Has your home been sitting on the market for a long time? Perhaps you’ve had several positive viewings, but no firm offers – and are beginning to wonder why. Putting your home up for sale can sometimes be a stressful process, especially if you are struggling to sell in a timely manner. In a perfect world, selling properties would always be quick and straightforward, but seasoned vendors will know that this isn’t always the case. The good news is that there are several things you can do to increase the appeal of your home. In this guide, we take a look at twelve most common reasons why you might be finding it difficult to sell your property, and importantly what you can do to fix this.
Getting the price right is fundamental to property sales. If your home is too far over potential buyers’ budgets, then you are unlikely to secure many viewings. Most people set upper limits for their online searches, so if your house is priced at £305,000 (for instance) those searching up to £300,000 may not know that it is even on the market. For this reason, round-numbers are best for increasing clicks and consequently viewings. Speak to your estate agent and take a look at what other properties are selling for in your area. If you feel that your asking price is too high and is stalling your sale, a meaningful reduction might save you money and time.
Ensure your property is advertised on large portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla, casting a critical eye over the listing. Buyers will use the marketing information to make an initial judgement, and first impressions really do count. Do you feel that the photographs are highlighting your home’s best features? What about the description – is it both accurate and appealing? Words such as garden, parking, garage, detached and freehold are all common searches, so check they’re included in the description if appropriate. Do also talk to your estate agent, asking their advice how to increase your home’s exposure.
If you’ve lived in your home for many years, the detritus of everyday life can become overlooked. Piles of paper and folders in the home office, mounds of toys, books and clothes in the children’s bedrooms or photographs filling the windowsills can prevent buyers from imagining themselves in the space. Clutter will distract from your property’s best features, so have a thorough clean and sort out before photography and viewings take place. Depending on the time and budget you have available, you could ask for professional help – either a cleaning team or an interior designer.
Buyers rate kerb appeal as one of the most important factors when purchasing a property and are less likely to consider a home if the outside is unattractive. To get ideas, take a walk around your local area – paying attention to homes that appear warm and welcoming. What is it that increases their appeal? From lawns to hedges, walkways, windows, lighting and planting – there are many factors to consider. Remember that kerb appeal is important even before viewings have taken place, with lead photographs often focusing on the front of a property.
If your home has major structural issues, then no amount of interior decoration or kerb appeal will make up for this. Structural problems are one of the main reasons that property sales fall through. Consider if there are any larger problems putting-off buyers such as damp, rotten windows, missing rooftiles or uneven floors. Think about the scale of work, your own time and energy, as well as the potential return on investment – and use this to decide whether it is more appropriate to reduce the price or complete the work yourself.
More and more buyers are now searching for properties online, meaning that stunning photography is crucial to a quick sale. If the pictures portray your home as dark and dingy, then buyers aren’t likely to get excited. Ask family and friends for their feedback and consider whether new photography might be necessary. Talk to your estate agent if you feel the photos aren’t suitable, and make sure a professional photographer is hired. Trade experts will understand how to use lighting, angles and what details to focus on – ensuring your home is presented in its best possible light.
If your home is appropriately priced, beautifully photographed and presented to perfection, but is still not attracting any interest – could your estate agent not be working for you? A good agent should provide regular updates on interest and feedback on your property, as well as advise if they think there are any problems with the listing. Especially if you suspect your agent isn’t mentioning your property or not responding to viewing requests, it could be time to move on. Do make sure to discuss your concerns with your agent (and carefully read your contract) before making any drastic decisions.
A key selling point for many buyers is the opportunity to add value to a property. No matter the size or style of a property, prospective purchasers may be wary if there is no potential to extend or improve. With this in mind, could a loft or cellar conversion be a realistic future option? What about knocking down a wall for open plan living? Have you ever applied for planning permission but subsequently decided against it, or have neighbours undertaken similar projects? Make sure any potential is highlighted at viewings, as buyers may need help to see the possibilities of your home.
The time of year that you list a property can impact the time it takes to sell, with spring and summer typically moving faster than the winter months. If you are trying to sell a family home, the school holidays are quieter times for viewings (particularly slow in July/August and the Christmas period). As well as the time of year, consider whether you are operating in a buyer’s or seller’s market. If you have listed your home at a time when buyer interest is low (and property supply is high), you may have to advertise at a more competitive price. It could also work in your favour to remove your home from the market and relist at a better time.
Overfilling bins, messily parked cars, barking dogs and unkempt gardens won’t appeal to anyone – and can substantially impact the value of your property. If you suspect this may be the case with your home, have a friendly and blame-free conversation with your neighbours, letting them know you are currently trying to sell and ask if there is anything you can do to help. When considering the immediate neighbourhood, also think carefully about the type of buyer it will appeal to. Families will be looking for space, safety and a thriving community, whilst younger couples may find a lively atmosphere appealing. Is there any way you can highlight these aspects during viewings?
Buying and selling houses can be stressful at the best of times, and this is especially the case if you are part of a long chain. Buyers will be very aware of this, and likely to be more nervous of making an offer on a property that’s part of a chain. If there is any way you can “break the chain” and advertise a chain-free property, it will vastly increase your chances of a quick sale. Have you considered moving into rented accommodation in the short term, or staying with friends and family if needs be? The short-term upheaval may be worth the effort if it helps you sell your property and move on.
As a final issue to consider, are you being selective with your prospective buyers? Make sure that anyone viewing your property is serious, already having a mortgage “agreement in principle” in place. If you’ve had offers repeatedly fall through, this may put further buyers off – assuming something must be wrong with the house. When accepting offers, look at the buyer’s circumstances as well as the amount they’re offering. Sometimes a slightly lower offer, but one that is more certain to go through (i.e. a keen first-time buyer, rather than someone in a long property chain) could be the safer and more lucrative bet.
If you are struggling to sell your property, make sure that you’ve assessed and rectified any factors which may be impacting the sale. From pricing appropriately to choosing your buyers carefully, decluttering and focusing on curb appeal, there are many things you can do to get your sale back on track.
We specialise in helping you get more for your property. Quicker, easier and with less stress.
You can call us any time on 0333 016 5458 where we can provide help, guidance and support.
Instant valuation – get a free 32-page instant valuation report here
Video appointment – book a free, no-obligation 30-minute advice meeting with one of our experts here
Ready to instruct us? – locate and sign your agreement here
