Many assume selling a property is an easy task. Simply, just listing it online and waiting for buyers to ring. Yet, after a few weeks of receiving little to no interest, many find themselves asking, “Why is my house so hard to sell?” So, if you find yourself scratching your head and asking this same question, don’t worry; you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’re aiming to answer this very question and hopefully provide some practical insights that will help you get on your way to selling a property. We’ll look at issues such as market conditions, things you can do, and other options available out there.
Let’s get started.
What makes a house difficult to sell?
There may not be a single reason behind why you may be struggling to sell your house. Here are some possible reasons:
Market Conditions
One of the major factors that can affect how fast a house can sell is the market conditions. The market can change considerably, so what you may have thought was the case a year ago may not be the case today. Understanding the right market conditions is important. In a simple sense, if there are more buyers than properties available, it’s a seller’s market. Whereas, if there are more properties than buyers, it’s a buyer; it’s a buyer’s market. In a seller’s market, you will be inundated by buyers, which ensures you can get your property sold quickly.
Tip: Research recent property sales in your area to gauge market trends. Don’t rely on the average house prices for the UK alone; you need local market insights. Understanding whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market can help you set realistic expectations and help you plan your approach.
Location Issues
Location is another key factor that helps with the value and desirability of a property. Houses sell faster if they’re in a good location surrounded by amenities. This includes factors such as proximity to schools, public transport, and distance to major road networks; if you don’t have many of these benefits, then your buyer pool will become limited.
Tip: If listing the property yourself, make sure you highlight the positive aspects of your location. This can be done by emphasising nearby amenities, transportation links, and any upcoming developments that could enhance the area.
Pricing Issues
Pricing is another one of the major factors contributing to the success of getting a house sold. Overpricing can deter potential buyers while underpricing can make people question underlying issues. Getting the balance right is important to attracting buyers and, more importantly, getting the property sold.
Tip: Consult with estate agents and research the local market to determine a competitive yet realistic asking price. You should analyse recent sales data and be open to adjusting your pricing strategy based on market feedback.
Property Condition
The condition of your property has the greatest impact on potential buyers. A well-maintained home is more likely to attract interest and secure better offers. For example, many properties in the UK are dated; however, if you can showcase modern comforts within, the property is more likely to stand out from other properties out there.
Tip: Before selling your house, you may need to invest in necessary repairs and consider minor renovations to enhance your property’s appeal. A home in good condition instils confidence in buyers and can contribute to a quicker sale.
What can I do if my house won’t sell?
If you’ve had your property on the market for some time and you just can’t seem to get it sold, what do you do? At this point, you have a few options; you can either change your strategy or look at other options. Here are some possible options:
Reevaluate Pricing
If your house has been on the market without getting much interest, it might be time to reassess your pricing strategy. Many people filter out properties by price, so there is a high chance your property just isn’t being seen. Additionally, your price may just not be realistic enough and needs to match the local market.
Tip: You should first consider feedback from previous viewings and be willing to adjust your asking price based on current market conditions. Additionally, you can contact local estate agents to conduct a fresh market analysis. Additionally, you can get in touch with us to receive a valuation and some guidance on getting your property sold.
Enhance Appeal
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, and first impressions matter. A simple for-sale sign won’t make much of a difference if the outside of the property looks badly maintained.
Tip: Take a look at your home’s exterior and think of what you can improve. You can look at trimming overgrown plants, repainting the front door, and ensuring that the entrance is well-lit and looks inviting.
Look at other options
If it has been some time and you’re growing impatient, it may be time to explore other ways to sell your property. Many assume that selling with an estate agent or listing a property online is the only way to sell. However, there is another option, which is cash house buyers. They typically purchase properties as an investment, so they are willing to purchase no matter what condition or location. This can ensure you can get your property sold, although you will typically have to settle for selling your property at a lower price than with the traditional approach. No matter which way you choose to sell, here at Sold.co.uk, we offer different ways you can get your property sold.
Why is no one viewing my house?
