Getting to the front of the buyers’ queue

Many of the best houses and flats are sold before they even reach the market. Even if it is on the market, you need to ensure you are more attractive to sellers than other buyers. Follow these top tips so other people don’t keep getting there before you.

Leaflet the area you want to live in

If you know exactly which area or street(s) you want to live in, and there aren’t many properties on sale, then consider leafleting it

• Put notes through people’s letterboxes telling them about yourself and asking if they intend to sell. Many people spend years thinking about selling, and you might prompt them to take the plunge
• The seller may not want to put their house on the open market in order to avoid estate agency fees. Direct sales incur no such costs

Ask friends and family

Turn them into your army of property scouts – most people like the thrill of the chase

• Tell everybody you know that you are looking to buy and ask them to keep their eyes peeled and their ears open for any suitable properties
• Often you will hear through word of mouth that a suitable property is, or will soon be, for sale

Approach absentee landlords

 Absentee landlords, particularly of empty properties, often simply haven’t got around to selling, and so you can make the decision easier for them

• If you find an empty rental flat or house that you like the look of, put in an offer – especially if it has been empty for a long time
• The further away the landlord lives, the more likely you are to get a good deal

Knock on doors

If you have really narrowed down the area you want to buy in, consider just asking door to door:

• It may be awkward, but you could strike gold. It is far more diplomatic to say you are looking to move into the area, and asking if they know any properties that are likely to come onto the market soon
• Go on a weekend, when more people are at home
• Prepare for rejection
• Take along cards/notes with your contact details on

Prepare your finances before hand 

When a hot property comes on the market, the sellers are far more likely to go for a buyer who is in good financial shape:

• Cash buyers, or those with mortgages in principle, will often be preferred to those who still have to scramble to get the money together. They will be seen as less risky
• Admitting you haven’t even talked to anyone about a mortgage will not instil confidence you are serious

Avoid being in a chain

Many sellers are frightened of being in a housing chain, because their ability to sell their home then depends on other people they don’t know being able to sell theirs. If you are able not to be part of a chain yourself, then you will put yourself in a stronger position. First time buyers will clearly not be part of a chain, but if you already own a home, there are many ways to make yourself chain free.