Every job has its very own jargon and lingo that everyone in that industry or business can understand. For instance, if you sit in an office full of computer geeks coding various websites, I’m sure you won’t be able to understand a word that they say to one another! That’s because you won’t have had any experience of these technical terms that they use in their day to day work. This is also the case for a wide range of professions, such as doctors, lawyers, and even handymen. If you don’t work in that industry, there is no way you will understand the lingo!
But there are some professions that have a bit too much of their own jargon, and it can be very difficult for members of the general public to decode it. One example is with estate agents and let me tell you it is like you need immigration translators with them.. Are you currently trying to look for a new property to buy or rent? If so, then you will be coming into contact with these confusing words and unclear meanings quite a lot!
You might just want to find a house or an apartment that is perfect for you and suits your needs. But when you read all the adverts at your local estate agent’s office, you might end up being a bit confused as to what each property actually offers!
Don’t worry, though, to help you with your house hunting, I’ve come been busy doing some translating. Here are some very common estate agent words and phrases, and their true meanings!
Estate Agent Speak: Bijou
Translation: Quite small and compact
When an estate agent uses the word “bijou”, they want you to conjure up an image of a very elegant and sophisticated space. And it’s true that most houses and apartments that are described as bijou are very stylish places. But it also means one other thing as well – they are very small and compact! So, whenever you see the word ‘bijou’ in an advert, you don’t really have anything to worry about if you don’t need too much space. However, if you are looking for a larger home for your growing family, then maybe it’s best to stay away from a ‘bijou’ property…
Estate Agent Speak: Up and coming area
Translation: This neighbourhood is still a little rough around the edges.
Neighborhoods are constantly changing, and one that was once considered to be very rough and dangerous might become a lot safer and a very trendy place to live. This is all down to gentrification. Gentrification occurs when young families and individuals are priced out of their current area. As a result, they have to look in less-desirable but cheaper places for property. As more and more young people move into rough areas, the neighborhoods become better places to live. If you see a house listed as being in an up and coming area, then gentrification is taking place around it, it just hasn’t finished yet. Over time the neighborhood will certainly improve, but right now, it might still be a little rough around the edges.
Estate Agent Speak: Cash buyers only
Translation: It’s going to be very difficult to get a bank to lend money for this property
There are some properties that banks will be very wary of. As a result, you will find it incredibly difficult to get a mortgage. So, unless you are a cash buyer, it probably isn’t worth going for this property. For example, most banks do not like lending money to help buy thatched properties. That’s because they can be extremely difficult to maintain, and not many homeowners stick around in them for too long. If you are looking at a thatched property, though, you might be able to get a mortgage by going to a non-traditional provider. For instance, rather than going to a high-street bank, it could be worth going somewhere else.
Estate Agent Speak: Put your own stamp on it
Translation: Get ready to do some renovating
There are some property adverts that say things like ‘perfect for someone to add their own stamp’ or ‘a blank canvas’. And this, basically, means that it needs a bit of work doing to it. So, it will be very easy to add your own stamp, and you will probably need to to help get the property up to scratch! Thankfully, not all properties that mention this phrase will need a complete upgrade. It might just be a case of adding some new taps to the bathroom or replacing old windows with some double glazing. If you do really like the look of a house in an advert that mentions this phrase, just be sure to consider all the extra work you will need to do – this could affect your budget!
Estate Agent Speak: Reduced for a quick sale
Translation: There has been hardly any interest in this property
Did you think that the price on the property that has been ‘reduced for a quick sale’ is a bit too good to be true? Well, it probably is way too good to be true! One of the main reasons why it has been reduced is that there has been no interest in it whatsoever. In fact, the current homeowners probably haven’t received an offer, and now they are starting to get desperate. It is worth looking around the property, though, as the thing that has put others off it might not be a big issue to you. But looking around the house or apartment will give you a chance to see exactly what – if anything – is wrong with it. If everything appears to be fine with the property, it will still be worth getting a property survey. Then a builder can take a closer look at the property and make sure that there is no hidden problem with the structure.
Estate Agent Speak: Located in a purpose-built residential area
Translation: The property is right in the middle of a large housing estate
If you like the idea of living really close to neighbors and would enjoy living in a close community, then you might not be put off by the idea of living right in the middle of a housing estate. But for some home hunters, this is a major deal breaker. In the past housing estates have had a lot of bad press because they have been closely associated with crime and families on benefits. However, many council and other housing estates have become a lot better places to live. Plus, there are now many new housing projects and modern estates being built aimed at middle-class families. If you aren’t too sure about living on an estate, you might want to view the property and see the neighborhood for yourself. You might be happily surprised at how nice it is!
Estate Agent Speak: Benefits from a rural location
Translation: You will be in the middle of nowhere
At the completely opposite end of the scale from a property in a housing estate, you might find some houses are described as ‘benefiting from a rural location’. In other words, there is a good chance that this will be a lot more rural than you expect and you will end up in the middle of nowhere! If you aren’t particularly bothered about having any neighbors, then you might be very happy about this. However, it might mean that you aren’t too close to any amenities and facilities either. So, you might have to drive just to get to the local shop! If you are moving with children, this could be a problem when it comes to the school run. So, before you do book a viewing of a rural home, you will find it useful to get some maps out and check its exact location!
Estate Agent Speak: Quirky
Translation: The previous homeowners didn’t have much style or taste
If you notice that a property has been described as ‘quirky’, you need to get ready to see some very surprising interior designs when you are looking around it. Estate agents love to describe properties as quirky if the previous owners didn’t have any taste and the decor doesn’t look particularly good. But, thankfully, there are times when ‘quirky’ is used in the correct way and the previous owners did actually have a quirky style. When done well, a quirky interior design can really enhance a property. However, it might not necessarily be to your taste, so you might have to prepare to do some decorating!
Estate Agent Speak: No photos available
Translation: It’s a complete mess!
Every property advert some come complete with a set of images. If there isn’t any, and there is a note saying that there are none available, an alarm should go off in your head! It’s easy for an estate agent to take photos of a property – there must be a reason why they haven’t for this particular property. So, it might be worth looking at a different potential house!
Hopefully, all of these translations can help you find your ideal new home!
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
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