Buying property in London can raise a number of practical questions, particularly around how a property finder works, what the service includes and how the buying process is managed. Below, we answer some of the questions we are most frequently asked.
About Our Property Finding Service
What Does A Property Finder Do?
A property finder acts on behalf of the buyer. We search the market, assess suitable properties, arrange viewings, advise on value, negotiate the purchase and help manage the process through to completion.
What Is The Difference Between A Property Finder And An Estate Agent?
An estate agent represents the seller. We represent the buyer, providing independent advice throughout the search and purchase.
Why Use A Property Finder?
Clients typically use a property finder to save time, gain access to a wider range of properties, understand local values and receive independent advice before making a significant purchase.
How Does Your Property Search Work?
We begin with a detailed discussion about your requirements, including location, budget, property type and priorities. We then search the market and present properties that we believe merit serious consideration.
Do You Search Both On-Market And Off-Market Properties?
Yes. We consider properties available on the open market as well as suitable off-market opportunities that become available through our network of contacts.
Can You Access Off-Market Properties?
Yes. Our long-established relationships with estate agents, developers and private contacts can provide access to properties that are not publicly advertised. Not every purchase will be off-market, but private opportunities can form an important part of a thorough search.
Who We Work With
Do You Work With Overseas Buyers?
Yes. We work with both UK-based and international buyers. For clients based overseas, we can provide local market insight, help narrow suitable areas and manage much of the search and buying process on the ground in London.
Can You Help Me Decide Which Area Of London To Buy In?
Yes. Many clients begin with several possible areas in mind. We can explain differences in property stock, local character, relative value and practical considerations to help focus the search.
What Areas Do You Cover?
We work throughout Central London and across wider London where appropriate to the brief. Our experience spans Prime Central London as well as established residential areas across West, North, South and East London.
What Types Of Property Do You Search For?
We work across a broad range of residential property, including family houses, period apartments, mansion block flats, mews houses, lateral apartments, pied-à-terres and contemporary developments.
Do You Work With Investors As Well As Private Buyers?
Yes. We can assist both private buyers and clients considering property as an investment. The search will be shaped around the individual client’s priorities and objectives.
Fees And The Buying Process
How Do Your Fees Work?
Our fees are based on the scope and complexity of the search and typically include an initial retainer and a success fee on completion. The precise structure is discussed before we are instructed.
Do You Help Once An Offer Has Been Accepted?
Yes. Our involvement continues after an offer has been agreed. We liaise with the professionals involved in the transaction and help keep the purchase moving through the conveyancing process.
Can You Recommend Solicitors, Surveyors And Other Property Professionals?
Yes. Where required, we can introduce experienced solicitors, surveyors, financial advisers and other professionals who can assist with the purchase. We can also introduce architects, designers, project managers and tradespeople after completion where appropriate.
Can’t Find The Answer You Need?
Every property search is different. If you are considering buying in London and would like to discuss your requirements, we would be pleased to have a confidential initial conversation and explain how we may be able to assist.