If you have had your property listed for a while and have had little interest in viewings, it usually boils down to two potential issues. They are visibility and attracting buyers.
Visibility
The majority of buyers looking for a property to purchase start online. So, it stands to reason that your property is visible in as many places as possible. However, don’t just stick to online; try to get your property out there as much as possible.
Tip: Look at different ways to market your property. You shouldn’t rely on one method alone; look at different property portals, local newspapers, and social media.
Attracting buyers
If your house isn’t getting the views it deserves, your listing may need attention. This is based on the assumption that your property is priced competitively and also looks appealing.
Tip: Ensure your online listing is comprehensive and engaging. This should also include high-quality photos, a detailed description, and accurate information.
What are the worst months to sell a house?
The real estate market experiences fluctuations throughout the year, influenced by different trends. While there’s no specific month that is the worst, seasonal trends definitely play a part in making some perform worse than others. For example, in the UK, spring and early summer are often considered peak selling seasons. However, the winter months may see a slowdown. So, you may need to time your listing during peak seasons for increased buyer activity.
Additionally, the holiday season, including Christmas and New Year, often brings a temporary slowdown in the property market. During these months, potential buyers may be preoccupied with celebrations, travel, or other commitments. So you may look to avoid listing your property during December-January.
Weather conditions can also affect the willingness of potential buyers to venture out for property viewings. While you can’t control the weather, you can mitigate its impact. Ensure your property is well-lit, warm, and inviting.
What style of house is easiest to sell?
Certain property types are certainly more in demand than others, which can make selling them that much easier. This includes types such as terraced, semi-detached, detached flats, and bungalows.
Terraced Homes
Currently, the easiest style of house to sell in the UK is a terraced home. This is because they’re cheaper and much more affordable for first-time buyers. Additionally, terraced homes are cheaper compared to detached and semi-detached properties. They are more common for buyers looking for an affordable property with a sense of community and having access to local amenities. To make a terraced property look more attractive, make sure you list the benefits of the local community and other unique attractions in your property listing.
Semi-Detached Homes
Semi-detached homes are the second easiest to sell. This is because they are often favoured by families and those seeking a bit more space. Additionally, their pricing is less than that of a detached property, which can make them more attractive to a large pool of buyers.
Detached Homes
Detached homes are usually the most expensive type of property. While they may be more expensive, this doesn’t always mean they’re harder to sell. In many areas, terraced and semi-detached homes are the norm, while detached houses can be quite rare. So, with a lower supply, there is usually a greater demand, too.
Flats and Bungalows
Other types of properties, like flats and bungalows, can be much harder to sell. This is because there is usually lower demand with a lower buyer pool for these properties, which can make selling them much harder.
Can I sell my house in poor condition?
Selling a property in poor condition may seem like a difficult task, but it’s not an uncommon scenario. If you’re selling on the open market with a traditional estate agent, you will more than likely have to do some form of repairs to get enough buyers. However, with cash house buying conditions, usually you won’t need to get your house into a good condition first.
If you’re determined to sell on the open market, then ensure you’re transparent about the property’s condition in your listing. You should highlight any structural issues or necessary repairs upfront to attract buyers who are comfortable taking on a project. Additionally, if major renovations are financially unfeasible, selling your property as-is might be an option. However, it’s important to be realistic about how much you’re likely to sell the property for. Research the prices of similar properties in poor condition and set a competitive price that attracts potential buyers while accounting for necessary improvements.
When you sell a property in poor condition, you need to be prepared for negotiations. Buyers interested in properties that need work may submit offers below the asking price. Be flexible and willing to negotiate to reach an agreement that works for everyone.
There are many factors which can make selling a property difficult. However, the main thing you need to do to sell a house fast successfully is to focus on being competitive. This requires understanding the local property market and being realistic about how much your property is actually worth. This should help you with getting a strategy in place to ensure a smooth and efficient sale of your property.
If you’re struggling to get your property sold and want to explore your options further, get in touch with us at Sold.co.uk. We offer different ways to ensure you can get your property sold as quickly as possible.
