My Top Tip for Both Renters and Buyers in Manchester

However you look at it, property is a stressful little game. Whether you’re renting or buying, you’ll be negotiating against everyone at some point: the seller, the landlord, the agency, other renters/buyers, the bank, and solicitors on all sides. Including your own.

The first step people take is going online and setting up Zoopla and Rightmove, seeing what’s out there. And that’s fine. But in my experience, the best stuff happens through personal relationships. That means setting aside an hour or two and making the rounds with the agencies.

The reality is that those websites are slow to update, and a good agent on your side is infinitely more valuable than any online platform. In fact, the best stuff might not be available online yet, and may never turn up online.

Say you’re looking for a 3 bedroom flat in city centre. Every agency in town knows what you’re looking for, including the specifics: parking, balcony, pets friendly etc. The next place that fits your criteria drops on their desk, and you get a phone call before they have time to put it up online. The next day, you could be viewing the flat of your dreams with zero competition.

And if you’re thinking why not just sign up online? Yes, you can. You’ll get the same emails with the same properties that match your criteria. But again, you’ll potentially be missing out on the best offers.

My Personal Experience with Agents in Manchester

Years ago, I was looking for a one bedroom flat. I started by setting up accounts online with every platform and agency, and offers came in immediately. There was a lot to look at, but nothing was quite right. It wasn’t until I went to the agencies and befriended a few, that they found the right one for me. A double bedroom with a small second bedroom, so the price was very much negotiable. I didn’t think to even look at two bedrooms flats at the time.

What else? sometimes a flat appears to be on a noisy street but it’s actually super quiet. And sometimes there are no roads around it, but there’s one pub and the noise on the weekends is unbearable. The truth is, There’s only so much an app with a few photos can tell you.