Estate Agents

Estate agents are another obvious source of houses on the market with some specialising in small-holdings and advertising in the above-mentioned-journals - notably Edward Savage of Coventry, who deals in the more expensive region of the market.

The Estates Gazette lists all estate agents in England and Wales, and also property developers and British-based overseas estate agents, but it doesn't classify agents who specialise in land. (Obtainable from 151, Wardour Street, London W1V 4BN).

Often the larger country properties are sold by auction. You have no time to dither and you need ready cash - 10% of the selling price immediately, and the remainder by completion date - but you can get good buys.