Buyer FAQs
If your question isn't answered here, please contact us!
Does The BIG Property Sale cover the whole of the UK?
We currently focus on the North of England, where we’re most experienced and where we have great contacts. However, we plan to expand into other UK regions in future.
What about overseas property investment opportunities?
We pride ourselves on our effectiveness—and that means sticking with what we know best. Unlike companies with less integrity, we don’t get involved in markets we don’t know inside-out.
What kind of properties are available?
We offer residential properties including new builds plus previously occupied properties (often those which developers have taken on in part-exchange for new builds).
Can BIG advise on which properties to invest in?
No, our information is impartial and we cannot offer investment advice. However, we select residential properties based on their ability to deliver on your investment—but only you can decide what sort of investment is right for you.
Why doesn't BIG offer commercial properties?
Our experience and expertise are in the residential sector. The commercial property market is complex, and we prefer to offer an excellent service in an area we know very well.
Why do potential investors need to register?
This is so that we can find out about the sort of deals you’re looking for (so we don’t waste your time or the developers’), and so we can tell you about new deals as soon as they happen. Whenever we contact you, you’ll always be given the opportunity to de-register.
Do I have to buy a property if I register?
By registering you make absolutely no commitment to buy.
What happens to the information BIG holds about me?
We promise to keep your personal information secure. We won’t pass your details on to any third party unless you ask us to. We’ll simply use your details to keep in touch and tell you about new opportunities. We’ll only provide your details to developers when you have expressed an interest in one of their properties.
How do I buy a residential property through BIG?
It’s really simple
- Step 1 : Just select the property you want to buy
- Step 2 : Call us on 08444 142102 to request a reservation form
- Step 3 : Complete the reservation form and fax or e-mail it to us with a copy of the reservation fee cheque
- Step 4 : Send the completed reservation form and cheque to the Developer (the Developer’s address is printed on the reservation form)
That’s it
How much does BIG charge buyers?
We don’t charge any fees or commission for the services we provide to investors (buyers). Instead, we charge a marketing fee to developers, to cover the costs of marketing and selling their residential properties.
If I make a purchase, who do I pay?
As a buyer, you’ll never pass any money to BIG. You’ll pay the agreed price directly to the developer or seller, including any reservation fees.
What discounts can I expect to achieve?
BIG negotiates with vendors to secure the best possible discounts, which we then pass on, in full, to the buyer. Discounts typically range from 20 to 30%, but are usually 25% or more. However, remember to take into account other important criteria, such as rental yield, when making your investment decision: a big discount might not always be the best deal.
Why do vendors offer such high discounts?
Like any other sales business, property developers need to hit their sales targets. They trust us to help them meet those targets because we can promote their properties to a broader investor base and secure multiple sales, quickly. Also, developers need to release the capital tied up in current developments to plough into new residential developments. When it comes to pre-occupied properties, sellers may offer high discounts to avoid repossession, to release equity, or just because they’ve moved to a new location.
Why don't I just go direct to the developer?
Developers offer us exceptional discounts because we’ll sell their properties in bulk. An investor buying one or two properties simply couldn’t secure the same level of discount.
Are the discounts real?
Sometimes people wonder if our discounts are so big because the prices have been artificially inflated. That’s absolutely not the case. We assess the true market value of each residential property in conjunction with RICS-qualified surveyors, valuers and estate agents. If we ever suspect a list price has been inflated to enable a bigger discount, we simply won’t feature that property.
Do I have to use a particular broker, solicitor or financial advisor?
No. We list a number of mortgage brokers, solicitors and advisors on our site purely for your information. We encourage you to make your own decision on which companies to work with, particularly if you have any tried-and-tested favourites.
Do I have to buy a particular number of properties?
No.
Can BIG help find me tenants?
We don’t offer this service at present. However, there are a number of residential lettings agencies, all experienced in the local market, listed on the brochure for each property. Every property has a recommended letting agent, and they’ll provide tenancy-finding and/or property-management services.