Quality of agency service for high-end buyers has “dwindled” - claim

An estate agent has set up his own buying operation because he claims the quality of service for high-end buyers has “dwindled” in recent years. 

Matthew Jackson, a former head of new homes and investment at London-focussed agency Chestertons, has now set up Oakmont Private Office.

He is damning in his assessment of how the industry has served well-heeled clients.

“Throughout my property career I have seen a decrease in the level of service clients receive from those who are meant to be acting in their best interests, with advice being far more focused on what will earn a fee than the creation of longstanding relationships” he says. 

“I have therefore set up Oakmont to become a leading private office for international high net worth families and individuals, and to provide them with the best possible property advice and client engagement to create close and enduring working partnerships for many years to come.”

Jackson says his business will offer a bespoke service for HNW families and individuals in prime areas of London and the South of France, including Monaco.

A statement from the company explains that it will be “acting as the intermediary between selling agent and client, Oakmont manages the sales process from start to finish to include establishing an exacting mandate for each client, providing impartial and independent advice, shortlisting suitable properties on and off the market, undertaking full price and market related analysis, submitting offers, negotiation, pre contract due diligence, steering the transaction through to completion and collecting keys.” 

Jackson’s business will also offer overseeing and/or organising refurbishment works and looking after property when vacant.

He will also offer a complimentary sales management service “to ensure the process of selling is as efficient as possible.”