Find a trusted London
buying agent

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The Best London Buying Agents

First In The Door is a trusted guide to the UK’s leading buying agents and property advisors — a dedicated, free service offering personalised, impartial recommendations and introductions to experts from our carefully curated panel.

Homebuyers can use our platform to identify the most suitable vetted buying agents for their brief, or speak directly with our team for tailored guidance and advice.

We believe the right representation changes everything.

LONDON’S TOP BUYING AGENTS

Only the very best make the cut

We interview and assess buying agents across London and the UK — reviewing their track record, local expertise, client feedback and professional standards — to curate a panel made up of only the top performers.

Most applicants don’t make it through; fewer than 1 in 10 are accepted.

Working with First In The Door means starting your search with agents who are proven, trusted and genuinely best-in-class for your brief.

Speak with us about your property plans

Many homebuyers are using a buying agent for the first time — and having a trusted guide by your side can make the process clearer and easier to navigate.

Claire Whisker, our Founder & MD, previously practised as a lawyer and barrister before moving into the property and digital sectors. Frequently quoted in the national press, she leads our helpful team here at First In The Door, offering thoughtful, impartial guidance as part of our dedicated free service for homebuyers.

If you’d like warm introductions or simply an expert perspective before you begin, we’re here to help.

Trusted London-wide buying agents
and local market experts

Map of London highlighting key areas for property searches by a London buying agent

Trusted London-wide buying agents
and local market experts

London isn’t a single property market. It’s a patchwork of neighbourhoods, each with its own pricing logic, pace, selling agents and unwritten rules.

The relationships that matter — and the opportunities that surface — are almost always local: specific to a street, a postcode, a distinct enclave with its own dynamics.

That’s why we match you with buying agents who specialise in the exact area you’re searching.
From Chelsea and Mayfair to Clapham, Islington and Canary Wharf, you’ll be working with someone who knows that micro-market inside out.

WHY USE A LONDON BUYING AGENT?

A smarter way to buy your home,
for everyone...

Jump the queues for the best properties, on and off the market

Sshhh! Don’t tell anyone but estate agents frequently contact buying agents for hot-to-trot buyers before they even think about listing a home on property portals

Save money

Want the best possible purchase terms?  Set yourself up to win with an expert to negotiate with estate agents on your behalf

Save time and hassle

Buying your home doesn’t need to be so hard.   Our experts are here to advise you at every step of a complex transaction to get you swiftly and safely into your new home

Using a London Buying Agent
HOW IT WORKS

Personalised recommendations

Tell us about your property plans
A few key details help us understand your brief.
View a recommended shortlist of buying agents
We identify the most suitable, trusted buying agents for your brief and budget.
Connect discreetly through First In The Door
Send your brief through our platform for priority introductions to the buying agents you wish to speak to.
Decide who you’d like to work with
We suggest speaking with two or three buying agents to get a feel for their style and approach before making your decision.

Trusted

All buying agents are carefully vetted by First In The Door and independently reviewed by previous home buyers.

Expert

We know the who’s who of buying agents — and exactly who excels in what, and where — so you can proceed with confidence

Free

Our service is entirely free for home buyers — there are no fees for using First In The Door.

Trusted London Property Finders on First In The Door

What does a London buying agent do?

While estate agents act for the seller — and are contractually obliged to secure the highest possible price — a buying agent acts solely for you, the buyer. The process typically begins with a detailed review of your brief, refining your priorities and benchmarking them against a localised market appraisal.

From there, your agent sources, filters and views properties on your behalf — including those circulated privately or off-market. They provide clear commercial due diligence, ensuring you understand any local plans, building considerations or long-term factors that may affect the home’s value and enjoyment.

When it comes to negotiation, your buying agent positions you as a preferred purchaser and ensures you are paying a fair and well-supported price. They coordinate the entire process, liaising with estate agents, surveyors, solicitors and mortgage advisors to keep the purchase moving smoothly.

Many agents also support you beyond completion, from recommending property management to introducing trusted maintenance and household staff.

How much does a London buying agent cost?

Credible and experienced London buying agents typically charge a percentage of the purchase price, usually in the region of 2% to 2.5%. This remains the most common fee structure you’ll encounter across the capital.

Some agents may instead offer a fixed fee, agreed upfront and aligned with your overall budget — providing clarity and certainty from the outset. In certain circumstances, it may also be possible to agree a fee based on the saving achieved between the asking price and the final price paid.

Most agents request a retainer of £1,000 to £3,000, paid at the beginning of the search and deducted from the final success fee on completion.

Off market properties in London

Many of London’s best properties never reach the open market. They circulate quietly through trusted agent networks, long-standing relationships and private introductions.

A well-connected buying agent opens the door to these opportunities, whether the property is entirely off-market or simply being shown discreetly before it is listed. They hear about homes early, arrange confidential viewings and position you ahead of competing buyers. This is especially valuable in prime neighbourhoods where privacy is the norm and high-quality stock is limited

STORIES FROM OUR COMMUNITY:
Process of working with a London buying agent.
NEED SOME ADVICE?

Our buying guides are here to help you

Swat up with our buying guides for advice and tips on relocating, hiring a buying agent and successfully getting you first in the door.

In the Press

Frequently Asked Questions

Using a London buying agent can save you time, reduce stress, and give you access to exclusive off-market properties while ensuring you don’t overpay in a competitive market.

Look for experience in your preferred area, proven success, transparent fees, and a strong network of local contacts. Platforms like First In The Door can connect you with trusted professionals who meet these criteria.

Today, London buying agents cater for many different budgets but typically for property purchases >£1m. Buying agents may service different types of buyers from international buyers, first-time-buyers and second-steppers, downsizers, retirees, investors and home buyers who are relocating.

In a fast-moving city like London, buying agents provide insight, speed, and access to properties that often sell before reaching the open market.

Please get in touch for a free consultation

Call us on + 44 20 7167 8384 or message us below for a free consultation

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Call us on + 44 20 7167 8384 or message us below for a free consultation

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Reimagine how you buy your next home with a trusted London Property Finder

30+ expert buying agents,
working across London

We connect you with a trusted London buying agent to help at every stage of your buying journey

“It’s a bit like Kirsty & Phil on Location, Location, Location...only more”

Early access
to the best homes
Save money
with expert advice
Match for free
We don’t charge for our services
Save time & hassle
With a dedicated advisor