Buyers agents - Are they a thing in the UK ?

[Tortoise2go]

Really fed up with trailing through Rightmove and dealing with selling agents peddling out crud that has no relevance to specifications I've given. My American colleague said I need a buyers agent . Has anyone used one?

I don't see why you would need one as rightmove has great filters anyway, and it seems easy to arrange viewings etc. I expect a bit of direct marketing too.

They do exist- at a price. Not common, though, ans may only want to deal with higher budgets.

not really a thing here in the UK and not necessary anyway

As a pp said, just set your filters for the requirements you're looking for.

The US property system is completely different. Buyers agents are much more common in the US market, not least because they are normally paid by the seller! (Though of course the % will be wrapped into the asking prices)

Here they tend not to be of much help unless you are looking at very unusual or expensive properties that might not make it on to the major listings sites.

There are companies that will help you fnd a house but it will cost on top of the usual fees. They usually help people looking for high value houses and VIPs/celebrities so if you are in the high end market ……..

They do exist but tend to have much more expensive houses which maybe aren't listed on places like RM, or even online.

Not used one, but there's one around us (lake district) and it makes sense to me. Its not just trawling roghtmove, but physically viewing that takes a lot of time. If they're good at their job they should save you time. They often know about houses that aren't on the market too.

What you mean like phil snd kirsty? 🤣

"not really a thing here in the UK and not necessary anyway"

It's very much a thing for cash buyers in and around London, but yes locals tend to do it themselves. It's fair to say that Buyers Agents have a negotiating advantage on several levels. Not least the complete detachment from emotional involvement...

They are a thing in central London amongst international buyers looking to buy there. But I haven’t come across it personally in other parts of the U.K.

Not really a big thing - but I agree, I've used one elsewhere and they were super-useful (well, as long as you have a good one).

That's helpful , I am abroad trying to putchase in the UK so pleased to know they are a thing. I could really do with a non bias eye . I'll do some googling

So they do exist but are apparently very expensive.

Try making friends with some small, independent agents and every time you get something unsuitable from them, pick up the phone and explain why it is no good. Then your requirements may actually sink in.

Show them your finances so they are reassured you are ready to move and can afford what you are looking for.

Henry Pryor is the only one I know of.