Off market London pied-à-terre secured in under 5 days from first viewing

Our British client, a senior oil trader, was seeking a London pied-à-terre for him and his family and we introduced him to a rare lateral house behind Sloane Square on our first round of viewings.

The property had been quietly shown to only a small number of serious buyers, and the American seller was clear: he would only accept the asking price. The comparables supported this – it was well priced.

While another established buying agent had shown the property to their clients and advised them to bid below asking, we advised our on the property’s uniqueness and value for money, which our client immediately recognised.

Within an hour of viewing, we had submitted an asking price offer supported by proof of funds, a legal endorsement from one of our recommended lawyers and confirmation that we could exchange within five working days; title documents were already under review, and a surveyor was booked to attend within 48 hours.

This required us to assemble a highly coordinated group of professionals - lawyers, bankers and surveyors - willing to work at speed, including through the weekend.

In response, the competing buyer submitted a £250,000 higher offer, but the seller questioned their credibility, and felt more confident proceeding with us and our client, who had acted decisively and consistently from the outset. We exchanged contracts within four working days and our client’s feedback included “possibly one of the most professional companies I have dealt with from start to finish.”