I read and hear about stories of frustrated country house buyers all the time, who either can’t find a home they desire, are being continuously outbid on the little stock that is available, regret the location they have moved to or have paid too high a purchase price. Buying agents have never been so busy as a result, as savvy purchasers realise that in today’s current market, they stand a far better chance of securing their dream house in the West Sussex countryside or on the coast at a fraction of the cost, with somebody who is actually on their side.

So what is a buying agent and why are we proving so valuable in today’s property market?

A buying agent is a property expert who acts on behalf of the purchaser to find them a new home and to buy it. Anybody who is looking via an estate agent won’t be offered quite the same opportunities and advice because of course, the company is acting on behalf of the seller and not the buyer. Whereas a buying agent’s job is to actively find a house that matches their clients’ requirements, before negotiating the price and terms on their behalf. They also provide valuable advice to ensure purchasers are buying the right property in the right location for the right price, and to put them in the best possible buying position to maximise their chances of appealing to a seller.

People use buying agents for all sorts of reasons. Perhaps they don’t have the time, are relocating and are not familiar with the location or they have just had enough of the intense buyer competition on the open market. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of benefits:

Access to off market homes

It is no secret that demand far outweighs supply at the moment, which is making it very hard for people to find the dream country house they want in West Sussex. However, there are actually properties for sale, it’s just that they’re not seen online or in an estate agent’s window display – they’re selling ‘off market’ or ‘quietly’ as it’s also known as. The joy of a buying agent is that a good one will have great connections with local estate agents, combined with their own insight into local village life, and will know what is coming up for sale – often weeks in advance of the general public being made aware. A buying agent’s clients tend to therefore be the ones who get first dibs on these houses, offering a much better chance of finding something with less competition.

Stop you overpaying 

A good buying agent will provide advice on what is the best offer to present based on the seller’s situation, the condition of the house, the location etc. They will have done all of the homework for you already so that they know the seller’s reason for sale, and whether there will be any unexpected costs in terms of repairs or renovations that may need doing. This ensures you don’t overpay as tempting as it may be.

Positioning you as the best buyer

It’s not always about offering the highest price for sellers. Depending on their situation, they may want to leave as soon as possible, so somebody who can move the fastest tends to hold most appeal. A good buying agent will only work with a purchaser who is ready to financially proceed, so this puts them in good stead in the eyes of the seller in this situation immediately. More often than not, these are cash buyers. I’ve also worked on deals where the sellers have lived in a house for many many years with their children, and want to find a buyer who has a young family themselves who wish to bring them up at the property like they did. With sellers struggling to find a home themselves to purchase, some are looking for buyers who are prepared to agree to a delayed completion to allow them more time to find something. It’s all about ‘selling’ the buyer into the seller and knowing what sort of price they will accept, and this can only truly happen by knowing exactly what the vendor’s story is.

Saving time

Buying agents can save purchasers a lot of time and stress from searching for a property, especially if you are not familiar with the location. They’ll do all the research, find houses you are actually looking for and will conduct viewings first, before short listing what they feel are the best ones for you to view yourself. This saves a lot of time wastage on finding something and on viewings, where properties don’t end up being what they appear to be on paper.

Honesty

If there are any negatives or concerns for a property, price or the location, a buying agent will tell you. If the house is next door to a pig farm, it’s probably not going to smell very nice. If the main road on the door step is notoriously noisy, you’re probably going to regret living there. If the price is too high or offers are going in way over guide, it’s probably best to walk away. This level of honesty and advice provides a safety net of getting the location right, not having any unexpected costs further down the line such as expensive repairs, and not over paying.

For more advice about purchasing a home in West Sussex, contact Jennie Hancock , on +44 (0)7776452128 or jh@propertyacquisitions.co.uk. 

Having operated a buying agency business for two decades, downsizers in West Sussex have consistently been a part of our client base. Given our location in the picturesque villages around Midhurst, Petworth, and Chichester, it’s no surprise. These areas offer an idyllic lifestyle and charming homes, perfect for those seeking a slower pace of life.

Traditionally, downsizers would opt for a smaller home after their children have flown the nest. However, a notable shift has occurred, with more downsizers now exploring the concept of “sidestepping.” Instead of simply downsizing in terms of square footage, these individuals are in search of a property of similar size, achieved by purchasing something more affordable and extending it or trading in features they no longer require for more practical ones. This emerging trend is intriguing, and there are compelling reasons behind it.

One driving factor is reducing the overall cost of moving. The number of large family homes available for sale, owned by these empty nesters, has decreased in recent years, primarily due to the increased costs associated with downsizing, such as stamp duty, solicitor fees, and general moving expenses. However, savvy buyers have realised they can still enjoy a similar-sized property and a great lifestyle by purchasing a property that needs some work at a significantly lower price. They can then extend and adapt it to their liking. This approach results in substantial savings on stamp duty, a benefit that sets sidestepping apart from traditional downsizing.

For homeowners selling sought-after, spacious family houses, whether locally or in London, they often attract serious buyers quickly and secure a good price for their property. This allows them to use the surplus funds to purchase a more affordable home in a desirable location, where they can renovate and personalise it. This may involve modern extensions, adding an annexe, or upgrading kitchens, bathrooms, and en-suites. While financial considerations are still relevant, this approach enables downsizers to afford both the village lifestyle and the house they truly desire without compromising too much on size.

An added benefit of sidestepping is the potential to eliminate their mortgage entirely or significantly reduce it. While many of our clients are either cash buyers or have relatively small mortgages, they may have carried substantial mortgages in the past. Once their renovation project is complete, they can enjoy an attractive, well-sized home without the burden of hefty monthly mortgage payments.

Another example of sidestepping involves buyers swapping properties of similar size and price, but with changes in the features of the house. For instance, they may currently own a 2,000 sq ft house with three acres, including a pool and tennis court, however with their children no longer using these facilities, they opt for a 2,500 sq ft house set half an acre, which is more cost-effective to maintain once updated to modern standards. They might even include an annexe in the garden for a relative to move into. Alternatively, they may prefer to trade these amenities for higher quality kitchens, bathrooms and interiors. While the price levels may remain similar, these buyers seek to replace amenities they no longer need or consider less important.

For more information about how Property Acquisitions can help you downsize in West Sussex, contact Jennie Hancock at info@propertyacquisitions.co.uk