Despite the uncertainty around Brexit and changes to Stamp Duty Land Tax, the country house market is stronger than ever. A growing proportion of buyers snapping up these prime properties aren’t Londoners looking for a change of lifestyle, but expats who are planning for the future.

When they find the right house these buyers are prepared to move fast, and standout houses can sell within weeks. They’re also achieving good prices due to high demand and a shortage of supply in popular locations, like Bath and the Cotswolds.

Here’s how you can get on the radar of expats looking for a new home.

Why are expats buying now?

The weak pound following Brexit means that for overseas clients it’s cheaper than ever to buy in the UK. As many expats are paid in US dollars, or currencies such as the Hong Kong dollar that are pegged to the US dollar, they can make big savings compared to UK buyers.

While some expats are using this as an opportunity to return home, others are taking a more long-term view and buying properties which they can rent out until they’re ready to move back to the UK.

How to appeal to expat buyers

November and December are a prime time for country home sales to expat buyers. James Mackenzie, head of our National Country House Department, explains why: “November is when expats return to see friends and family for Christmas. With more time on their hands, they’ll typically view a handful of country houses and put an offer down very quickly. We also see buyers who have been on our books a while put down decisive offers in a bid to exchange before Christmas. Online property portals get the most web traffic over Christmas, their highest throughout the year, so our advice is simple; get on and get going.”

If you want to target this market you need to act fast. Many expats will only have a small window of time when they’re in the country to find a property. You need to make sure your home’s online portfolio stands out to catch the attention of buyers researching properties in advance of their visit.

James has some further tips on attracting expat buyers:

• Highlight journey times to London and international airports. For many overseas buyers, good transport links are a must.
• Make sure your house looks the part. Expats are often used to modern décor in newer houses so keep décor simple, spacious and modern.
• Champion the local schools, including grammar and state schools rated as Outstanding by Ofsted. Many families return to the UK specifically to get their children educated at British schools.
• Get really good photos that tell a story. Expats are looking for the classic charm of an English country house. Highlight period features and beautiful gardens.
• Help buyers explore your property online. 3D mapping is a great way of helping overseas buyers get a feel for the property whilst they’re still abroad. For secluded properties with picturesque gardens and great views, drone footage will give prospective buyers a true appreciation of your property’s value.

Top spots for expat buyers

“Many of our buyers of Prime Country Houses are expats looking beyond the commuter belt for more land and better lifestyle,” says James Mackenzie.

Properties in the West Country are particularly in demand:

• Bath is the choice of many buyers from the Middle or Far East as James explains. “The last 6 houses within a 20-mile radius of Bath have all gone under offer to, or sold to, expats. One of our clients who has recently purchased a house in Bath has 7 friends from Hong Kong alone who have moved here and put their kids into the same school in Bath."
• Bristol. One of the UK’s most desirable locations, Bristol combines great transport links (including rail and air) with a thriving city culture and attractive countryside.
• The Cotswolds. The scenic countryside and picturesque villages attract expats looking for their own piece of rural England.
• Devon. With stunning seaside and upland landscapes and the famous cream teas, it’s no wonder that Devon encapsulates what many people see as the English idyll.