House sellers offer ‘Brexit discount’ in bid to sell home

Like PM, couple want a deal before March 29

A couple are hoping to be the first people to sell their home with a ‘pre-Brexit discount’.

As uncertainty grows about the viability of Britain leaving the European Union at the end of March, a pair of home owners are offering a special price on their home in New Romney in a bid to generate interest amid a challenging housing market.

Before Friday, March 29, which marks two years since Article 50 was invoked, Simon Foulkes and his wife Anne are knocking £10,000 off of the asking price of their four-bedroom detached house.

The couple have made the decision to move to Yorkshire to be closer to their two children, Tom and Claire, who have settled with their own families in Huddersfield.

But before their new venture begins, they must sell their beloved home on Littlestone Road.

Mr Foulkes, 61, and his wife, 57, have lived in New Romney for 13 years.

Mr Foulkes said: “We realise Brexit is worrying everyone but we really want to be able to do this.

“We’re not dependent on the discount to move but we do need to sell it to go.”

The business consultant, who grew up in Tunbridge Wells, said he hopes the incentive will encourage more house buyers to get in touch: “This idea is my own thinking. The estate agents said they were willing to give it atry.

“I just thought we have got to make this a little bit different to get people through the door.

“Personally, I would love to be the first person in the country to do this. I don’t mind setting a trend. You hear of people stock piling food. I think there’s a lot of uncertainty around.

“I don’t mind a bit of a risk.” Mr Foulkes, who also voluntarily drives steam trains on the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, said he was keen to see both the Brexit debate - and his house sale - resolved before the end of the month.

He said: “I personally think - why am I surprised that the politicians have messed it up so much? I just want to get it over with now.”

He quipped: “Just like Theresa May, I want to agree a deal before March 29.”

The current asking price is £410,000, bringing the ‘Brexit special’ price down to £400,000.

It was originally marketed at £420,000.

Picture: Shaw Robson and Co The house for sale in New Romney