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
Former embassy sold in Mayfair’s biggest house deal of 2025
‘Landmark’ sale of £22mn Park Street mansion shows resilience of PCL market, say agents.
In Pictures: ‘One of the finest homes in South West London’ hits the market at £25mn
Agents expect 17,000+ sq ft trophy home in Fulham to attract strong interest from PCL-based buyers seeking scale & seclusion.
In Pictures: Vast Georgian-style mansion in Kensington seeks £35mn
'This really is the house which has everything,' says sales agency.
Charles Curran: Forget the hype, this is reality
Boutique estate agency boss (and former private equity banker) rails against misplaced optimism - calling for honesty, realism and tough love in today’s Prime Central London market.
Russell Simpson builds Mayfair team
Beau McCarty has joined Hermione Russell's recently-opened office.
By PrimeResi
Green light for ‘landmark’ redevelopment scheme in Chelsea
Transformation of one of the neighbourhood's 'most iconic sites' is due to deliver 24 luxury homes and a flagship retail space.
DDRE Global brings in Eales as head of agency
Arrival of Strutt & Parker’s former deputy head of resi marks a 'new era' for the luxury real estate brokerage.
Brokerage recruits ex-Savills department head
Sam Pagett will be covering the Cheltenham patch as a Moveli broker.
American, Chinese & Israeli tenants ‘dominate’ London’s luxury rental market in 2025
Super-prime lettings agency flags 'influx' of Hollywood A-listers looking for turn-key homes in North London, amongst other trends.
By PrimeResi
Is the Prime London sales market turning a corner?
Latest LonRes data shows strong pick-up in under offer numbers and stabilising values - along with signs of a resurgence at the very top-end
LATEST ARTICLES
Landlord & tenant price expectations ‘widen’ as policy change looms
Landlords are 'assessing options' ahead of the Rental Reform Bill becoming law, says Savills.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes.
Elle ramps up branded resi expansion with two new launches
Fashion brand's double launch in Brazil follows a debut residential project in Miami and a second scheme in Dubai.
By PrimeResi
Hybrid agents gain ground in the £1mn+ market
TwentyEA flags 'a notable changing of the guard' in the estate agency arena, as a broker platform posts dramatic growth.
By PrimeResi
Ultra-luxe Dubai mansion sold in region’s latest ‘benchmark’ deal
Super-rich buyer splashes out on AED 150mn super-home in Dubai Hills Estate