Do you need an Estate Agent to buy or sell a property?

Nowadays, there are many services that facilitate buying and selling a property by oneself. It may seem tempting to avail of these and save on the agent’s commission and fees. However, the time, effort and money associated with flying solo can outweigh the benefits of bypassing an agent, and it can sometimes be costlier as well.

Property transactions are a huge financial step, whether you are buying or selling. In tiding through the step, you may lack the expertise required to negotiate properly without giving in to emotional wavering.

What are the benefits of having an Estate Agent?

Let’s take a look in more detail.

    • Market experts

With the changing property market, it will be helpful for you to be associated with someone who understands and feels the changing trends. He or she can understand your requirements and advise you on considering the right options based on trustworthy data and information. They will also be knowledgeable about the local landscape as well as national trends. As a result, you will be able to make an informed decision regarding your property.

    • Right pricing

Banking on their expertise, you can set the right price for your property. Price appreciations have witnessed a change this year already, and your prices need to be in sync with the trend in order to get noticed. Higher pricing will deter potential buyers, and your property may end up stagnating in the market. When it comes to property, agents take multiple factors into consideration, like the condition of your property and upgrades that have been done, without any bias. They will compare with similar properties in the area and help to set the right price to ensure a faster sale.

    • Maximise buyers

Estate agents have established relationships with other agents, potential buyers, and various entities in the market. They also have the marketing expertise needed to attract the right eye towards a property. At a time when mortgage rates are going up, which is demotivating some buyers, it is important for someone to be in the picture to attract more buyers. They have multiple tools at their disposal like social media, other agency resources, multiple listings etc.

    • Well-versed with technicalities

In a property transaction, there are more regulations and disclosures nowadays. An estate agent like Glentree can read the fine print and ensure all the legal documents are in order. It is better to work with someone who understands the technical jargon for a smoother procedure.

    • Skilled negotiator

You may need to be in touch with multiple people in the cycle – buyer or seller, their agent, inspection company (which inspects the property and almost always finds concerns), appraiser (who makes an assessment of the property value) and so on. Taking them toe-to-toe may prove to be tedious. In comparison, estate agents know the drill, including how to handle everyone’s concerns and advise on when it would be better to get a second opinion.

 

Above everything else, no matter how clearly steps and procedures are spelt out, a glitch can happen at any time in the process. It helps to have a professional like Glentree handle it for you if the need arises.

Is it better to purchase a new build property?

Purchasing a property, especially if it’s your first home, is a big life decision. And just like all major steps in life, you want it to be the best, and you want to make a smartnand informed decisions about it. With umpteen options in the market, the starting point to this decision would be to decide between a pre-owned property and a new build Property.

Older properties have the risk of maintenance problems that may not be visible until you start living in them. In new-build properties, every element is brand new and spotlessly clean. This is definitely a major plus for many.

What else makes it an attractive option and not one to be dismissed lightly?

What are the benefits of purchasing a new build property?

While an old property may be more value for money from an immediate perspective, a closer look at the pros of a new build property may deem it more valuable in the long run. Here’s a quick look at the benefits of owning one.

  • No chain
  • As you buy directly from the developer, there is no risk that the seller may not live up to his or her side of the deal. Once your finances are sorted, the purchase process can be completed, taking away a big part of your stress in the moving process. However, once you have finalised the purchase, the developer may set a definitive deadline for you to complete the process. It can add pressure if you have a property to sell to fund the new purchase.

  • Lesser maintenance
  • New build properties are built as per the latest regulations and have to follow specifications. This may guarantee no repair and maintenance work for quite some time. There is also a 10-year maintenance warranty from NHBC or National House Building Council, which covers structural defects, if any, of the building. There may also be an additional warranty that covers white goods like fridge or washing machine that’s been given by the builder.

  • Customise the finish
  • If you have confirmed a property, you may be able to customise the inside as per your choice. Apart from choosing the type of flooring or colours, you may even be able to make minor layout changes. These will help to make the property more your own and personalised.

  • Energy efficient
  • Newer properties are built using energy optimisation methods, like insulation and central heating. These aid in reducing environmental damage and also help in reducing heating bills.

  • Better choices
  • New build properties are built to cater to the needs of modern buyers. In tune with modern lifestyles, you may find that balcony perfect for barbeques or fabulous views on a top floor in one of these residential developments.

    However, bear in mind that it may be harder to get a mortgage approved if you are looking to take that route. Also, you will have to rely on a show home or your imagination to picture the completed structure while making your decision.

    But a new build property could be a perfect choice if you want something as per modern standards, and you do not want something pre-owned.


Glentree can help you find the new build properties as per your needs. We have an extensive list of properties available for sale and rent, and we’re constantly adding new ones.

How to get the best price for your property in the real estate market?

The housing market is facing a shocking slump due to a shortage of stock. And with rising mortgage rates, buyers may be hesitant to take the plunge now, which could be alarming for those considering the sale of their properties. However, there will be people looking to sell at a fairly decent price.

From the previous number of 1.2 million in-house sales in 2022, the authorities expect the number to drop further to about one million in 2023. However, there are sellers in the market who are adapting to the change with price readjustments and increasing their selling time.

How to get the best prices when selling?

There would still be buyers looking for spaces that will support their work-from-home requirement or retirement plans, or even energy-efficient facilities. Here are a few tips from Glentree to leverage the new age supply and demand climate in the real estate market.

  • Choose a credible agent.
  • Choose an agent who understands the change in the market and the buyer demographic. He or she should be one who’s riding the social media wave to fuel engagements online for your property with potential buyers. Apt PR and professional images is key, so an agent who is willing to invest in these is ideal. You can even consider combining the assets of local agents with someone with international exposure to balance exposure and catching attention.

  • Price sensibly
  • Competitive pricing is extremely important so that your property doesn’t look unattractive when potential buyers are scrolling through options. Opt for realistic pricing to attract the right buyers, not those offering lower quotes. Compare prices with those that are already in the market. If they have been listed for too long, that’s your cue that the pricing may not be right. It will also give you an idea of what you are competing against.

  • Make your property presentable.
  • Illustrate your property at its best. Buyers may view it in person and through photos several times before choosing it. And they may be looking for defects to ensure they don’t get caught with surprises after purchasing. So ensure you tidy up and do the pending repairs, if any, before listing. Be it in person or in photos, your property should be attractive and free of potential issues every time someone views it.

  • Include relevant information.
  • Instead of making it sound fancy, include relevant information like proximity to a school or metro station, recreational park, wide and clean roads, access to healthcare, etc. Buyers may also look at the state of the infrastructure and future plans for the same.

  • Get paperwork on track.
  • Keep your paperwork in place to avoid delays once the sale is finalised. Keep your completion certificate, building regulations, planning permissions, listed building consent and other relevant documents ready. Also, check that your property is registered with the online registry and resolve pending legal matters, if any.


    Here are a few additional quick tips-

  • Check on your mortgage. If it isn’t portable, you may have to pay a penalty for a transfer or additional purchase.
  • Keep your next move ready. It may work best if you are ready to move to your next home immediately.
  • Give priority to cash buyers, as they may make the transactions faster.


Selling a property can be a complex and stressful process, so it’s important to seek professional assistance. Glentree is a trusted name in real estate with a wealth of experience and expertise in the selling process. Glentree can help you navigate the market, identify the right buyers, and negotiate the best deal for your property.