Property experts at GetAgent have analysed the sales patterns of houses up and down the UK and found that homeowners should list their properties by Tuesday 26th July 2022, if they want to complete the sale by Christmas (completion date 23rd December).
So, if you’re looking to put your house on the market over the next couple of months, and want to speed up the selling process, GetAgent has shared their top tips for a speedy sale.
Prepare your home in advance. It goes without saying that properties that look clean and spacious are more appealing to buyers. Before you list your home, take the time to clear it out and thoroughly clean everything to ensure your property gives the best first impression to potential buyers.
Set the right price. This has the single biggest impact out of any factor. On average, your property listing will get the most views in the first two weeks, and setting the wrong price initially will mean you miss out on potential buyers. Most buyers start their property search online by filtering by price. If your home is overpriced you won’t feature in these buyers’ searches because it will look like poor value for money compared to the other properties on offer.
Make your listing stand out. Good quality photos and an engaging description can make a huge difference in encouraging potential buyers to come for a viewing. The photographs on your listing will be most people's first glimpse of your home. If you’re not happy with the pictures, make sure to tell your estate agent straight away. Many estate agents will know exactly what to change in order to show your property in its best light.
Pick the best estate agent for you. The right estate agent will do all the work for you. They will accurately value your home and ensure it is advertised effectively. They’ll know what attracts buyers, and they might even have a database of people currently looking for properties similar to yours in the area.
Choose a conveyancer early. The best way to prepare for the legal process of a property transaction is to instruct a conveyancing solicitor early. You’ll show your buyers that you’re ready and eager for the legal bits of the transaction to get underway. This is especially a good sign to the sellers of the property you’re set to purchase.
Colby Short, co-founder and CEO of GetAgent, comments: “There's no easy answer to the question 'How long does it take to sell a house?' as so many factors are involved in the process - from location and the time of year to the motivation level of the buyer, or the skill and experience of your estate agent.
"Securing an offer is often the hardest part of the process, but there are a few things you can do to speed up the process once you have buyers interested too. For example, if you’re able to, consider favouring cash buyers - waiting for a buyer to receive a mortgage can add time and uncertainty to your sales timeline.
"In order to get a headstart on the paperwork, ensure that you’re starting the legal work early, and appoint an experienced and proactive solicitor or conveyancer as soon as possible. If you have a leasehold property, for example, you’ll need to get a report from the freeholder. This can take a long time, so the sooner you start, the less likely it is to hold things up.
"For those wanting to complete a sale by Christmas, it’s advisable to look at listing your property as soon as possible - and at the very latest the end of July, to ensure enough time is left to go through the lengthy and sometimes unpredictable process of selling your home."
