Five reasons why you might be having problems selling your property:

If your property has been on the market for a  long time, it can be very frustrating especially if you don’t know why it isn't selling. Here are five potential problems that could be affecting the sale.  

• You have contracted the wrong real-estate agent.

 Not all agencies are the same and it is important to choose the right one to sell your home. The best real estate agents will be able to give you an idea of their marketing strategy before selling your property quickly, and at the asking price. Make sure that the agency has prior experience selling a property like yours.  

• Your property is a mess!

 This might seem very blunt but unfortunately you will have problems getting a good price for your property if it isn’t presentable. Make sure it is as decluttered as possible. All lamps, lighting and other accessories should be working correctly. Make sure any damages are repaired. However, do not start any major renovation works, for example changing the kitchen or bathrooms, you are unlikely to get any return on this investment. Finally, make sure that the garden is well maintained.  

• Your asking price is too high:

 Everyone thinks that their property is worth more than others in the same street or in the same building, but when it comes to selling it is important to be realistic. Don’t forget that you will get offers for less than the asking price, a sales price is on average 5 to 10 % less than the market rate. Keep this in mind. Having said that, if you put your asking price 20% higher than the market rate you are unlikely to get any offers. Don’t be tempted to ask for more than the market rate, potential buyers are wary of properties that have been on the market for a long time where the price suddenly drops. The perception is either that there is a problem with the property or that the price will drop again, so they will either wait or offer an even lower price. Make sure you  list the correct price up front.  

• Your listing isn’t well presented or your photos are low quality:

 Generally potential buyers will see your property online first, their first impressions will be from the photos taken by the agent. Consequently, it is important that your photos are of the best quality. A good real estate agent will take beautiful pictures themselves or will employ a professional photographer to take the photos if they do not have the skills. The photos should be staged, well-lit, welcoming and attractive. Make sure you have approved the photos prior to them being put online and do not hesitate to ask for reshoots if you do not feel they are of high quality. It is equally important, for added value, to add a virtual visit to the listing. 360 photos and videos are immersive and will make a big difference to potential buyers.  

• The market is not right:

 Like all markets, the real estate market is subject to outside influence, there are a plethora of factors that contribute to its buoyancy. While the country's economy isn’t doing so well, the property market is one of the first to feel the pinch. In times of austerity the ability to borrow money is affected, so the mortgage market shrinks and buying property becomes more difficult. The natural result of this is that goods take longer to sell, prices decrease, or in the worst cases, they do not sell. Issues that create uncertainty in the market are one of the main factors that will have a negative effect on a property sale. Brexit, is an excellent example, with continued uncertainty and lack of direction as the market recovers.  We hope this will help you to see how your property could best be marketed.