Putting your property on the market can be an exciting time, full of anticipation about a quick sale and moving on to your next chapter. But when weeks turn into months with little interest, it's natural to ask why.
The good news? There's likely a clear reason, and it can usually be fixed. Below, we look at what the market is doing right now, the most common reasons homes don't sell, and the practical tweaks that can turn things around.
Key takeaways
- Well-priced homes are still selling: Data shows they find a buyer in around 67 days on average nationally.
- The most common reason a home doesn't sell: The asking price not being realistic with the current market.
- Small changes can relaunch your listing: new photos, a refreshed description, a tidy entrance or an honest chat with your agent.
- Demand is healthy: Mortgage approvals recently reached their highest level in years, and prices are still rising in many areas.
What is the property market like right now?
In short, buyers are out there, and homes that are priced and presented well are still selling quickly.
- Prices are still growing. The average price of a newly listed home rose by 1.0% last month.
- Sales are holding up. Rightmove reports deals are still being done, with sales activity showing "surprising resilience" despite higher mortgage rates.
- The right homes sell fast. Well-priced homes are still shifting, with homes selling in 67 days on average nationally.
- Buyers have more choice. Rightmove reports the most homes for sale at this time of year since 2014. Buyers can afford to be selective, so the homes that stand out are the ones that sell.
What does that mean for you? You haven't missed the boat. In a market with more choice, small improvements to price, presentation and marketing make a bigger difference than ever.
1. Is my house priced too high?
Overpricing is the number one reason homes don't sell. We all want to get the best price for our homes. After all, you've put years of love (and money) into yours. But today's buyers are savvy, and they've usually done their homework on local prices.
Rightmove calls today's market price sensitive. Competitive pricing from day one of marketing is critical to capitalise on initial buyer interest. The first few weeks on the market are when interest peaks, so getting the price right early pays off.
What you can do:
- Have a frank conversation with your estate agent about a realistic price. Ask them to show you what similar properties have sold for recently, not just what other hopeful sellers are asking.
- A well-judged adjustment, even around 5%, can bring your home into more buyers' search filters and spark fresh interest. A property that sits on the market too long can start to make buyers wonder what's wrong with it.
2. Is my home making a poor first impression?
Buyers often decide in the first few seconds, starting with your kerb appeal and your photos. If your front garden is overgrown or your hallway is crammed with coats and shoes, you might lose buyers before they've even seen your lovely kitchen extension.
What you can do:
- Walk across the street and look at your house with fresh eyes. Is the front door looking tired? Do the windows need a clean?
- Simple touches like a new doormat or a couple of potted plants can make a big difference.
Read our top tips for staging your home
3. Is outdated or personal decor putting buyers off?
Buyers need to picture themselves living in your home. Perhaps you love your bold purple feature wall, but too much personality can make buyers feel like they're intruding.
What you can do:
- You don't need to paint everything beige, though a fresh coat of neutral paint can work wonders.
- Start by decluttering. Pack away family photos, clear the kitchen worktops and consider storing some furniture to make rooms look bigger.
4. Is my property being marketed properly?
Most buyers start their search online, scrolling through property portals with a cuppa on the sofa. With more homes to choose from right now, dark or blurry photos and a thin description mean buyers simply scroll past.
What you can do:
- Look at your listing as if you were a buyer. Do the photos show your home at its best? Is there enough information?
- If not, ask your agent about refreshing the marketing with professional photos, a floorplan or a video tour. New images and a rewritten description can make your home feel like a brand-new listing.
- Ask how your home is being promoted beyond the property portals. Social media puts your home in front of people who aren't actively searching yet, such as renters ready to buy, or local families thinking about their next move.
See why social media is more important than ever when selling.
5. Are hidden issues with the house putting buyers off?
Sometimes it's not what buyers can see, but what they discover at viewings or surveys. That damp patch you've learned to live with? Buyers just see extra time and money.
What you can do:
- Consider a survey so you spot issues before buyers do, and fix smaller problems now. Explore the surveys available to you
- For bigger issues, get quotes. That way you can either do the work before selling or reflect it in your price.
- Being upfront shows honesty, builds buyer confidence and can stop a sale falling through later.
6. Am I using the right estate agent?
The right local agent knows your buyers, your street and how to position your home against the competition. What works for a city-centre flat might not work for a rural cottage, and if your property feels like it's on the back burner, it may be time for a change.
What you can do:
- Start with an honest conversation with your current agent. Ask what more they could do, and listen to their advice.
- If things still aren't moving, a fresh approach from a different agent can work wonders.
Speak to a local expert today
7. Why are viewings not turning into offers?
If people are viewing but not offering, something during the visit is probably putting them off. It could be a chilly house, lingering cooking smells, or a dog making it clear it doesn't want strangers in its home.
What you can do:
- Ask your agent for honest feedback after every viewing.
- Make sure your home is warm (especially as the nights draw in), smells fresh without overpowering air freshener, and is well lit.
- Think about going out during viewings. Many buyers feel more comfortable exploring and talking openly without the owner nearby.
Is now a good time to sell my house?
Yes, for the right home with the right strategy. Prices are still rising in many areas, buyers are financially ready to move, and well-presented homes at the right price are selling in a matter of weeks. Your listing doesn't need to start again from scratch. It may just need a refresh.
The bottom line
Selling a home can feel a bit like dating. You need to present your best self, be open to feedback and make adjustments to attract the right match. With buyers active and well-priced homes selling quickly, a few tweaks to your price, presentation or marketing could be all it takes to get that 'Sold' sign up sooner than you think.
And remember: when you're buying your next place, you'll be the one with the high expectations, so it all balances out in the end.
