Property: How to get ahead of the competition

This property of the week page usually highlights a newly listed home for sale, but this time the focus is on a residence that has already been sold!

The dwelling sits within six acres of gardens and grounds (Image: Humberts of Honiton)

This beautifully restored Victorian farmhouse in Yarcombe never received publicity and was sold off market, demonstrating how it is possible to sell a home very discreetly.

The recently renovated Grade II listed country residence was built circa 1863 and is set in more than six acres of idyllic, secluded grounds providing a haven for wildlife. The location is superb, sitting on the fringe of the pretty village of Yarcombe, and the house itself had been subject to a sympathetic refurbishment with works being completed with input from the planners and a conservation officer to ensure the integrity of the building was maintained.

The property has been sympathetically restored and has retained several period features (Image: Humberts of Honiton)

Inside, the house has retained a wealth of character features including inglenook fireplaces, flagstone floors, window shutters and exposed stonework, which blends beautifully with the more modern approach to the decoration and fitments.

The lofty guide price of £1.25 million is what one would expect from such a finely presented farmhouse in the Yarty Valley, described by some as 'East Devon’s most picturesque countryside'. A separate two bedroom holiday cottage, several useful outbuildings, an orchard and paddock further enhanced the appeal and lead to a quick sale.

The kitchen has been modernised in a tasteful way (Image: Humberts of Honiton)

The estate agent responsible for the sale, Humberts in Honiton, explained that the property market in East Devon has been exceptionally active over the past year with buyers often facing stiff competition when it comes to securing their dream home. The unfortunate result for many has been disappointment.
Yet, there are ways to get a head start and many agents now offer ‘off market’ opportunities for clients who are keen to protect their privacy, or who may have concerns about a large number of potential buyers visiting their property.

Alex Coates, director of Humberts Honiton said: “This is a great way to secure a sale and often results in a far less stressful transaction for all involved. It actually puts the pleasure back into house sales for us which has been quite turbulent through the year due to the volume of buyers and the serious lack of property available. We often plan the marketing of a home for months, if not years, in advance so it is important to speak with us to see what we may have coming up in the future.”

The property has a holiday cottage and several outbuildings (Image: Humberts of Honiton)

Alex explained further that good communication is key to a smooth selling process and regular conversations over the phone are the preferred way in which to do this.

Alex added: "We want to speak with people! The more often we talk to prospective buyers and sellers, the greater the chance there is of making the marriage between the right house and the right purchaser."

The sale of Middle Moorhayne on this page is a perfect illustration of how this can work.

In the weeks prior to the sale, Humberts had sold several similar properties in the area. This created a select group of very serious buyers who had missed out on the previous properties. When the current owners of Middle Moorhayne were ready to sell, Humberts contacted their prospective buyers and viewings were promptly conducted over a 48 hour period. The result was a sale in excess of the guide price to purchasers who are 'very appreciative and absolutely delighted.'

Naturally, the sellers were over the moon too and as the process was so quick they endured very little disturbance. The deal worked perfectly with their timescale, and they were offered a great price.

For those who want advice on discreet marketing or are seeking a new home call Humberts in Honiton on 01404 42456. Take a look on Instagram and Facebook - HumbertsDevon - for sneak previews and all things property.