Thinking you have plenty of time to relocate to London with your dog in three months? Think again! The London property market moves quickly. Tenants typically give two months’ notice, and properties are immediately put on the market. Landlords and agents are driven by efficiency and are eager to close deals swiftly.
Are you familiar with London? Do you know where you’d like to live? If you’re unsure, you’ll need that extra time to identify dog-friendly neighbourhoods in London. This can be especially challenging when you’re coordinating from afar and might find that estate agents are slow to respond.
It’s true, from my experience, some agents can be hesitant to engage unless they see that you’re a serious prospect. An inquiry from New York about a pet-friendly property might not be as compelling to them as someone local who can view the property immediately and is likely to make an offer on the spot.
How do you get taken seriously in London property?
Navigating the competitive London property market and being taken seriously as a buyer or renter can be challenging. Here are some strategies to enhance your credibility and make your interactions with agents and sellers more impactful:
- Financial Preparation: Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, having your finances in order is crucial. For buyers, this means obtaining a mortgage in principle before you start viewing properties. For renters, having a deposit ready and proof of income or a guarantor can make a significant difference.
- Be Ready to Move Quickly: London’s property market moves fast. Showing that you’re ready to make quick decisions can make you more appealing to agents and sellers. This includes being flexible with viewing times and ready to put in an offer immediately if you find the right property.
- Work with a Relocation or Buying Agent/ Property Broker: Establishing a relationship with a well-regarded agent can give you an edge. You’ll be taken more seriously by estate agents. Also you have someone on the ground. The alternative are having friends / family view on your behalf. They can advocate on your behalf and alert you to new listings quickly and guide you on the whole process.
- Provide a Complete, Professional Profile: Especially if you’re renting, providing a complete application with references, a Pet CV, if required a credit check, and a cover letter can help. For buyers, a well-prepared offer that includes proof of funds and a solicitor’s details can make you stand out.
- Know What You Want: Having a clear idea of your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves can make your search more efficient and demonstrate to agents that you’re serious and not just casually looking. This clarity can help them better match you with the right property. Have a look at the property portals such as Rightmove, Zoopla and Open Rent.
- Demonstrate Serious Intent: When you find a property you like, let the agent know your intentions clearly and promptly. This could be through a solid offer or a letter of intent if you’re buying, or a commitment to proceed with a rental application. Be prepared to pay the 1 week holding deposit quickly to take the rental off the market. Up until that point, someone can counter-offer.
- Personal Touch: In a market driven by quick transactions, adding a personal touch can sometimes help. This might include writing a letter to the seller letting them know why you love their home, which can be particularly effective in a multiple-offer scenario.
- Stay Informed: Understanding current market conditions, local prices, and what’s available in your desired areas will help you make informed offers that are competitive but realistic. This knowledge demonstrates to agents and sellers that you understand the market and value their time.
By following these tips, you can present yourself as a well-prepared, decisive, and credible party in the London property market, increasing your chances of securing the property you want.
I hope this information is helpful. If you’re relocating to the UK with your pets, feel free to join our informative Facebook group, “Relocating to the UK with your Pets”, for more guidance and support.
Russell Hunt is the founder of Petslets.com, a UK-based pet-friendly property portal, as well as Petsletsrelocation.com, where he serves as a pet-friendly UK property specialist. He advises clients on renting and buying properties in and around London.
