Speeding Up Your Sale
At Cash House Buyer Guru, our mission is to guide you through the home-selling sector, ensuring that you make informed decisions and steer clear of untrustworthy companies. We understand the importance of choosing reputable companies to work with when trying to sell a property that doesn’t appear to be ticking potential buyers’ boxes. Our goal is to empower you to do this by offering resources and advice that help you to navigate the industry successfully while avoiding unnecessary stress and costly mistakes.
Read on for more detail on some of the primary reasons that a property might struggle to sell and practical strategies on how to remedy the situation.
What Counts As An Unsellable House?
An unsellable house typically refers to a property that has been on the market for an extended period without attracting any viable offers or interest from potential buyers. This label isn’t always indicative of the actual condition or value of the home but rather reflects the market’s current perception of it.
Several factors can contribute to a house being deemed “unsellable,” including:
Structural Problems: Houses with major physical issues such as subsidence, widespread dampness, or a sagging roof may send potential buyers running. These defects often carry substantial repair costs, making buyers wary.
Problematic Locality: Some houses fail to sell due to their surroundings. An unfavourable neighbourhood, proximity to unpleasant facilities, or constant noise pollution can deter potential buyers. While some issues may be managed through soundproofing or landscaping, others may present more substantial challenges.
Challenging Tenants: If you’re trying to sell a rented property, unruly tenants can be a significant deterrent. A tenant who refuses to maintain cleanliness, causes property damage or is generally non-compliant, could hinder potential buyers. Knowing the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants is crucial in such situations.
Invasive Plant Life: Believe it or not, your garden’s plant life could be a cause for concern. Invasive species, like Japanese knotweed, buddleia, or ivy, can damage the property and require costly removal. Even a tree positioned too close to the property could be seen as a potential risk.
Title Disputes: Complications with the land registry and title disputes can also make a property hard to sell. Buyers tend to be cautious about properties entangled in legal disputes. Resolving these issues before placing the property on the market is often wise.
Overpricing: A common mistake is setting the asking price too high. An inflated price tag can dissuade potential buyers, leaving your property lingering on the market. Reputable estate agents and valuation professionals can provide a more accurate valuation, helping to set a competitive and realistic price.
It’s important to note that even homes that are currently considered unsellable can often be sold with the right strategies, whether that involves addressing the underlying issues, adjusting the price, marketing it more effectively, or considering alternative sale options.
Transforming the Unsellable into the Sellable
By taking a proactive approach you can overcome some of the obstacles that render your house unsellable.
Structural Problems: Houses with significant physical issues such as subsidence, dampness, or a sagging roof can be a red flag for buyers. While repair costs may be substantial, addressing these issues head-on will significantly increase the chances of a sale. Consider seeking advice from a structural engineer or professional surveyor to guide you on the necessary repairs or provide quotes that show potential buyers what is really needed.
Problematic Locality: If your house is in an unfavourable neighbourhood or close to unpleasant facilities, consider solutions such as soundproofing your home or adding strategic landscaping to shield views. While you can’t change the location, you can take steps to minimise the impact of external and interior nuisances.
Challenging Tenants: For rental properties, difficult tenants can hinder a sale. As a landlord, understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial. Legal advice can help you navigate this tricky situation, whether that means addressing the issues with the tenant directly or considering eviction if necessary.
Invasive Plant Life: Overgrown gardens or invasive plant species like Japanese Knotweed can be a deterrent. Hiring a professional gardener to remove problematic plants and improve the overall aesthetic of your garden can significantly enhance your property’s appeal.
Title Disputes: If your property is entangled in land registry complications or title disputes, addressing these legal issues is essential before putting your home on the market. A real estate attorney can help you navigate these complexities and ensure that your title is clean and clear for sale.
Overpricing: If your property is priced too high, it may linger on the market. Consult with reputable estate agents and valuation professionals to determine a competitive and realistic asking price. This will not only attract more potential buyers but also help you avoid the pitfall of an ‘unsellable’ house.
While each property comes with its unique set of challenges, being proactive and addressing these issues can greatly improve the marketability of your home. However, as these solutions require time and financial resources to deliver, there is an alternative to consider if you want the quickest sale possible by using the services of a reputable cash buyer.