TWO former Great Baddow School students hope their new website will change the way people buy houses.

At the beginning of September, John Gardner, 43, and Michael Barnetson, 42, launched whenyousell.co.uk, a website which allows those looking to buy to “draw”

their preferred location on a map.

Buyers can register their early interest in properties before they go “on the market”

by drawing their preferred location on a map, depending on factors such as whether it’s close to a train station or in a certain school catchment area.

Similarly, property owners can privately follow buyer interest in their property without having to put it on the market.

If they decide to sell, they create a simple property profile and share it with the buyers they choose John, who lives in Writtle, said: “Most property websites focus on property that’s for sale, there’s nothing that focuses on the search. This will really fill a gap in the market place.

“We wanted to make the property market more transparent by enabling property owners to see howmany people may be interested in buying their property.”

Private sales are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with figures suggesting five per cent of sales are private.

The website aims to cut out the estate agents and gives those buying and selling the chance of dialogue.

Both men have brought their previous work skills into the role. John has a property background, whereas Michael, who now lives in Colchester, has worked in software.

Michael added: “It’s an exciting time for us. We’re really pleased by how many people have taken to it already.”

For more information and to sign up to the service, go to www.whenyousell.co.uk