the picture is quite different. With interest rates remaining high, buyers are taking a more cautious approach – and with a high number of fatigued sellers who have been in the market for months and are increasingly open to doing deals, there’s more room for negotiation than we have seen in years.

There is still often a gap between what sellers hope to achieve and what buyers are willing to pay, but realistic pricing is key. Well presented, good quality homes continue to attract strong interest, particularly around Chichester, Midhurst, and Petworth. In these sought after locations, we are securing properties at or just below the guide price more often. In other cases, we’re achieving discounts of as much as 15%.

When making an offer, it’s worth remembering that the strongest bid isn’t always the highest. Sellers value certainty and flexibility, so if you are a cash buyer or you can be flexible on timings, that can make all the difference.

For those navigating the current market, a clear strategy, good advice, and local insight are invaluable in achieving the right result.

For more information about finding your next home in West Sussex, contact Jennie Hancock  jh@propertyacquisitions.co.uk

After three months of speculation that cast a shadow over the autumn property market, today’s Budget should finally provide the clarity buyers and sellers have been waiting for.

With proposals ranging from a Mansion Tax on homes valued at over £2 million to capital gains tax on main homes worth £1.5 million plus – and even a possible overhaul of council tax – it seems that property is firmly in the Chancellor’s sights.

For a succinct roundup of the changes on the table and their potential impact on the market, take a look at this Country Life article which includes expert insight from our founder and Managing Director Jennie Hancock.

Great to see our founder and MD Jennie Hancock quoted in the Daily Mail’s This is Money, talking about falling demand for large country houses.

Buyers are cost sensitive and reluctant to take on major projects because of the costs involved to bring them up to scratch and to run and maintain them going forward – which are significantly higher now than even a few years ago. People today generally want to move in and unpack, rather than tackle an extensive renovation on a large footprint.

Difficulties getting planning permission is another challenge buyers have little appetite for, and they are very wary about subjecting themselves to a long and expensive project and putting their lives on hold in the meantime.

You can read the full article here.

We were delighted to share our thoughts on stamp duty reform ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget with luxury property journal PrimeResi.

There has been endless speculation about changes to stamp duty, capital gains tax and council tax which has created a great deal of confusion and uncertainty for buyers in recent weeks. In our view, the only proposal that has any real merit is replacing stamp duty with an annual property tax on homes worth over £500,000.

Property Acquisitions Founder and Director Jennie Hancock explains:

“An annual property tax would be an effective way of unlocking the housing market and enabling it to function much more fluidly. In the pre-stamp duty days, people were able to move up and down the property ladder as their circumstances changed, whether they were upsizing for a growing family or downsizing later in life as it suited them, without the fear of an enormous tax bill each time they transacted.

“The burden of stamp duty has been enormous, particularly in the prime market, but it discourages activity at all levels. That was clear to see during the pandemic stamp duty holiday when the market was freed from its constraints.

“An annual property tax would spread the cost and become just another bill to pay, much like council tax, which is easier to budget for compared to raising a significant lump sum at the point of transaction. It should only apply to new transactions however, or allowances would need to be made for people who have moved in recent years to ensure they avoid a double whammy of stamp duty and an annual tax.”