Is anyone a letting agent?

[TweeBee]

There's a house in an area I love which is available for rent.
I'm thinking of making an appointment to view, however we wouldn't want to rent but to buy it if we liked it. It's a long term let.
DH thinks I've lost the plot. The lettings agency appears to be purely for lettings so he says they probably wouldn't even tell the owners, as what would they get out of it.
I wondered if anyone who works in lettings could comment on what you would do in this situation?
Thanks

You could ask, nothing to lose. Or do a land registry to find the owners name.

There will almost certainly be a clause in their T&C's giving them a % of any sale fee agreed with a tenant or via their introduction so I wouldn't worry about them not being financially motivated. Just go in and ask if there is any possibility the owner might consider selling, tell them your position if it's good (cash buyer, nothing to sell etc) and leave your details. Follow up a few days later and keep asking until you're satisfied they've actually spoken to the owner.
Or send a letting to the house addressed to The Legal Owner marked private & confidential telling them you'd like to buy their house.

I agree. Why wouldn't you? They may be letting it out because they think they won't find a buyer atm.

A few years ago I saw a house I loved, which was for rent but wanted to buy. I emailed the agent to see if it was a possibility. The agent advised the owner wasn't interested. There's no harm in trying.

Definitely ask, all my rentals were potential for sale for a good couple of years before I sold up. Try the land registry first as above, you might get in the owner's good books by bypassing any finders fee in their contract.

Thank you!