One of the more interesting “side effects” of life under lockdown is the impact that it has had on consumer preference. Research shows that there has been a huge rise in the number of buyers who now require their next home to have a garden.
In fact, searches on Google for “house with garden” are up 260% compared to this time last year.
As more space indoors as well as outdoors seems to be at the forefront of buyers’ minds, it is hardly surprising that enquiries for flats have dropped out of the top five property types and those who have them now wish to sell-up.
According to recent analysis, it takes 50 days, on average, for a flat or house to sell. But, if the demand for flats continues to decrease, the timeframe will be much longer. Therefore to help those looking to sell their flat quick, regulated property buyers, Good Move unveils tips on how to present your apartment to potential buyers.
Deep clean
Before you open your flat for viewings, give it a deep clean. This means getting rid of any limescale and mould, waxing your wooden floors, and scrubbing your oven until it shines. If your carpets and curtains are looking a little worse for wear, then it’s worth bringing in a professional to clean them.
The slight cost you will incur will more than outweigh the probability of your flat selling faster. Make sure you also clean your flat regularly in between views, and consider hanging clean towels in your bathroom, and buying fresh flowers to brighten the place up and make it look more appealing.
Fix the little things
The longer you live in a place, the more wear-and-tear will occur. While you may not notice these things, prospective buyers will. So, whether you have a cracked bathroom tile or scuff marks on the wall, make sure you get them fixed.
Have a clear-out
Take the time to have a clear out. Removing clutter will not only make your flat look bigger, but it’ll also save you hassle in the long run, as you won’t have to haul excess belongings to your new place.
Avoid too much personalisation
The last thing you want is your flat to look sterile and unlived in, but if your flat is too personalised (think walls full of family photos or children’s’ toys lying around), then it can make it more difficult for prospective buyers to imagine themselves moving in. If you have the time, then consider repainting your walls in neutral colours, to help prospective buyers get creative with the opportunities your flat holds.
Banish any pet odours or stains
With 44% of UK households pet owners 5, it’s fair to say we’re a nation of animal lovers. However, pet-related stains and odours can be very off-putting for viewers, especially if you’re living in a smaller space, like a flat. Bad odours are one of the biggest turn-offs for would-be buyers; so, make sure your plumbing is working, and take the bins out before a viewing. You might also want to light some candles or open the windows to let some fresh air in.
Nima Ghasri, Director at Good Move said, “It’s no secret that flats can’t offer the inside and outdoor space most houses can. However, although consumer demand for flats across the UK is decreasing, there are still many ways sellers can make their apartment look more appealing to potential buyers as we have outlined.
“The process you take to sell your flat can also help speed up timings. For example, if you opt to go with an estate agent, this can take between three to six months. An auction can take between six to ten weeks, and cash house buyers can sell your flat in as little as seven days. So, it’s definitely worth weighing up your selling options in the first instance.”
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