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 them...

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.
Talking Heads: Prime country market trends & observations
Specialist prime country market experts Jess Simpson, Ed Heaton, James Mackenzie, Robin Gould & Harry Gladwin fill us in on what's really been happening on the ground over the last 12 months, and the themes…
By PrimeResi
Letter from the Country: Why today’s agents have 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
Winkworth’s Dominic Agace on the five key moments in a rollercoaster year for the property market
Writing exclusively for PrimeResi, estate agency chief Dominic Agace runs through the highs and lows of an extraordinary 12 months - from dramatic business decisions taken in the face of the first lockdown…
Companies in this article
HaringtonsMost read
Caudwell brings in Dorchester Collection to manage 1 Mayfair
New agreement 'brings together Mayfair’s two most prestigious luxury destinations,' declares ultra-prime property developer.
By PrimeResi
Agency reports rapid-fire £70mn sales run in Notting Hill
After a subdued start to the year, domestic buyers have sprung into action in W11, says Strutt & Parker's local team.
Interview: Inside the prime country house market with Knight Frank’s Oliver Rodbourne & Peter Edwards
As new wealth reshapes demand in high-end property markets from the Cotswolds to the Channel Islands, Knight Frank’s prime country experts reveal what’s changed - and what hasn’t.
Top-end buyers hit pause as Budget fears stall £5mn+ deals
Transactions at the upper end of the Prime London market were down by over 40% last month, reports LonRes, as the start of the autumn selling season falls flat.
Savills installs new Wimbledon chief
Stewart Harrison was previously Head of Sales for John D Wood in Wandsworth.
By PrimeResi
Tom Adams: On making unmodernised properties desirable again
Just as buying agents transformed a once vendor-biased marketplace, the prime property industry must now close the knowledge gap around renovation projects, argues RedBook's CEO.
By Tom Adams
Boutique agency mixes fashion & property at Belgravia open house
A top-end handbag collection was on show at a £10mn listing on Pont Street last week.
Knight Frank teams up with luxury Milan agency
Global property firm strengthens its position in Italy amid growing demand from HNWIs attracted by the flat tax regime and lifestyle appeal.
In Pictures: ‘Breathtaking’ modern Essex country mansion pitched at £9.9mn
Stokes Hall was completed in 2014, featuring 'world class' interior specs.
By PrimeResi
London’s resi planning rules ‘set to be eased under emergency provisions’
Mayor Sadiq Khan & Housing Minister Steve Reed are said to be discussing a temporary relaxation of regulations in the capital.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Fine & Country expands into Holland Park
Ben Madden's West London team has taken on the estate agency brand's licence for the affluent area.
By PrimeResi
‘The opportunity was clear’: Behind Maybourne’s expansion into branded residences
COO reveals how the Claridge's operator plans to integrate luxury hotels, homes, and wellness into a highly personalised 'ecosystem'.
Industry Reactions: Annual house price growth slipped back in August
Many pundits expect the market to slow further as the Autumn Budget approaches.
By PrimeResi
Prime rental markets hold firm as regulatory changes loom
PCL values post largest quarterly uptick since September 2023; landlords expected to stay cautious as Renters’ Rights Bill nears enactment.
FCA takes over AML supervision
The move will 'ensure more consistent oversight' - including more collaboration with law enforcement.
By PrimeResi