Feel as though I'm being 'mugged off' - property purchases

[Spooky2000]

Perhaps I'm being a bit paranoid, but I've had 4 houses now where I've had EA's tell me that the property has had an offer and now isn't available to view before my viewing appt (three times), or has been removed from the market. I'm registered as a single woman who's buying and I've provided proof of DIP and deposit, ID etc and registered with several EA's. I have a surveyor and solicitor ready to go and have advised this, too.

Some of the houses I've gone after have sold before I've had chance to view because the EA is doing the viewings and doesn't have a timeslot to fit me in sooner, despite the fact that currently I'm available at short notice and 24/7. I really am beginning to believe it's because I'm a single woman and that there's some sort of seething resentment that I can afford this. I live in a small town, and am not local (evident by my accent). I've worked 2 jobs for 2 years to save this deposit.

Should I lie and say I'm buying with someone now just to get my foot through a door (literally!!) ?

That's how I see it, too.

As others have said, it's definitely about going in in person if possible, introducing yourself, telling them your budget, your requirements, giving them an opportunity to offer you things - being open to their suggestions. Give them all your info about agreements in principle etc, so they know you are a serious prospect. And keep in touch - phone regularly, do the small talk, ask what they've got coming up as well as what they've got on now. Make sure you're the first person they think of when a potential seller comes through the door.

Thank you everyone for your reassurance. I think because I live in a predominately small town with historic roots 'oop norf', I've allowed myself to wonder whether some of the (admittedly, small mindedness of some of the locals) has been in play.

note: they get kickbacks from forcing people to use their mortgage agent, I refused and they blacklisted me - and this is something I've wondered, because I have everything in place - the surveyor, solicitor and the mortgage sorted, so I don't need to use anything else. @housethatbuiltme , I'm using multiple agents and @BrucesTooth yes I'm currently renting.

@ImAChangeling you say "...admitted that professional landlords with a good sized property portfolio get an early heads up on buy to let suitable properties, and professional developers get an early heads up on desirable higher value renovation properties." and in line with another PP, this is something that bothers me as it's completely unfair for those of us who want to do our own place up and for those who can't afford mid-range prices. I am in the position where I cold get a good sized mortgage owing to having 2 good jobs, but the deposit has yet to catch up to say, £25,000. All of the places I've been interested in I have the deposit at the ready and have evidenced that.

I think I will take some time out this week to posh myself up and troll around the town and try to charm the EA's. 🙄

@MolkosTeenageAngst you say " If something has come up that looked perfect but is now gone phone up the estate agents and make it clear that you are looking for a similar property and also ask if they can let you know asap if it comes on the market again. Put in the time to ensure that the estate agents know you are serious and ready to buy" I really feel that I'm doing this, from pointing out I've got a mortgage, deposit, solicitor and surveyor, to making myself available for viewings. I've NEVER had an issue buying a house before, even as a single woman (though this was in the Midlands and not oop north). I think I will have to - as you have all advised - be riding them like seabiscuit and doing a troll around the shops looking my charming best :)

Yes it’s unfair that commercial buyers are prioritized. But hopefully it reassures you that it isn’t anything personal. You will find the right thing in the end.