Q: How do you differ from an estate agent?
A: Estate agents work on behalf of the vendor i.e. the seller to achieve the highest price for a property on their client's behalf. As your representative, we work solely for you, the buyer, and endeavour to secure the property at the lowest price and on the most favourable terms.

Q: Why use a buying agent?
A: To save you time and money. With our extensive property experience, not only do we have access to a vast number of properties, we also have strong working relationships with property related professionals such as agents, vendors, solicitors, architects and surveyors ensuring your search is driven by the latest market intelligence. Many buying agents are owned by or affiliated to specific estate agents, whereas we are totally independent.

Q: Can you help you with a rental search?
A: Yes we can. We have a dedicated rental search consultants who cover central London and the South East.

Q: Do you find property abroad?
A: Yes we do. We have a dedicated consultant operating in Geneva advising our clients on purchasing residential private estates, chateaux and luxury chalets throughout the French Alps. We also advise on purchasing commercial hotels, office buildings, retail developments and investment properties. We also have excellent working relationships with buying consultants in the South of France, Italy, New York, Dubai and Canada

Q: Do you have access to off market properties?
A: Yes we do. Over the years, we have built excellent personal relationships with agents, banking professionals, trust companies, interior designers, lawyers, architects, property funds, insolvency departments and other property related professionals which, combined with our reputation, enables us to learn about properties often before they become available to the open market. We will also target suitable houses and endeavour to contact the owners and often vendors approach us to see if we have a suitable client for their property. In fact, 40% of the properties we bought for our clients during the last 12 months were purchased before they were available on the open market.

Q: Can you guarantee client confidentiality?
A: We do our very best to ensure that your confidentiality is maintained to the best of our abilities.

Q: What is the probability of competing against another Crown Mayfair client who is looking for the same kind of property?
A: This is highly unlikely. Most clients have requirements which vary dramatically so the chances are very slim.

Q: Do you view all potentially suitable properties on my behalf?
A: Prior to your initial viewing, we inspect a property on your behalf to discuss with you the vendors position, pitfalls and any underlying issues that might not be initially apparent. This also allows us to discount properties that do not meet with your criteria.

Q: How will I know which areas to target for my buy-to-let investment?
A: We have a good working knowledge in the prime Central London rental property market. We will guide and advise you on the most suitable areas that meet with your investment criteria, focusing on yield, capital growth and finding properties in sought after locations that will rent continuously.

Q. Are you able to offer any advice with regards to schools?
A. Yes we can. We have an association with an educational consultancy with years of experience in assisting parents in making that all important decision.

Q: How long will it take to buy a property?
A: It is very difficult to say how long buying a property takes, as this depends on your criteria and the current market conditions. To find a suitable property can range from 24 hours to 6 months (maybe longer), and the process of exchanging can take from 2 weeks to 3 months. Statistically, the process takes from 3-6 months from start to finish.

Q: What happens when my offer is accepted?
A: Once we have negotiated and secured the property for you, we will guide you step by step, through the conveyance process and to an exchange of contracts. Our service continues through to completion when we ensure that the finer details are in order. You may also require interior and architectural re-design of your home and landscaping your garden which we will assist and implement for you. We work very closely with some of the industry's top professionals and have preferential rates with them which we pass onto you.

Q: How and when do you get paid?
A: We are paid by you, our client with an initial retaining fee when you decide to proceed with our services. In addition, upon exchange of contracts a success fee is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price (plus VAT).