PROPERTY BUYING IN THE COUNTRY
Finding the consummate country house, farm or estate is an art as well as a science; it
requires an expert blend of inside knowledge, a critical eye, a questioning mind and
exceptional interpersonal skills; all qualities that Haringtons has in abundance.
The market for country property is not transparent. Land values vary
enormously and an emotional pull can entice buyers into excessive offers. Conversely,
sellers with multiple offers will not necessarily be persuaded by the highest offer but the
most persuasive. Property is personal.
Haringtons is the perfect intermediary. Discreet, expert, fiercely
independent and provenly effective.
PERSONAL
We work with a very limited number of clients
at any one time. It prevents conflicts of
interest and ensures you of our absolute
focus. Finding you the perfect property is not
a 9-to-5 operation so personal attention is
paramount.
PRECISE
We begin by listening. What would your ideal home
look like? What do you need in terms of
rooms, gardens, grounds and land?
How will you travel to and from your home?
Do you have schooling requirements that need
to be satisfied? Do you want to be in a rural
location or on the edge of a village? Do you
want a period house or will you want a new
one? Are country pursuits relevant? The result
of this nuanced conversation is a very precise
working brief and search.
EXPERT
Haringtons has intimate knowledge of the market for
countryside properties, amassed over decades of
experience. We know the pluses and minuses of
different counties and local areas, and stay completely
up to date with planning issues. We deal in houses,
farms and estates and have an excellent track record in
securing properties off market as well as those openly available.
When we find a property ‘fitting’ your brief we check its
environment, making a forensic search of potential
flaws. We recognise that time is precious to our clients, especially those
overseas, and will never recommend any property that
has not passed every one of your actual and implied
criteria.
DILIGENT
Due diligence continues until the sale is completed. Before you make any commitment, we will present you with a finely detailed report on every aspect of your intended purchase. The report goes far beyond
the usual surveys and searches, picking up issues
that fall between a solicitor’s survey on title
and a surveyor’s structural report. Our report
also gives guidance on location and
communications, spotlights potential
environmental problems such as flight paths,
eyesores, public footpaths and other issues;
provides an objective assessment of the
property value backed by comparable
evidence and, for farms, covers land use and
management.
CONSISTENT
Where required, we can introduce you to the
appropriate professionals and act as your
interface, facilitating them as a team. This can
include, lawyers, surveyors,
planning consultants, architects and
designers. Naturally, on the day of completion we
will be on site to ensure everything goes
smoothly and any fixtures and fittings included in the sale
reman in situ. Completion funds will not be
released until we are happy every transaction
detail is correct.
TRANSPARENT
Fees are payable in two parts. An initial retainer payable post-brief, and an agreed fee on exchange. When the initial retainer is paid, Haringtons formally commits to decline any future clients requesting a search for similar country properties. This ensures that Harington clients enjoy a dedicated search with no potential conflicts of interest. Personal service is our ethos.
Contact our Country Specialists today
When Jonathan set up Haringtons in 2004 he already had eighteen years’ experience, setting up then running property buying departments for two of the UK’s leading firms, Lane Fox (now Strutt & Parker) and Knight Frank. Jonathan specialises in the purchase of country houses, farms and estates.
Hampshire-based Jamie has specialised in country houses his whole career. Before joining Haringtons in 2014, Jamie spent 10 years with Knight Frank, firstly in the Country Department selling country houses across the south east, then with The Buying Solution advising on the purchase of country properties across the south of England.