‘Secret Sellers’ was the title of a recent piece in The Sunday Times Home supplement publicising the fact that an estimated 84,630 homes were sold off market in Britain last year and this year off-market sales are at a four-year high. Here at Chiltern Relocation, we have been fortunate enough to have agreed two off-market sales this week to the delight of our buyers who have been desperate to access these sought-after properties.
Why do vendors opt to sell off market?
Many would think that open house viewings and gaining a lot of interest in a property would be good for a sale (and the price) but many vendors want to step back from competitive bidding, gazumping and endless viewings by opting for a buyer who is handpicked by a relocation or buying agent and is in a strong position to proceed – usually without lengthy chains. Many vendors also wish to remain anonymous and not have their property and photos of their home (and personal life) advertised on internet search engines. Covid has also had a part to play as vendors have sought to minimize the number of people wandering around their sitting rooms.
Who are they and how do we get access to these sellers?
Chiltern Relocation has been in business for over 16 years and we have excellent links with local agents who know (from experience) that our clients are 100% committed, in a financially secure position to proceed and often without a chain. Due to our strong relationships with estate agents, we have been able to secure five ‘first in’ viewings for three different clients within the last two weeks. Our clients have fallen in love with the hand-picked properties and we have had offers agreed following our ‘first in’ viewings and the properties never reached the open market.
What have our ‘first in’ viewings been in the last two weeks?
Our first ‘first in’ viewing was in the picture-perfect village of Jordans at a generous family home that had been in the same family for over 20 years. Houses in this village rarely come to the market and this one was a gem with real potential and amazing grounds.
Our second ‘first in’ was at a family house in Cookham with lovely versatile living space perfect for a young family and close to all the village amenities. The open plan kitchen and living room opened out onto a glorious garden.
Our third ‘first in’ was at a beautifully renovated house in central Amersham new town. This house was in a prime location – just moments from the High Street and within catchment of outstanding primary and grammar schools. The house itself was tucked down a beautiful, quiet road with a deep front garden and generous family back garden.
Our fourth ‘first in’ was simply stunning. An Edwardian house in Cookham which oozed charm, history and was bursting with original features maintained to exacting standards. This property had been in the same family for over 20 years and the vendors wished that future owners would be the custodian of this rare gem and care for it as much as they had done so.
Our fifth ‘first in’ was a modern family home in central Beaconsfield new town. A probate sale this house would attract a lot of demand on the open market due to the opportunity to update certain features and really add value so we were lucky to get a first viewing.
Whilst not all vendors choose this route of selling off-market we are seeing a significant increase in vendors wishing to do so. The benefits to both buyer and seller are evident and vendors are keen to save a lot of time and potential stress by side stepping the open market process.
If you are keen to secure some help in finding your future home then please do get in touch. Contact Sharon on 01494 672086 or email enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit www.chilternrelocation.com
