We have all enjoyed the wonderful easy access to property portals for some years now. However, buying and selling houses and sharing personal information about our homes is not as popular as it once was. Google has no delete button, therefore financial information remaining permanently online, often with errors, is not always helpful.

If a property is on a property portal and for whatever reason it is unsold/withdrawn or price amended (which could be due to many different circumstances), this can have a negative effect on future marketing as the full history is available to the public giving dates, prices and photographs.

Buying ‘off market’ and finding hidden homes is hard and is based very much on the trust of a buying agent or an estate agent that offers an ‘off-market’ service without relying on portals. During 2024 this has become increasingly popular, as sought after homes changing hands off market offer a form of exclusivity that was rarely seen in previous years.

This method leads to higher success rates, offering a far more discrete, confidential and stylish transaction not only for the buyer but seller too. Knowing the local area and having an encyclopaedic experience and knowledge of the local housing market is paramount. Properties can be premarket, bottom drawer, probate, quietly available (down-sizers thinking about it) but not listed publicly on portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla. Buying agents act for buyers and estate agents act for sellers.

Maybe some of the old ways are returning to important transactions such as buying or selling a home and this method can be a far less stressful than one initially may have thought. As a buying agent, our relationships with agents and homeowners mean we have access to the best off-market properties, enabling our clients to benefit from a quicker process, especially if they are buying with cash and are chain free purchasers.

Stretching 140 kilometres from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex, the South Downs National Park offers stunning scenery with more than 2,000 rights of way, trails and paths winding through chalk downland, woods, hills and vales.

Visiting its towns and villages is like stepping back in time, and homebuyers are drawn to this old-world charm, with village shops, churches and cricket greens, as well as the comfort of knowing the area is well protected by its National Park status.

Jennie Hancock was delighted to chat with the Daily Mail about the benefits of living within the South Downs National Park, and why Petworth now vies with the Cotswolds as a classic English country town, attracting local families, downsizers and Londoners seeking a weekend bolthole.

You can read the article here if you’re a Mail+ subscriber.

Many of our clients have Selborne on their wish list. They are focusing on this picturesque village, which is nestled in the rolling hills of Hampshire.

The attraction for buyers is easy to understand as this is a charming village and a delightful escape into the heart of the English countryside.

Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich literary heritage, the village exudes a gentle beauty and warm community spirit. This charm is especially felt in its iconic local landmarks, like the 12th-century Selborne Church, Gilbert White’s House, and the welcoming Selborne Arms.

These spots are perfect preludes to a brisk walk up the famous zigzag path, which rewards visitors with panoramic county views and scenic trails that wind through lush greenery – an experience best capped off by a convivial rest in the Selborne Arms.

Selborne Common boasts ancient oaks and vibrant wildlife, and is a haven for walkers and bird watchers alike. Whether you’re hiking up to the views from the top of the hills or enjoying a leisurely stroll, the fresh air and stunning vistas are invigorating.

The village is also home to a warm and welcoming community, where local shops and cosy pubs create a sense of belonging.

As seasons change, Selborne transforms into a patchwork of colours, each with its own charm. Spring brings vibrant blooms, summer bursts with lush greenery, autumn showcases golden leaves, and winter blankets the village in a soft hush of snow.

We were delighted to share our thoughts ahead of the Autumn Budget with the leading luxury property journal, PrimeResi.

Top of the Property Acquisitions wish list is a plea for the government to stop raiding the pockets of homebuyers through stamp duty – a prohibitive tax that restricts movement and suffocates the housing market – and consider reducing or scrapping it altogether for downsizers.

Founder and Director Jennie Hancock says: “I remember when stamp duty was 1% and it was something people paid without much thought, in the same way as they paid their estate agent or solicitor. Now, it discourages activity at all levels of the market, especially at the top where people who would like to downsize just can’t come to terms with handing potentially hundreds of thousands of pounds to the tax man.

“They would rather resign themselves to staying in their home and spend that money on employing a gardener or a housekeeper instead, when if they had moved it would have set in motion an entire chain of transactions at all levels of the market.

“Stamp duty is such a prohibitive tax, and that was clear for everyone to see during covid when the market was freed from its constraints. Scrapping or reducing stamp duty for downsizers would kick start the housing market by removing the enormous disincentive to move at the top.”

Having the inside track on the best towns and villages is one of the many advantages of using a buying agent, who knows their patch inside out – from the best schools, to the new farm shop that’s about to open, or the quickest back route to the station.

But if you’re new to an area and don’t have expert guidance, it can be much more difficult to work out whether a place is right for you.

