Letter from the Country: Why today's agents need to go beyond the call of duty
It's not all doom and gloom, but helping clients to find their perfect property is harder than it has ever been, says Jamie Freeman

Jamie Freeman began as a selling agent with a leading national firm specialising in the sale of Country Houses and Estates throughout the South East and then Scotland. After this he spent four years in the buying department acquiring country property across the south of England. Jamie gained a wealth of knowledge, experience and contacts whilst with this firm. This together with the independence offered by Haringtons, as well as having lived in Hampshire all his life, means he is perfectly placed to give the best possible advice to clients. He specialises in property search throughout Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset.
Swimming through treacle: Why 2018 was a year of sweet deals in a sticky country house market
Some tremendous country properties have been secured well below the initial guide price this year, writes Jamie Freeman of Haringtons, but it's been very hard work for those tasked with the job of finding…
What buyers want now: Top town & country buying agents compare notes on post-lockdown demand trends
Two top buying agents - one focused on prime London, and one on prime country houses - reveal what is on their clients' most-wanted lists.
By PrimeResi
Cutting Stamp Duty ‘could boost transactions by 40% and tax revenues by £9.8bn’
According to buying agency Ludgrove's workings, a 36% reduction in Stamp Duty rates across the board would likely lead to 40% additional transactions in England per annum, in turn generating an extra £1.
Companies in this article
HaringtonsMost read
£15mn Clarges Mayfair apartment sparks global bidding war
The trophy residence overlooking Green Park sold sight unseen for ‘well above’ asking.
Luxury property brokerage adds two more big-hitters in PCL
Alex Bourne & Danny Daniel join United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, the latest additions to its growing team in the capital.
In Memoriam: London estate agency legend Tim Maskell, 1938-2025
'Tim’s legacy in the property market continues,' says Maskells' MD.
By PrimeResi
Seismic Shifts, 2000-2025: The global events that moved the needle on London’s prime property market
Cathy Hawker explores how the fluctuating fortunes of Prime Central London can be tied to major international economic events of the past 25 years.
By Cathy Hawker
In Pictures: B&B Italia Group’s Maxalto designs ‘iconic’ Whiteley Clock Tower apartment
Clocking in at £24mn, The Whiteley's latest 'Designer Collection' apartment marks a European first for the 50-year-old interiors brand.
By PrimeResi
Prime London 25: Introducing a PrimeResi Special Report
The evolution of London's luxury property market, 2000-2025: Our 75-page report charts a truly transformative period for both the property market & the prime residential industry.
By PrimeResi
Boutique private office appoints Beauchamp’s Finch to lead property division
Paul Finch has joined Liberty Rock after nearly 20 years with super-prime agency Beauchamp Estates.
By PrimeResi
Knight Frank announces new Henley office head
Nick Warner will hand the reins to Matt Davies next month.
By PrimeResi
In Pictures: Inside a Fontanella-designed ultra-prime mansion in Knightsbridge
Luxury developer Caudwell collaborates with top-end designer on £58mn Fonteyn House project, opposite the V&A.
Westminster confirms launch date for new rental licensing scheme
Thousands of landlords across PCL will need to obtain licenses under the new rules.
LATEST ARTICLES
Savills swoops on central London heritage planning consultancy
Real estate giant bolsters heritage-led planning and design capabilities with Citydesigner acquisition.
By PrimeResi
Ranked: The world’s most valuable housing markets in 2025
Global property values have fallen in US dollar terms, despite most markets seeing growth when measured in local currencies.
By PrimeResi
Grand Registry: Surveying last month’s biggest registered deals
A standout villa in Notting Hill topped the latest tranche of super-prime sales lodged with the Land Registry.
Industry Reactions: Mortgage lending bounces back from April’s slump
Fresh Bank of England data on mortgage approvals show increased activity in May - but 'are broadly consistent with a property market treading water,' comments Simon Gammon of Knight Frank Finance.
By PrimeResi
UK housing market faces a smoother ride in second half of 2025 – Knight Frank
As tariff turbulence appears to have peaked and the stamp duty disruption fades, the main risk over the next six months is the autumn Budget, explains the agency's UK resi research boss Tom Bill.
By Tom Bill