When to worry about house not selling?
When to worry about house not selling?
In 2024 the property market is constantly changing. General elections brought new promises and new policies. If you are considering selling your home you may ask yourself – when is the best time to sell?
Usually, the answer is NOW. If you are ready, or you need to move on putting the house on the market now is the best thing to do. That statement comes with a few caveats though. Sometimes it just happens that the property is not selling for no apparent reason. We can help you figure out what is causing it.
Are you getting viewings but not offers? Or maybe you are not getting any viewings? If you’ve chosen your local high street estate agent and the property is marketed correctly you should be getting viewings and offers immediately.
On average, depending on the part of the country it takes around 2 months for a house sale to be completed.
Knowing when to worry about your house not selling and what steps you can take will help you. Here are common reasons houses don’t sell quickly, and how using services like Speed Property Buyers can turn things around.
What Are the Reasons for a House Not Selling?
Check the points below, here are some common causes:
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Check the Price
One of the most significant factors in house sales is pricing. If your house is priced too high, it might deter potential buyers. On the other hand pricing too low can also be suspicious.
A smart strategy is to outsmart the algorithm by pricing your house just below a pricing bracket. For example, listing at £299,000 instead of £300,000 can make your property appear in searches up to £300,000 but not above £300,000 whereas listing at £300,000 will appear in both brackets, so there’s potential for double exposure.
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Understanding Local Market Conditions
Understanding the local market conditions is the key when selling your property. Different areas attract different buyers, so it’s important to research what properties are selling in your neighborhood.
For instance, if your house is near a hospital, smaller properties might be more popular due to the demand from hospital staff looking for nearby accommodation.
Homes with three bedrooms in the top-rated Ofsted school catchment area will attract families looking to move for educational reasons.
By comparing recently sold and similar properties in your local area, with your own, you can better understand how to position and market your home effectively.
Prospective buyers’ feedback sometimes may be a bitter pill to swallow but it’s super valuable, and insightful and will help to make necessary changes to sell the house faster.
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Giving Every Room a Clear Purpose
Every room should have a clear and defined purpose. The trend of using spare rooms as gyms or home offices has become less appealing to potential buyers, who often look for homes that suit their immediate needs. While your house is up for sale, revert these rooms to their original functions. Make it obvious that each space is functional and ready for use. This can help prospective buyer envision themselves living in the home, as they see rooms that meet their expectations and needs, making your property more attractive and marketable.
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Presentation and Marketing:
The way your property is presented online and offline matters. A lack of quality photos or a poorly designed listing can impact interest. Ensure your property has a floor plan and high-quality images – ideally taken by professional photographers to attract attention. Decluttering makes all the difference if you want to sell your house quickly. If your estate agent is offering a virtual tour as a part of the marketing package, ask to watch it before it’s posted online. If not done well it can highlight all the flaws and be off-putting.
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Viewings and Feedback:
If your house is not getting viewings, or you are not receiving constructive feedback from potential buyers or estate agents, you need to address this. Post-viewing feedback is a valuable tool for understanding a prospective buyer’s way of seeing your property.
A lack of viewings can be particularly concerning. Consider the following:
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Online Listings:
Your property should be listed on popular property search platforms like Rightmove and/or Zoopla, and request reports to see how your listing is doing. If you are not happy with your current estate agent you can switch to a different estate agent. -
Photos and Descriptions:
Invest in professional photography and good descriptions that highlight your home’s best features. -
Agent Strategy:
Work with your estate agent to boost your property’s visibility among local estate agents and consider their suggestions for improvements.
What Are the Hardest Months to Sell a House?
Certain times of the year are more challenging for selling properties. Traditionally, the winter months and periods around holidays can slow down the market, while spring and early summer often see more activity.
Why Is It Getting Harder to Sell Your House?
The property market is constantly evolving, with new regulations, economic and recent political changes, and buyer trends. Sellers need to stay informed and adapt to these changes to make their properties stand out. There’s a lot more pressure on estate agents as well. During the pandemic and just after the pandemic, many estate agents acted as doormen, basically just letting people inside the house. Now times have changed and it requires a lot of effort, time, and knowledge from estate agents to sell a house. Luckily there are many dedicated and fantastic agents on the high street!
What to Do If Your Property Isn’t Selling?
If you’re in a position where you’ve done everything you could to improve your property’s appeal: re-evaluate the price, improve visual and marketing appeal, sought feedback it is time to consider other options.
One of the methods that has been gaining popularity recently is the Modern Method of Auction.
- Speed Property Buyers has facilitated hundreds of auctions and we have fantastic experts in-house. Auctioning your house may seem like a lot of work, but in reality, there is not much difference from selling/ buying a TV on eBay. Selling a house at auction is a regulated and safe way of selling your house quickly.
Contact Speed Property Buyers
If your property isn’t selling, consider contacting Speed Property Buyers today. Whether you’re interested in a non-obligatory quote, exploring auction options, or getting a property valuation, we’re here to help.
Our team can guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and efficient sale.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact Speed Property Buyers today for expert advice and assistance with your property sale.