Guide for Buyers

The property portals are the most frequently used place to start a search for a property but if you want to get ahead of the crowd it is worth registering your requirements with a Jackson-Stops’ office within the area. We can then alert you to suitable properties before they are even entered on the websites and make sure you don’t miss out. A number of houses and flats are sold before appearing on the property portals, particularly where vendors want a low-key sale and little or no publicity.

In getting to know the key agents who are likely to be selling the type of property you are interested in can certainly pay dividends. Our offices are run by professional individuals who have an in-depth knowledge of their areas, with experience they have amassed over many years and in certain cases decades. Our primary objective is to assist in finding you the right property.

Although you may start looking in a specific price bracket and location, in our experience many purchasers buy outside that initial search area. By speaking to us we can help you find the right property and possibly broaden your search without taking up more of your time. This is particularly true when it comes to a specific type, style or period of property.

The banking crisis in 2008 resulted in most of the high street banks and building societies tightening their lending criteria. You need to make sure your funding arrangements are up to date. For more unusual properties or if you are self-employed it may be necessary to approach a specialist lender. If you need help speak to us and we can put you in touch with independent private financial advisers who are used to helping with clients and those looking to purchase houses that do not fit the new lending criteria.

If you are considering a leasehold property make sure you check whether the annual payments, in particular ground rent, could escalate in years to come. If you are thinking of buying a leasehold property in London, a National Trust property or perhaps one from the Crown Estate and are concerned about the length of the lease a member of our team who specialise in leasehold property may well be able to help.

At Jackson-Stops many of our buyers eventually become our vendors when they come to sell as they know we provide both vendor and purchaser with a level of service and expertise which takes much of the stress away from buying and selling. For further help or advice please contact us.