Google searches for "how to sell your home" have surged by a staggering 13,600% this year alone, with a monthly average of 265,000 searches - highlighting the nation's collective struggle to sell their homes.
In light of this, experts from Harbour Lifestyle, highlight five reasons why you might be struggling to sell your home in a congested market - and how to remedy them for a quick sale.
Your driveway isn't up to scratch
Your home's curb appeal matters more than you might think. When a potential buyer approaches your home, the first impression they will have is the exterior appearance of the property. According to Direct Line, a well-kept driveway can boost your home's value by a whopping 13%, so a little TLC is definitely worth the time!
To maintain your driveway for optimum curb appeal, consider:
Outdoor lighting: Illuminating your driveway helps to create an inviting and safe atmosphere, especially during evening viewings. Highlight areas of your home you are proud of, such as your front doorscape, windows, and outdoor features.
Weed management: Regularly maintaining your driveway by removing weeds and debris helps to keep it looking pristine. Nobody wants to move into a home and spend hours de-weeding!
Power wash: Never underestimate the power of power clean! A thorough power wash can revitalise your driveway's appearance, instantly making it look almost brand-new and more appealing to potential buyers.
Your garden needs some TLC
Potential buyers don’t want to see an outdoor space that needs hours and hours of work – they would rather choose a property with a ready-to-move-in alfresco space. According to ALS Landscapes, a well-designed and maintained garden can add as much as 20% to the value of your home. And remember, most of your investments can be taken with you to your new home. So, what can you do to make your garden more enticing?
Chic furnishings: One of the best home sale tactics is to dress your home appealingly. Add stylish outdoor furniture and decor to your garden to showcase the potential for outdoor living and entertainment to your potential buyers.
Lighting: Nobody wants to view a garden in the dark! Install outdoor lighting to create an inviting ambience, perfect for evening showings.
Landscaping: Unkempt lawns and overgrown flower beds are never a good look – but they are especially unwelcome when you are trying to impress visitors! Take the time to maintain your garden before each viewing, to ensure it is picture-perfect every time.
You don't have enough space
Space within the home is a huge selling point. How many bedrooms and bathrooms your home has is a good indicator, however, the sense of space and openness when visiting in person is also a metric potential buyers consider. Luckily, you don't need to invest in a costly extension.
Invest in a pergola: If you’ve always wanted to expand your home, an outdoor structure such as a pergola may be the solution you are looking for. Less expensive than an extension or a conservatory, pergolas can be mounted to the side of your home to create a continuation of your indoor living space.
These stylish outdoor structures not only provide shade and protection from the elements but also add a touch of elegance to any garden patio. Simply mimic your home’s design style into the great outdoors to flawlessly extend your interior. Your buyers will be impressed!
Your home is cluttered
A cluttered home can overwhelm potential buyers, and hinder their ability to envision themselves living there. If your living room is towering with old books and trinkets, a visitor may see this as a red flag, and move their horizons onto other properties. Before you begin viewings, it’s best to have a tidy.
Declutter: Start by removing unnecessary items, including collectables, memorabilia, and excessive personal belongings. You essentially want your home to look like a showroom, to give the potential buyer a taste of how the space could look with their own furnishings and décor.
Investing in a new storage piece, such as a sideboard or toy chest, could reduce the visible clutter – and you can take it with you to your new home, too!
Refresh: Consider minor redecorations, like a fresh coat of paint, or simple décor changes to make your home feel inviting and adaptable. A lick of white or light neutral colour on the walls can work miracles, and muting eclectic or bold furnishings can help to let the space speak for itself, without overwhelming your visitors.
It's not energy efficient
In an era of super-efficient new builds, older homes with lower efficiency ratings can be harder to sell, and a lower EPC rating can actually reduce the value of your home. With consistently high energy bills becoming a contributing factor in people’s home search, it is important to make your home more appealing by incorporating eco-friendly elements:
Solar panels: Installing solar panels can reduce energy costs and make your home more appealing to environmentally conscious buyers. Plus, they can add up to 25% to the value of your home!
Upgrade your windows: If your home has single-glazed windows, improve your energy efficiency and upgrade to double or triple-glazing. The additional glazing will help to prevent heat loss and will contribute towards improving your home EPC rating.
Improved insulation: Enhance your home's insulation to increase energy efficiency and comfort for potential buyers. Adding loft insulation can boost your home’s EPC rating by up to two bands, increasing your property's value by up to 7%.
In conclusion
If your home isn't selling, it is essential to address these five common issues to make your property more attractive to prospective buyers. By investing in your property and its overall appearance, you can increase your chances of a successful sale in a competitive housing market, and its value overall. Plus, with most improvements, you can take your investments to your new home with you. It’s a no-brainer. Happy selling!
