Selling a property in the UK requires careful consideration and planning to ensure it stands out in a competitive market.
But there are a few proven strategies that can help sellers show their property in a favourable light — and none of them are rocket science. They include simple things like enhancing your home’s kerb appeal, offering flexible viewings and maybe including certain appliances in the sale.
Jason Gray, a property expert at OneDome, has a range of strategies to help you achieve a swift sale.
1. Seasonal kerb appeal
First impressions really matter. While your property may naturally look better in the summer when gardens are in full bloom, there are a few things you can do during other months to make your home look more welcoming. Seasonal wreaths and potted seasonal plants can help potential buyers to envision themselves living there, especially during that time of year.
2. Showcase energy-efficiency
With increasing energy costs, people are looking closely at home efficiency. Older properties, in particular, can require significant upgrades to improve their energy ratings. However, a few quick tips can make a big difference:
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Service your boiler: Regular maintenance ensures it runs efficiently, reducing energy waste.
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Install rainwater harvesting: This system can be used for watering plants, cutting down on water usage and costs.
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Check your loft insulation: Ensuring it’s up to scratch can prevent heat loss and lower heating bills.
If your property ticks these boxes, be sure to highlight the relevant features. Additionally, double glazing and solar panels are key upgrades that can significantly reduce energy bills. Consider providing recent energy bills to potential buyers to demonstrate any cost savings these improvements have made.
3. Flexible viewings
Try to accommodate a range of potential buyers by offering viewings in the day, during weekends and at nighttime. Virtual tours can also help attract a wider pool of potential buyers, especially those with busy schedules. The more accessible your home, the quicker it might sell.
4. Stage a lifestyle
Once inside, it’s just as important that a buyer can see themselves in your property so try to create inviting spaces that allow them to do this. From cosy reading corners to stylish home offices, a staged lifestyle can make your property feel lived-in and more appealing.
5. Include a welcome pack
A welcome pack that has information about local amenities, schools and the community can impress viewers as they go round. Not only will it help them to make a decision about your property but it’ll likely be more memorable too.
6. Focus on repairs
Any issues around the home, like leaking taps and squeaking doors, can create the illusion of other problems around the home. So, ensure that these are fixed before any viewings so that your property appears well-maintained. It should also stop any minor issues from becoming a larger deal-breaker.
7. Pair up with a tech-savvy local agent
An estate agent with deep knowledge of the local area can help to sell your property, highlighting its strengths and also navigating local nuances in order to secure a faster sale. Also look for an agent who is supported by cutting-edge technology to speed things up as opposed to agents with more manual ways of working.
8. Consider incentives
Consider covering survey costs or including certain appliances and furniture in the sale, in order to meet a specific sale date, to motivate the buyer and agent. This is also a great way to ensure your property stands out as a potential buyer may feel like they are getting more for their money.
9. High-quality photography
The photos and videos of your property are often the first thing that many buyers will see so it’s important to invest in quality items. Using your estate agent for photos might not always be the best option, instead you might want to consider hiring a professional yourself and researching photographers in your local area who specialise in home photography. High quality images can attract more interest online and aerial drone shots can mean your listing stands out.
10. Be proactive with legal preparation
Get a conveyancer on board early and ensure you are legally prepared for the sale to help avoid any issues that might delay your journey. Services like OneDome Conveyancing Express offer a genuine no completion, no fee service.
By applying these strategies, you could significantly reduce the time it takes to sell your property by weeks and even months, and increase your chances of a successful transaction in the UK.