Notes from the country: It's oh so quiet - or is it?
Listening is a key part of the country buying agent's job, explains Prime Purchase's Robin Gould...

Robin uncovers property in some of England's most unspoilt countryside. He knows the South-West region as well as anyone, having lived in Dorset for most of his life. Before joining Prime Purchase in 2003 he spent 20 years selling some of Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset's finest houses. Robin's reputation is such that he is often the first port of call for homeowners, who would prefer to sell privately.
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
Paradise Found: On the value of nature
A number of English farms that may not seem very desirable on paper have been going for above the odds recently; country buying agent Robin Gould explains why...
By Robin Gould
Why the coronavirus could focus minds on a move to the country
One outcome of the current crisis will be a significant increase in the number of people leaving built-up cities for the countryside, writes buying agent Charlie Wells
Companies in this article
Prime PurchaseMost read
Strutt & Parker recruits high-flyer Reynolds to lead UK resi sales
Key player joins leadership team as 140-year-old agency ramps up prime & super-prime ambitions.
Trophy Holland Park villa fetches over £40mn
Boost for embattled PCL market as 19th century Italianate mansion sets 2025 benchmark.
Rumourmill Roundup: 7 big tax changes that could hit the property market this Autumn
A flurry of Treasury leaks & speculation surfaced over the summer holidays, including proposals to end Stamp Duty, extend CGT & IHT, and to introduce a new annual property tax.
By PrimeResi
DDRE expands into the North West to tap growing UHNW market
Brokerage moves to meet 'new wave' of demand for high-value homes across Cheshire, Merseyside, the Wirral & Greater Manchester.
London Square bags planning for prime Battersea project
Waterfront site opposite the Chelsea Embankment - derelict for a decade - is to deliver 118 new homes.
Knight Frank expands in East Anglia
Georgie Veale has moved from the London-based Country Department to head up the agency's new operation in Suffolk.
Brokerage hires ex-Chestertons director to head new business development arm
Harding Green’s new tech-driven division aims to provide self-employed agents with ‘corporate-level’ lead flow.
Super-prime St John’s Wood townhouse pitched as ‘possibly the best value home in the area’
Multi-million-pound price cut makes 'ambassadorial' Hamilton Terrace residence one of PCL’s best deals, says agency.
‘Magnificent’ renovated Gothic Manor in the Cotswolds seeks buyer
This is the first time Stanley Park has been offered for sale as a single residence, following a huge restoration & a rockstar rental.
By PrimeResi
Draker & KFH combine to create ‘one powerful agency’
The two London estate agencies have been co-branded following their recent acquisitions by Lomond.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
New Housing Secretary amid major government reshuffle
Angela Rayner has been replaced by Steve Reed - the former Environment Secretary, leader of Lambeth Council, and co-Chair of the VNEB Regeneration Board.
By PrimeResi
Survey reveals shifting UHNWI strategies in PCL
Savills poll of leading advisers shows London’s ultra-wealthy reassessing residency amid mounting tax pressures.
Echlin signs industry big-hitter Collins as £200mn luxury pipeline takes shape
Mark Collins, the former Chairman of Residential at CBRE, has joined the expanding design & development firm as non-exec director.
Housing Secretary resigns over Stamp Duty miscalculation
'I deeply regret my decision to not seek additional specialist tax advice,' says Angela Rayner.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes.