Selling a home is not easy. Not only do you need to market it at the correct value, but you also have to make sure it is as enticing as possible – after all if a property doesn’t look appealing in the flesh then even if it is viewed as affordable, people will struggle to see past the mess or improvements needed making it hard to finalise a sale.
For flat owners, things can be even more difficult. Often buyers will take into consideration external factors such as parking, service charges, ground rent and lease length on top of what the flat look like atheistically.
But if you own a flat and want to sell flat fast, there are ways you can help to attract a buyer.
Is it Difficult to Sell in Stoke?
Between 2022 and 2023, there was a noticeable shift in how long properties took to sell in Stoke in general. Detached houses saw an increase of 53%, taking 121 days to sell in 2023 compared to 79 days in 2022. Semi-detached properties also took longer to sell, with an increase of 26%, up from 74 days in 2022 to 93 days in 2023. The time to sell terraced houses rose slightly by 5%, going from 87 to 91 days.
However, flats bucked the trend with a decrease in market time. The selling period reduced from 320 days in 2022 to 266 days in 2023, indicating a drop of 17%. However, 266 days is still a long time, the best part of a year. No wonder people often turn to cash home buyers like We Buy Any Home. We may not be able to offer you full value, but you could have your flat sold in as little as 7 days, even if you have tenants in situ.
But if you are selling on the open market, what can you do to help get a buyer?
How can I make my flat more sellable?
There are several things you can do immediately;
Declutter
The first step in making your flat marketable is to declutter. It may not seem like it, but accumulated clutter can be a significant turn-off for potential buyers or renters. This clutter can come in the form of excess furniture, personal items, and even decorations. The goal here is to create a clear, organized environment that allows visitors to envision their own lives in the space.
Start by removing any non-essential items. Personal items like photographs or particular tastes in art can be distracting. The idea is to provide a clean canvas upon which potential buyers or renters can project their style.
Storage solutions can also be a lifesaver when decluttering. Whether it’s investing in built-in storage or sleek, standalone pieces, creating designated spots for your items can make a significant difference. Not only does it make the flat look tidier, but it also showcases the potential storage spaces that the property offers.
Fix the Small Things
One of the most critical aspects of making your flat marketable is paying attention to the small things. It can be easy to overlook minor issues when you’re living in the space, but prospective buyers or renters will be looking at your flat with a critical eye.
These issues can range from a dripping tap, a squeaky door, cracked tiles, peeling paint, or even a loose handle. While they may seem inconsequential to you, these little problems can give the impression that the flat isn’t well-maintained.
Consider hiring a handyman or doing a bit of DIY to ensure all the little things in your flat are in the best condition possible. Fixing these small issues will give potential buyers or renters the confidence that they are investing in a well-maintained property.
Create an Illusion of Space
Size and space are often high on the list of requirements for those looking to buy or rent a flat. However, if your flat isn’t particularly large, there are still several tricks you can use to create the illusion of space.
First, consider the colour scheme of your flat. Light colours, especially whites and pastels, can make rooms feel larger and more open. Pairing this with strategic lighting, both natural and artificial, can enhance this effect.
Next, think about the arrangement of your furniture. It should be laid out in a way that maximizes floor space and encourages flow from one area of the flat to another. Keep furniture away from doors and pathways to avoid the feeling of cramped quarters.
Mirrors are another fantastic way to create the illusion of space. When positioned correctly, they can make your rooms seem larger and brighter by reflecting light and view.
Have a Deep Clean
Finally, a sparkling clean flat is much more marketable than a grimy one. Even if you keep your flat relatively clean, a deep clean can elevate it and impress potential buyers or renters.
A deep clean involves more than just your typical dusting and vacuuming. It includes cleaning the grout between tiles, washing the windows, scrubbing the oven and hob, and even cleaning light fixtures and fittings.
Consider hiring a professional cleaning company for this task, as they have the necessary equipment and expertise to ensure that every nook and cranny is spotless. The effect of a thoroughly clean flat cannot be overstated. It feels fresher, and more inviting, and can even make the property seem newer and more well-maintained.
Selling a flat in Stoke might take a bit of time and effort, but it is certainly not impossible. Implementing the tips mentioned above can help make your flat more appealing and marketable, thus reducing the time it spends on the market and increasing the chances of securing a satisfactory sale.
However, if you’re facing challenges such as a flat with problem tenants or cladding issues, or if you simply want to bypass the often lengthy and unpredictable traditional selling process, companies like We Buy Any Home can offer an efficient and reliable solution. As reputable cash house buyers, we can provide a quick, straightforward sale, often completed in as little as seven days, regardless of the condition or situation of your flat. Get a free cash offer now.
