02  Buying agents, explained

What is a buying agent?

A buying agent, sometimes called a buyer’s agent or property finder, is engaged directly by a buyer to search for, evaluate and negotiate a property purchase on their behalf. Unlike an estate agent, a buying agent has no relationship with the seller and is paid only by the buyer.

What is the difference between a buying agent and an estate agent?

An estate agent is instructed by the seller, is paid by the seller, and works to achieve the best price for that seller. A buying agent is instructed by the buyer, is paid by the buyer, and works to secure the right property on the best available terms for that buyer. The two roles sit on opposite sides of the same transaction.

Why use a buying agent in London?

London’s prime property market is competitive and much of the best stock is never publicly advertised. A buying agent brings established relationships with selling agents and developers, access to off-market opportunities, and the negotiating experience to secure a property in competitive circumstances, even when not the highest bidder.

What is off-market property?

Off-market property refers to homes that are sold privately rather than publicly listed or advertised. Sellers choose this route for discretion, to control who views the property, or to test the market quietly before a public launch. Access typically depends on direct relationships with selling agents and developers, rather than public listings.

How does RFR Property access off-market opportunities?

Because RFR Property never sells property, we have no competing interest with London’s selling agents and developers. This allows us to work collaboratively with them over the long term, which in turn opens access to properties before or without a public listing.

03  London Buying

What areas of London does RFR Property cover?

We focus on prime and super-prime residential property across central London, including houses on the capital’s best garden squares and apartments within London’s leading branded residences.

What is the difference between prime and super-prime property?

These are informal industry terms rather than fixed definitions. “Prime” generally refers to the most sought-after central London locations and property types, while “super-prime” describes the very top tier within that, typically the highest-value homes in the most exclusive addresses.

Who leads RFR Property’s London buying team?

Our London buying team is led by Sophie Rogerson, who has advised on some of the most high-profile and high-value residential transactions in the capital.

04  International Buying

Which international markets does RFR Property operate in?

We support clients purchasing in Paris, the South of France, the Alps, the Balearics, Portugal, Dubai, St Barts, the Bahamas, New York, Miami and Palm Beach, working alongside a curated panel of expert local advisers in each jurisdiction.

How does RFR Property support an international purchase?

We apply the same standards we use in London: independent legal advice, comprehensive technical surveys, and clear, transparent valuation. We are not tied to a single local agent, which allows us to build the right team around each client and coordinate the process from search through to completion.

05  High Value Rentals

Does RFR Property help with renting as well as buying?

Yes. Our High Value Rentals service is for clients relocating to London, renting while they search for a property to buy, or in need of an interim home. We source properties, advise on rental value and negotiate terms on the client’s behalf.

What is pre-market or off-market rental access, and why does it matter?

It refers to rental properties made available to a small number of prospective tenants before, or instead of, being publicly advertised. In a prime London rental market with high demand and limited stock, early access can be the difference between securing a property and losing it to another tenant.

Does Stamp Duty Land Tax apply to renting?

Stamp Duty Land Tax can apply to high-value leases, alongside other obligations such as referencing procedures and “right to rent” checks. Because tax rules change and depend on individual circumstances, we recommend confirming the current position for your situation directly with us or with a tax adviser.

06  Advisory

What does RFR Property’s advisory service cover?

Our advisory practice covers a wide range of issues affecting private homes and residential property investments, including high-value refurbishment projects, property-related disputes, due diligence and other investigations, planning and heritage matters, and investment, development and valuation appraisals, as well as leaseholder interests.

Who is the advisory service for?

It’s designed for families, individuals, and a select number of global family offices who need trusted, independent counsel on residential property matters in the UK, distinct from a specific buying or renting transaction.

Who leads RFR Property’s advisory practice?

Our advisory practice is led by Richard Rogerson, who has spent over a decade advising on complex residential property matters for private clients and family offices.

07  Fees, discretion and tax

How are RFR Property’s fees structured?

We are engaged and paid directly by our clients, on terms agreed at the outset of an instruction. We never accept fees from sellers, developers or other third parties, which keeps our advice free of conflicts of interest. For a fee proposal specific to your requirements, please get in touch directly.

What is ATED, and could it affect my purchase?

ATED, the Annual Tax on Enveloped Dwellings, is a UK tax that can apply when high-value residential property is held within a corporate structure rather than owned personally. Whether it applies, and at what level, depends on individual circumstances and current legislation.

What is meant by “non-dom” status in relation to UK property?

“Non-dom” refers to UK tax residents who are not UK-domiciled, a status that has historically affected how overseas income and gains are taxed. The rules in this area have changed significantly in recent years and continue to evolve, so this is a matter for a qualified tax adviser rather than general guidance.

How does RFR Property handle client confidentiality?

Discretion is central to how we work. Because we act only for buyers and tenants and never publicly market a sale, our clients’ searches and transactions are not exposed to the publicity that typically surrounds a property listing. We do not discuss client identities or transaction details outside the firm.