Searching for a house in Marlow, Bucks - any tips?

[Wombat33]

I keep reading threads on here about how difficult people are finding it trying to sell their houses at the moment. We are having the opposite problem. We are keen to buy and on paper are dream buyers (nothing to sell, mortgage organised etc), but we just can't find anything to buy, and when we do find something, we always seem to be the second to make an offer and hence lose out (we've gone over asking price on two houses this year so far and been rejected both times when our offer was matched by the people who had made a lower offer first). Anyone got any tips on how we can go about finding a home, or is it just that no one is selling their houses at the moment??? We've tried letter-dropping houses we liked, but no luck, and I do pop in to speak to the agents regularly, but I worry they are getting a bit fed up of seeing me and that might count against us when we eventually come to make an offer! Any ideas??

Sorry you're having a hard time. We've got friends and relatives in Marlow (we're down the road) and they've all found it competitive to get a place there - especially in good catchments. I don't think it's just the timing - I think it's because it's pretty sought after and one lot of friends spent almost two years getting there. Sorry - I know that doesn't help but it does seem to be a waiting game. Just make great friends with the agents! Would you be prepared to move out a little - say Frieth or Bourne End? Just a thought - although, they're probably just as bad! Good luck

Thanks JeanJeannie - at least it's not just us then - that makes me feel better! We will look at Frieth and Bourne End too, along with Bisham and Cookham but would prefer Marlow if we can. So we'll keep waiting and chatting-up the agents

Ahhhh - I dream of Bourne End!