The Initial Enquiry
A couple with a young daughter, and pregnant with their second, contacted us as they wished to move to the area and had undertaken a lot of research but needed help in finding the right property. The family wanted a generous house with an annexe, a good-sized south facing garden and easy commutability. They were keen to be within walking distance of an excellent primary school and the station – at no more than 0.4miles – and to have a range of secondary school options within a close radius.
How we helped
Following our Skype meeting we got an excellent feel for the couple’s preferences and we narrowed down the search to the two preferred locations of Gerrards Cross and Beaconsfield. After spending some time in each and looking at the schooling, social and sporting possibilities of both locations, the couple decided that Beaconsfield was for them. With fast trains into Marylebone in under half an hour and a range of excellent primary and secondary schools they felt confident that Beaconsfield would be the perfect location to raise their family.
Chiltern Relocation previewed and short-listed potential options and over the course of the next few months we viewed a large number of houses with the couple as they explored various possibilities. Finding a house with an annexe made the search a little more challenging and with supply thin on the ground – and the desire to move to the area and get their daughter started in Reception in September – the decision was taken to find a rental property whilst the home search continued.
Problems we faced
Given our excellent links with the local agents we were able to get the first look on a fantastic rental house within a short walk of their daughter’s new primary school. The offer was accepted and the couple were delighted that they could now move to the area and start to settle in. However, just two weeks later a potential sale became available and again we secured a first look at the property. The couple loved it but the vendors received a number of offers and it went to nail-biting sealed bids. Chiltern Relocation has a wealth of experience in dealing with sealed bids and we were delighted that this one was successful. The vendors were moving out of the area and were yet to find a property but were committed to the move. Happy that their offer was successful, Chiltern Relocation discussed the break clause on their newly signed rental agreement.
However, the sale did not proceed. Fast forward many months and the vendors became very uncommunicative with the estate agents and solicitors. Their promise to find an onward property did not materialise so after many difficult months waiting in the wings for any sign of progress, Chiltern Relocation pressed on looking at alternative purchase options. The vendors refused to move into rented accommodation leaving us in a very uncertain position.
Conclusion
We continued our property search and after seeing a number of options we were thrilled to get a first look on a spacious family house in central Beaconsfield, a short walk from the station and the daughter’s primary school. The house had lots of potential and the couple immediately envisaged a possible extension. Chiltern Relocation arranged a visit with an architect who was able to confirm their vision. However, given the fantastic location and its potential there was a lot of interest and the sale – again – went to sealed bids. We were thrilled that our expertise in this area meant that the couple were successful and the house purchase proceeded smoothly to completion. With exciting architectural plans on the agenda and rental options in short supply the couple renewed their lease on the rental so that work could start in earnest on their new home.
