The Initial Inquiry
Our clients had lived through one lockdown in Brixton and were keen to make the move out of London to enjoy more living space, green space and access to excellent schooling. The early remit was focused on Cookham as the couple loved the idea of riverside living and a village feel. The couple had a baby on the way so they were keen to get a real community feeling where they would bring up their child.
How we helped
With demand far outstripping supply, the market for family homes is currently booming. Our clients were seeking four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a good-sized garden, good schooling options and excellent commuting options. Many houses are currently being sold ‘off-market’ (see our blog here about Secret Sellers) as vendors do not wish to have rafts of people in their homes in current conditions and many vendors prefer not having their homes advertised on property search engines. In addition, matching up a known buyer and their requirements to a house is also seen as a swifter sales process. Given our local contacts and 16 years in the business we are fortunate at Chiltern Relocation to get access to many ‘off-market’ sales in addition to the opportunity to have a ‘first-in’ viewing. In this instance, we were able to have the first viewing and immediately make an offer on a lovely family house in Cookham before anyone else and the vendors were keen to tie up a quick sale.
The problems we faced
We offered at full asking price, however the vendors asked us if we could ‘sweeten deal’. Not wanting to get into a bidding war situation and knowing it was an excellent offer, we held firm. We expected a quick decision, as the vendors had indicated this would be the case during our viewing, but in a surprise twist we were told that we would have to wait until the end of the week for an answer after a full week of viewings. Concerned that they might lose out on this property and sensing that the vendors might be challenging, our clients kept an open mind about other properties coming to the market whilst waiting for the vendor’s response at the end of the week.
A property in Amersham then came onto the market the next day – a little above budget – and not in a riverside village. This house would not have been included in the original search criteria due to these factors but our client was nervous about potentially missing out on the Cookham house and was acutely aware that there was little coming to the market so we viewed it immediately – again Chiltern Relocation were ‘first in’ for the viewing. Though conceptually quite different, this property stopped the couple in their tracks. It had recently been renovated and oozed charm and beauty in all directions. It had a deep front garden, set back from the road and was located in a quiet cul-de-sac yet just steps from Amersham High Street. The house had an amazing feel and a gorgeous back garden. The location also meant that the commuting options were far superior to Cookham – with mainline and tube from Amersham. Also, the range of potential schooling options was much wider at primary level and the house was in catchment for Challoner’s grammar schools. The newly redeveloped leisure centre just moments away and the buzzy atmosphere in Amersham would also be ideal for a young family.
Conclusion
Our clients weighed up the two properties and realised that, despite the higher price tag, the Amersham house had the ‘wow’ factor and ticked even more boxes than they had originally considered. They offered the full asking price immediately. The vendors had many viewings and it came down to our clients, and one other at the full asking price. Again, the vendors asked us to up our offer but being at the top (and over) their budget we held fast. The fact that Chiltern Relocation were acting for the couple won the day as the vendors were advised by the estate agent that Chiltern Relocation’s clients are trustworthy, committed and can act swiftly. The sale was agreed in just two days.
When the end of the week came around the Cookham vendors responded that they would like our clients to have the house but again asked them to ‘sweeten the deal’. We informed the Cookham vendors that, on this occasion, our clients would not be proceeding.
Our clients are thrilled with their move to Amersham and the wonderful sense of community.
