When you’re searching for your next home, it’s easy to feel like the portals show everything worth seeing. But behind the scenes, there’s a quieter part of the market that never makes it that far, the “pre-portal” stage.

That’s when properties are being prepared for launch, photos are taken, and sellers are deciding when to go live. During this time, good estate agents are already introducing those homes to their most qualified buyers, the ones who’ve registered, shared their criteria and shown they’re ready to move.

It’s not about being secretive or selective for the sake of it. It’s about efficiency and trust. Sellers want their homes to reach genuine buyers who can move forward quickly and that’s exactly what registering allows an agent to do.

Why “Heads Up Property Alerts” Are a Game-Changer

When you join our Heads Up Property Alerts, you’re not just adding your name to a mailing list, you’re effectively stepping to the front of the queue.

Here’s how it works

You share a few key details, what kind of property you’re looking for, your budget, your preferred locations, and where you are in the buying process (for example, if you’ve already sold or have your mortgage in principle). With that information, your agent can instantly match you to new listings before they appear online.

That means you can:

• View homes before they hit the portals

• Make early offers without competing with the full market

• Stay informed about “coming soon” properties that may never even be uploaded

For motivated buyers, this can make all the difference especially in a market where good homes still attract multiple offers.

Why It’s Not an “Underhand” Tactic

Some people assume early access or pre-market property alerts sound a little unfair as if estate agents are holding listings back. But it’s actually quite the opposite.

Agents act for their sellers, and part of that responsibility is ensuring that viewings go to buyers who are both ready and able to proceed. That’s why registration matters. It tells the agent you’re serious, not just browsing and that you’ve already taken steps to put yourself in a position to buy.

It’s a win-win situation:

• Sellers gain confidence knowing their home is being shown to qualified buyers.

• Buyers get the chance to view homes earlier and move quickly when the right one appears.

That’s not underhand, it’s simply smart estate agency practice.

Why Registering Early Gives You an Edge

Think of it as being on the inside track. By the time most homes reach Rightmove or Zoopla, hundreds of people have already set up alerts, ready to click “book a viewing” the moment it appears. By registering directly with agents, you avoid that race entirely.

It also gives you a clearer view of what’s coming to market, helping you plan ahead. Even if you’re not ready to buy immediately, being registered means you can watch trends in real time, how quickly homes are selling, what price ranges are moving fastest, and what your budget really gets you.

And when your dream home does come up, you’ll already be in position to act.

If you’re genuinely thinking about buying in the next few months, registering with local estate agents should be your very first step. It costs nothing, it builds trust, and it can help you find a home before anyone else even knows it’s available.

If you’re looking to move in the next 6 to 12 months and want to stay local, reach out to us and we can send you a link to our Heads Up Property Alerts — giving you early access to homes before they hit the market.

Because in today’s market, being first to know often means being first to buy.