Buying flat in London

[Fifi80]

Greetings,

I'm curious if others have experienced challenges when attempting to purchase affordable properties in London. Despite my efforts to set up alerts on both Rightmove and Zoopla, as well as contacting agents within 24 hours of a property being listed online, I have yet to receive a response or find that the property has already been taken.

I'm wondering if this problem is common among other buyers. Have you had a similar experience?

You need to be on the lists for agents - the ones on rightmove are all already shown to existing potential clients before they are even uploaded online.
Call the agents, tell them what you're looking for and get on their books. They will mostly check out your finances before they show you anything

We managed to secure an offer on our first flat before it had even gone on the market. It only ever went on rightmove as sstc

Call estate agents if not heard back. We had about 30 viewings when we later sold the above flat.

@YukoandHiro thank you.

@Peanutbutteryday thank you.

it seems like getting on the private lists is the way to go. I’ll try that route.

This is really surprising given how sluggish the market in London is at the moment. Properties near me aren’t selling quickly at all and are being reduced in price. What borough are you looking in?

@SavvyWavvy I am referring to flats located in SE, like Forest Hill, Penge, and Beckenham areas that are priced lower but still maintain a decent appearance. It's true that some other properties seem to be standing still for some reason.

Ring up the etstate agents as soon as possible- in my experience estate agency still works primarily on phone calls.

Be ready to go and visit at the drop of a hat and offer if it meets your requirements. If you miss out on a listing ask to be told about details of similar properties they have so that hopefully you get first look before going on RM etc.

@islest thank you for the great suggestions!

We are in that area, and anything that is priced well and has outdoor space is going quickly. People mention a sluggish market- ans it is for those properties that are trying to get last year's prices- but what there is that is well priced is going fast. One bed flats seem to be hanging around.

Definitely make friends with local agents- Pedder, Propertyworld, KFH, Hunters, Leaders, Winkworth etc. I know at least a few of those definitely have private lists that they work with.

central london property in SW is moving quickly, with zone 2/3.
many property is listed discretely 2/3 weeks before it hits Rightmove - agents website.
agents have vetted buyers they distribute to first.
go out for visits find a couple of agents and chat / let them know you are keen to buy.
also - get finance approval sorted so you can offer

Honestly, my experience was the opposite ( zone 1- SE postcode). Used the messaging app to express interest in a few places and had 3 callbacks within 30 minutes. We are chain free but I didn’t mention that in my initial message so I think the market is different depending on exactly where and what you’re looking for.