Our founder and director Jennie Hancock was delighted to share her insights with The Sunday Times, advising buyers on the best way to recce a new area so they can be confident they’re making the right decision.

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

The dynamics of today’s property market, where asking prices are wildly optimistic, is creating some unique opportunities for buyers.

Properties priced above their true open market value can provide buyers with extra leverage during negotiations, particularly where a property has been unsold for a lengthy period of time. Sellers may be more willing to enter negotiations if they have received an underwhelming level of interest, opening the door for buyers and their buying agents.

There is a notable increase in the number of sellers coming onto the market today who have not moved for a relatively long time, 25 years or more. An overoptimistic asking price will put some buyers off immediately, without even a viewing, but buyers who have all their financial ducks in a row and can move quickly are often in a good position to capitalise.

If a house is correctly priced to begin with it will sell quickly, avoiding the downward spiral of incremental price drops which can end up far below true value.

The property market is often referred to as a single entity but in fact it’s made up of thousands of micro markets with their own levels of supply and demand. What’s happening in one local area can be completely different from another location just a few miles away.

Therefore, understanding the local market, with sound research and the help and assistance of an experienced buying agent, can save significant time and money. It is true that a house is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it.

We’re delighted to see our comments on Arundel in Sussex Life magazine and regional newspaper The Argus.

Both publications have picked up on news that the popular West Sussex town has been nominated as one of the best locations in the UK for downsizers.

Most of our downsizing clients have children who have flown the nest, and they want to simplify their lives and their finances by buying a more manageable property, leaving them with a nice nest egg with which to pursue hobbies and travel while they’re still fit and able.

If you would like more information about the benefits of purchasing a smaller country house in West Sussex, please contact Jennie Hancock on 07776 452128.

You can read the full article in Sussex Life here.

We work with many downsizers who are local to West Sussex and moving into the area, so we were delighted to assist the Daily Mail with their round up of the best places to downsize.

In at number three, Arundel is an ideal hotspot for outdoorsy types and nature lovers of all ages. People love to take boat trips up the River Arun to Amberley and witness the wildlife. Meanwhile the town centre, with its famous castle and cathedral, offers some charming historical architecture – particularly beautiful Georgian houses.

It does have steep slopes, which may be a problem for some downsizers, but there are plenty of lovely roads on the periphery offering easy walking access to the town centre and local amenities.

Read the full article here if you’re a Mail+ subscriber.

As we approach the autumn with the election behind us, bank rates remain high and an Autumn Budget is to be announced on 30^th October. There are still many opportunities to buy well, with more opportunities to refurbish than we’ve seen in years.

However, premiums are still being achieved for the best villages and scarce properties that will always attract buyers, whatever the market conditions.

It is important to remember that a house is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it. Just because a particular asking price has been set, it does not mean that it’s at the ‘correct’ value.

What to consider when making an offer

Considerations such as the seller’s circumstances, the location of the property, and whether or not there are major works that need doing, are all critical.

With this knowledge, buyers are in a much stronger position to make an informed offer, whether it’s at the guide price or below. Go too low however, and there is a risk of losing out entirely – which is where the benefit of having a buying agent on your side really comes in.

Our tips include positioning the offer in the best possible light, explaining the context and specific circumstances. Cash buyers, for example, are in a particularly advantageous position in the current market.

The highest offer doesn’t always come out on top

Most vendors, particularly those who need to sell quickly, are choosing the buyer who is in the strongest position to proceed over the one offering the highest price. This is because with funds ready in the bank, cash buyers can move forward quickly and there is a lower risk of the sale falling through.

Another important factor to consider is whether you are happy to be flexible on a completion date. Exchange can take place as soon as it can be dealt with, but a long completion date can give a seller the time they need to find something else to buy. This also makes them a proceedable buyer, putting them in good stead for their onward purchase.

If you’re thinking of moving home this autumn, we can help you find the best property, negotiate the right price and oversee the entire transaction on your behalf. For an informal chat, call us on 07776 452 128 or email info@propertyacquisitions.co.uk.

We’re featured in the Sunday Times ‘20 Best Secret Villages’

We were delighted to share our insights with the Sunday Times for their round up of ‘The 20 best secret villages to live in’.

In at number 4 is The Hartings, with fantastic walks up onto the South Downs, a Post Office and general store and, of course, an excellent pub – the White Hart in South Harting.

Director Jennie Hancock is quoted, saying, “There’s an unofficial waiting list for good-sized houses here, whenever one comes on the market it’s always bought by a young family.”

West Sussex is packed with fantastic secret villages which are very sought-after locally but not well known outside the area, which is why our clients value our tips and insights, particularly when moving from another area.

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