“Is now a good time to sell my property?”
If you’ve been toying with the idea of moving house, this might be a question that has crossed your mind. After all, the housing market has had its fair share of ups and downs over the past few years. So how do you know when it is the right time to sell – and how can you prepare?
Whether this is your first time selling your property, or the fifth one down the line – knowing how best to navigate the shifting market, prepare your house for viewings, and ensure you get the best possible price isn’t always easy, especially in such a popular area as London.
Consider this your ultimate guide to selling your property in 2024.
Is 2024 a good time to sell?
There is no ‘perfect’ time to sell. However, there is the right time for you, and if you’re looking to progress up the property ladder, move elsewhere, or even just sell your second property, knowing when to take the leap is critical.
House prices decreased significantly in 2023, and while experts aren’t predicting this downward trend to continue at quite the same pace, they aren’t exactly expecting a steep incline either. The good news is this means it’s a buyer’s market – meaning lots of demand for your soon-to-be-for-sale property. First-time buyers are in a better position to get their feet on the property ladder, and lots of people will be looking to move or downsize. Luckily, the South London area is incredibly sought after for properties.
In fact, according to research from Rightmove, demand to buy in London was up 19% in the first two weeks of the year compared to the same period a year ago. There’s no question that people are looking to move – but pricing will be key.
Rather than positioning your house at a higher asking price, and expecting prospective buyers to negotiate downwards, houses that are more tactically priced to begin with will generate more interest and higher bids. However, that of course starts with knowing your property’s value.
Do you know the value of your property?
It’s one thing seeing the potential in your own property – it’s another having that confirmed by an industry expert. Typically, properties in London are considered hugely valuable due to the high demand, but getting a valuation of your property is the first step before you can start to consider asking prices.
At Urban Village, we offer a free valuation so you can find out exactly how much your property is worth. No obligations or strings attached. Whether you are looking to sell imminently, or just curious to know what your options are – we will book in a market appraisal completely free of charge at a time that suits you, so you can get the ball rolling.
Are you aware of your responsibilities?
Selling a house involves a lot of moving parts, and understanding what sits within your remit will save you a lot of time and hassle further down the line.
For example, before putting your house onto the market, you will need to commission a Domestic Energy Assessor (DEA) to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for your property. If you choose to partner with an estate agency, they can often arrange this for you.
It will also be up to you and your solicitor to draw up a contract of sale and issue it to your buyer – and it is only once these contracts have been exchanged that the offer becomes legally binding.
If you are unsure of your responsibilities for selling your property, or don’t know where to start to make sure you have everything in order, the right estate agency can guide you throughout the process, ensuring you are fully informed, supported and advised from start to finish.
Is your property ready for viewings?
The viewings are what sell your house. If your property fails to give your viewers the ‘wow’ factor, then you will likely lose out to the competition – and in London, there is always competition. That’s why taking some time to prepare your house for viewings is essential to ensure your property stands out. This involves:
- A deep clean – inside and out.
- De-cluttering surfaces and rooms.
- Fixing anything that is broken – this includes finishing any ongoing DIY projects.
- Depersonalising – your viewers need to be able to picture themselves in your property, so remove family photos, holiday souvenirs, or any other personal items.
- Eliminate bad odours – investing in air fresheners, candles or reed diffusers for a clean, fresh scent can make a huge difference to first impressions.
- Go neutral – a quick coating of neutral wall paint will make rooms seem bigger, brighter, and offers a ‘blank canvas’ for viewers to visualise what they could do with the space.
Do you have the right property partner?
Choosing to sell your property can be stressful, and often overwhelming. With so many factors to consider, potential obstacles, and unknown fees along the way, knowing you have the right experts by your side can make the journey a lot more seamless and stress-free.
At Urban Village, we pride ourselves on our local expertise, market knowledge, dedicated service and total transparency when it comes to fees. We can help you get your property on the market, find the right buyers, and get the best price possible.
Get in touch with our team to find out more about how we can help: info@urbanvillagehomes.com