Diary of an estate agent... From Pimlico to Peckham – the weird and wonderful happenings in the world of estate agency by Jane Robathan of Roy Brooks
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here’s a literal spring our step right now. We’ve sold heaps of flats in the past few weeks— many of which flew out the door. It would appear firsttimers are encouraged by Brexit-y price falls, more choice and cheap lending. Mid-range family homes are moving steadily but, in our patch, the upper end of the market needs encouraging. Business is there if you know how to seek it out, and this is exactly the right market to embrace selling off-book. I’d recommend the off-book approach to anyone right now with a larger home to sell. Your property won’t date online, your neighbours need know nothing and a touch of secrecy gives your home a bewitching appeal. Buyers are given access to something not publicly available, which protects its value far more than today’s portals. If your agent can drum up a selection of hot buyers and get you a decent offer, you’ve also avoided much of the stress associated with being ‘properly’ on the market. Think of how the opposite is true in a strong market, where open days achieve superb results.
Buyers needn’t put lives on hold and wait to move. We won’t know if prices have bottomed-out until Brexit dust settles, but as most people move within a mile, there’s really nothing to lose as prices are relative. The next largest set of buyers we have are those moving from rather expensive parts of east, north and west London, so in fact, they’re still quids in. The rule buying is simple: if you’re living there for 3-5 years, you’ll outride any downturn. And buying precisely at the bottom of the market really is, a little knowledge and a lot of old-fashioned good luck. roybrooks.co.uk
A remarkably beautiful three double bedroom apartment over two floors of a Victorian terrace. Recently refurb’ed, flawlessly styled and comes with the freehold for the whole building. Walk to Nunhead and Brockley stations. Chain free. Borland Rd, SE15 £600,000, Roy Brooks 020 8299 3021
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20/03/2019 14:18