Can’t Sell My House – Why Not?
Research from Zoopla has found it takes an average of 50 days to sell your property on the UK housing market.
There are so many factors that go into a successful house sale. As choosing a property can be a very personal decision, it’s important to distance yourself from any of your own perceptions of your house. Everyone has different needs and requirements, so try not to take it personally if your house it taking longer to sell than you expected.
The key is to ensure that you and your estate agent are proactive in identifying any potential reasons why you can’t sell my house. The good news is, a little effort goes a long way in solving any issues.
Does Your House Have Kerb Appeal?
The front of your house must make a good first impression to potential buyers. A quick spruce up can go a long way. This can include a new front door, weeding or planting flowers in the front garden or decluttering your shelves. A quick lick of paint can also work wonders; a survey by Barclays Mortgages has revealed that on average, home improvements add £9,829 to the value of your home.
The Photos Aren’t Doing Your House Justice
Photos from your estate agent should draw any potential viewers in. They are often the first impression of your house people will see, so they need to display your home in a good light. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer who is searching for an ideal home by scrolling images online or through the window of a local estate agent.
The great news is, it’s easy to identify any issues in the photos and enlist the help of your agent to retake them. Pay attention to lighting and angles that highlight the attractive features of your home whilst staying faithful to its current condition.
Has It Received The Correct Valuation?
If your home has received a valuation that is too high, it can put off potential buyers. This is a common reason why you can’t sell my house. If you suspect this is the case, it is essential that you discuss valuation options with your estate agent or seek an independent valuation.
Similarly, a valuation that is too low can also deter potential buyers. It can arouse suspicions about the condition of the house or the area it is in; price reflects the quality or area of a property and people want to make sure they’re making a worthwhile investment.
There May Be An Increase In Recent Crime Or Anti-Social Behaviour In Your Area
Crime statistics for your area may show anti-social behaviour to be on the rise. Many potential buyers will check the crime rates of an area they are looking to move to which can influence their decision. It is common for viewers to speak to local residents nearby to ask for their experience and even an off-hand remark can plant seeds of doubt. Word of mouth can be a powerful influencer in the sale of your home. While there is little you can do about the words of others, it is useful to speak to your local council about further measures or reassurance about nearby activity.
The Market
Many factors can affect the UK housing market. For example, political and economic uncertainty can cause the market to slow down which can drive less viewers to the property and increase the chance of a sale falling through at the last moment. For instance, Spring is traditionally a boom time for property sale in comparison to December which is notoriously quiet.
Can’t Sell House Because Of Neighbours?
Sometimes your neighbours can inadvertently put off a potential buyer. For example, thin walls, loud dogs or an untidy garden can send alarm signals to your viewers. A poll from Skipton Building society found that a shocking seventy three per cent of Britons don't know their neighbour's names and regard them as strangers. One of the easiest ways to combat annoyances such as loud noise is to get to know your neighbours. A quick introduction is all that’s needed to break down barriers and create an easier space to communicate any issues.
Can’t sell house because of neighbours? If the relationship with your neighbour has broken down, it may be useful to frame the issue in a positive light in front of viewers. For example, you can point out that it is possible to hear noise through the walls, as is typical in this kind of property.