How to Become a 'Power Buyer'

Get ahead in a crowded marketplace

Follow these tips and give yourself the best possible chance of securing your dream home...

It’s no secret that the housing market has been incredibly busy in recent months. Low housing stock combined with buyers adapting their approach to working life post-covid has created huge demand - prices are now 9.5% higher than a year ago, the highest annual rate of growth since September 2014*. Whilst this is great news for sellers, for buyers it’s getting tough as those selling now have so much choice. But don't worry, there are steps you can take to increase your chance of success.

How can I make myself more attractive to sellers?

In such a competitive space you’ll need to stand out and there are a number of tactics you can leverage in order to become an appealing prospect. Generally, sellers want a quick sale at the best possible price so they’re looking for those who have already found a buyer for their own property, are chain-free, or are not selling themselves.

Sell before you buy

Or, at least get an agreement in principle in place. This is an incredibly powerful manouvre if you can manage it and any agent worth their salt would advise that when planning a move, you should put your home on the market without delay. More and more sellers are choosing buyers with sales already agreed over almost everything else. In some cases, we’ve known movers to sell their property first and then find a temporary home so they can explore a wide range of options at their own pace and be ready to move quickly when they find the right home.

Toby Philips, Managing Director of Countrywide says: “Many sellers avoid listing their homes before finding their next destination, but in today's market, a purchase is unlikely unless they are in the latter stages of their own sale.We can help you find a choice of buyers on a ‘no-sale, no-fee’ basis and help to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

If you’re a first-time buyer, secure your mortgage in principle

An essential step in buying a first home is to arrange a mortgage in principle. There is nothing to be lost and a lot to be gained by starting this process now. Once you begin the buying process, your first interaction with a sellers’ estate agent will require you to provide confirmation that you are able to apply for and receive a mortgage. In today’s market, sellers can disregard those who aren’t ready to move forward on a purchase so it’s increasingly important that buyers have the financial aspects of their side of the deal in line.

Cash buyers are at the front of the cue

Those who are able to make a purchase and don’t need to sell their home in order to move forward with a sale will be highly attractive to vendors - if you’re lucky enough to be in this position ensure your agent knows you are able to act quickly when the moment comes. In fact, keeping an open line of communication with your agent is always the best approach during a home move. Our agents are trained to gain a full understanding of your situation and are always happy to answer your questions and give advice. 

Ready to start your journey?

Source - https://www.rightmove.co.uk/news/house-price-index/