Any recommendations for central London estate agents?

[AdamT]

Just beginning our search for a new flat in central London.

Am scouring the usual websites (zoopla, Nestoria, findaproperty) but was wondering if any pher's had any good boutique agents thu could recommend?

Am looking for a one bed loft conversion 20mins walk from the city.

Thanks guys,

Adam

[scenario8]

Honestly I can't believe that I will be able to help you in any way you won't have already thought of. If you're looking for a property that close to the city I have to assume you have more than enough brain to have considered anything I would have.

I'd suggest browsing the sites you mention and seeing which agencies keep propping up, then contact those agents directly. I should add that to be taken seriously by these guys (ie to be the first person they think of when they visit a suitable property for a valuation) you will have to prove to them that you are serious. To that end you will need to be in a position to purchase and prove to be a reliable applicant (ie arrive for viewings, return feedback, don't pass up good opportunities on the back of the "wrong sort of lamp shade in the communal staircase", return calls/emails etc). If you don't then they may well think of someone else before you and you may well miss out on that "perfect" place.

I should add I don't make the rules. You are probably aware that in Central London the market remains busy and these guys have that luxury so may appear arrogant.

I should further add of the three portals you mention I've barely heard of Nestoria and I work in the industry within the M25. Rightmove is by far the market leader. There may well be specialist portals for very central flats but I would be genuinely surprised if they had a greater reach than Rightmove.

Anyway, best of luck.

[AdamT]

Thanks very much, strangely I havent used rightmove that much...will have to check it out.

cheers,

Adam

[scenario8]

Just to emphasise it realistically takes about 5 days to get an advert onto the web. The delay is usually in arranging a re-visit to the property when it will be in a position for photography rather than any real desire to delay things from the agents side. This is why it is imperative in this sort of market that you are well known and liked by the agencies likely to list the property you're after. You don't want to be waiting five days for the advert to appear only to find out you've already missed out.

Like many industries agency is a "people" business - despite the million pound offices, expensive tie-knots, fancy IT etc.

editerd for sticking keyboard. Don't ask why/how.

[AdamT]

Excellent advice and thanks again for the insight

Adam

[okgo]

Most properties are uploaded to the web without pictures, people that know what they're looking for only need to see something like "2 bed flat on Kings Road" to call up and go from there.

Also a lot of properties that go up will use pictures from the archive as they probably let it the last time.

Personally I use the big search engines and rent with whatever agent comes first, unless its Foxtons, as likleyhood is its on with someone else, for less, that does not have a £380 admin fee.

[AdamT]

I have not yet come across anyone with a good thing to say about foxtons.

[okgo]

Yeh, I used to work for them, so know the tricks they use.

AS I've said before, best agent in terms of systems, resources, marketing etc by a country mile, but sadly their fee's and attitude let them down. And its too late to right that rep now.