Radio H-P, Lowicks and members-only Whatsapp groups: inside the elite house, car and holiday selling groups

East Anglia: So, I found myself in this invite-only WhatsApp group with 469 locals trading all sorts of stuff. This week, I saw offers for kids’ ski suits, floral curtains, and even a Cybex pushchair. It’s like a modern garage sale, but way easier. What’s really catching my eye is the influx of big-ticket items like houses, cars, and designer handbags. It’s turning into a paradise for shopaholics.

Every day, new listings pop up, competing for attention. Alongside a child’s old Harry Potter wand, there’s a stunning country house with five bedrooms and a hefty price tag of £2 million. If that’s too steep, you could snag a coastal gem in Devon for half a million or a trendy spot in Hoxton for around £800,000. It’s as simple as messaging the seller and making it yours. Daisy Gibbs, a 41-year-old interior designer from Bentley, did just that. She found an off-market property in Suffolk and booked viewings for the next day. In these exclusive groups, listings are as trusted as a Kidizoom camera.

WhatsApp groups have been around for a while, but now they’re buzzing with high-value items. Private groups like Lowicks, with 36,000 followers, let you sell your luxury car or holiday home in no time. To join, you need to be vetted by five mutual followers, usually from the upper crust of society. There are also more casual groups where anyone can join, like Adi McCarthy’s ‘Harbslocal’ in Market Harborough, where he claims 42% of properties are sold off-market.

Experts aren’t thrilled about these off-market trades, as they can hurt their business. Stuart Bailey from Knight Frank points out that privacy and security are big concerns. You want to make sure the group has enough expertise and reach to get the job done without diluting the value of your property. It’s a bit like shopping at TK Maxx; you have to sift through a lot to find the good stuff.

And it’s not just houses. I recently scored a three-night stay in Venice through a WhatsApp group. I sent the money and showed up, and it was just as described. Sam Latarche, a travel agent, is also thriving in these groups, selling holidays and raking in commissions. Meanwhile, furniture flies off the virtual shelves. Selling an old chest of drawers is a breeze compared to eBay.

Big brands are catching on too. In China, WeChat is a massive platform where luxury brands like Christian Dior sell directly to consumers. I tried to sign up but got a bit nervous about sharing my details. Still, those in the know rave about it. Just be careful not to get scammed. Always check the seller’s credibility and never rush into a purchase. I once bought some colorful shot glasses on a whim, and now they’re just collecting dust. The golden rule? Never part with cash until you’ve done your homework.