The Initial Enquiry
We received an enquiry from a couple who were keen to move from Enfield in north London to Beaconsfield, Penn or Gerrards Cross. The couple wanted to move out of London for a range of reasons. With three young children it was important for them to have greater access to green space, excellent schooling options and easy commutability into London. They were keen to have a larger house with a good-sized garden in a friendly community. The couple’s daughter was due to start Reception in September so they were anxious to move to the area and be settled in time for the start of her primary school education.
How we helped
Buckinghamshire has a wealth of schooling options – both state and private – and an integral part of the relocation was visiting the different schools in the local area. Once schools had been decided we could narrow down the house search.
On an initial Viewing Day, we visited a number of different properties to get a feel for what was available in their budget. Alongside viewing some initial properties, we set up visits at High March School, Maltman’s Green School and Gayhurst School. Seeing a school and meeting the Head teacher or admissions staff on a normal school day (as opposed to an Open Day) always provides a great insight into the character of the school.
Once the preferred primary school had been selected, we focused on the house search.
The main problem we faced was lack of supply at the client’s budget. One property matched the majority of their criteria but was just a little too far from the train station to be easily walkable. Given the fact that it was difficult to find time in work diaries to view properties quickly, arrange childcare and make the journey from North London, Chiltern Relocation viewed many properties on the couple’s behalf. Having spent time with the couple during the initial viewing day and really understanding their needs following our comprehensive questionnaire and regular video calls, this was an extremely efficient system for the couple. Chiltern Relocation took detailed video clips of potential properties (including a number of off market options) and provided detailed feedback.
After a number of months of researching and viewing potential properties Chiltern Relocation had the opportunity for a first look on a particularly exciting off-market house. We were invited to view the property at 9am whilst the estate agent’s photographer was present and the house was being rapidly prepared for viewings following some internal decoration. Meanwhile. the couple were in Beaconsfield for an induction morning that day for their daughter so we requested that they could view the house. The agent explained that the vendors were not quite ready for viewings but were happy for our clients to take a look from the outside. Our clients had received our video clips by this stage and were particularly excited to take a look and see the local neighbourhood. At that moment the vendor noticed the couple looking at the house and realised it was our clients. The vendor kindly invited them inside to view with the caveat that it was not quite as ready as they would have liked.
Our clients loved the open plan kitchen, excellent reception areas, spacious bedrooms and glorious gardens. They were also grateful to have the opportunity to chat to the vendor and understand the time frame of their move.
Conclusion
Following the viewing we had long discussions with the client and discussed the value per square foot in comparison to other properties, gave additional feedback on the area. We also discussed the fact that we knew (via the estate agents) that there were other buyers at their level who had missed out on similar properties. Knowing that they had to move quickly before the house went on the open market, our client put an offer forward to the agent. We were delighted that the offer was accepted and the house did not need to be listed. The professional photos taken that viewing morning were only shared with the client and their families!
The couple are excited to start their new adventure in Beaconsfield!
Here is what our clients say: Sharon helped us relocate from London and I don’t think we would have managed it without her. We didn't have the time to regularly visit our targeted area, and so her knowledge of all aspects of our chosen location was invaluable. She helped us distill down what we were looking for and our search quickly became very focussed, both in terms of area and type of property. She carefully planned a number of visits, including schools and local eateries as well as house viewings. With her help, we managed to slot all of the moving parts into place and finally make the move. Relocating an entire family’s life is not easy, particularly when you don’t absolutely have to do it, but her calm professionalism and organisation made it possible for us and we are so grateful.
