However, contrary to what was predicted, it wasn’t the worst year for the UK housing market. In fact, the industry saw a mini property market boom, with buyers rushing to move houses before this year’s 31st March Stamp Duty relief deadline.
As we move forward into a new year, there is speculation that this boom could die down, but there still has never been a better time to sell a property. This is how to effectively do so.
Speed up the process
As mentioned, property demand has increased exponentially over the past year, and transactions are currently taking a month longer than expected. With this in mind, you may be wanting to beat the queue and get your house sold as quickly as possible. Fortunately, there are several ways in which you can do this.
For instance, if you do have an interested buyer but have not found a home for yourself, you may consider temporarily renting somewhere else to allow the new owners to move into your property quickly. You may also consider property auctions or selling your home to a property investor such as NWIUK, who can make a cash offer in 24 hours and complete the purchase within 30 days.
Tackle the DIY jobs that need to be done
It goes without saying that presentation is key when it comes to selling your home. With this in mind, tackling tasks such as repainting, cleaning carpets and regrouting bathroom tiles can be all it takes to secure an offer. It is also important to ensure that your property is tidy and clutter-free before any viewings. Furthermore, as first impressions are very important, you must ensure that the front of your property is always looking it's very best for any potential buyers. Do not neglect the curb appeal.
Keep the pandemic in mind
Sadly, the pandemic continues to grapple with our lives in 2021. However, the good news is that you can make this work to your advantage when it comes to selling your home.
As of right now, buyers are very much concerned about having a good space to work from remotely, as well as having a nice outdoor area to enjoy. With that in mind, make sure the interior of your property is as open and inviting as possible to potential buyers (perhaps promote a specific space that is perfect for home working), and ensure that you are ready to present an attractive garden.
Buyers are now increasing their amount of research online when it comes to selecting homes, so it's important that you have a virtual video tour of your home available as part of your listing. After all, an initial video tour is likely to garner some further interest from a prospective buyer.
Find ways of increasing your property’s value
If you are looking to sell your property later on in the year, now is the perfect time to do some last-minute improvements to it. For instance, you may decide to revamp the kitchen or bathroom or turn two rooms into one open-plan space. It is initiatives like these that will boost the market value of your house and make it stand out from others.
If your home has not been renovated for some time, you could even consider applying for planning permission for an extension before you sell. This will really grab the interest of buyers who would be interested in your home but are ideally looking for more space.
Think carefully about your asking price
When it comes to settling on an asking price, research is crucial. Start by looking into the recent market activity in your local area to determine how much your house is worth. After this, get a few estate agents to come and value your property. Ultimately, it’s important that you price your property correctly from the beginning to grab that instant interest from prospective buyers. Overpriced houses tend to stay on the market for longer, meaning that they’ll just eventually become forgotten about.
The bottom line
It's safe to say that the nation really became attached to their homes last year. This means that buyer expectations have indeed been raised when it comes to choosing houses in 2021.
It’s therefore important for sellers to take into consideration the guidance above if they intend to complete that transaction in the months ahead.
