How to navigate selling your property in an evolving market

The housing market is constantly fluctuating and evolving. As a property owner, it's crucial to understand the current market conditions and trends in your area when deciding to sell your home or investment property. Successfully selling your property in an ever-changing market requires thorough preparation and adapting your approach to match shifts in buyer demand. 

Being a savvy seller who can navigate the home selling process in any market — whether it's a hot sellers' market, a seasonal decision or a slower buyers' market — will maximise your chances for a quick and profitable sale. This guide provides key tips so you can best position your property to sell quickly and for top dollar even as market conditions continue to evolve.

Research the Market

The first and most important step is to understand the current market conditions. Start by reviewing recent sale prices for comparable properties in your neighbourhood. Checking listings to help you gauge current home values in your area. Also take some time to analyse the inventory of properties currently for sale. A high volume of listings signals a buyers' market while a low inventory indicates a sellers' market.

It is understandable that you will want to get the best possible price for your home in order to plan ahead and fund your future lifestyle without any worries. In addition to researching the expected value of your home, you might also want to learn more about the broader economic factors that are impacting the UK housing market. 

These include current interest rates, employment trends, population growth or a decline in your region. Looking at data on the average number of days properties are staying on the market in your area can provide insight into buyer demand. Faster sales tend to indicate a hotter market with higher demand.

Prepare Your Property for Sale

First, make any necessary repairs and improvements to maximise your home's appeal to buyers. Focus on kerb appeal by ensuring the exterior, garden and landscaping look neat and tidy. Inside, create attractive staging by decluttering each room and removing excess furniture so they look spacious, organised and move-in ready. It’s worth repainting walls in neutral colours and storing away personal items and clutter to make the home appear more spacious. 

Sellers should also have their home professionally valued by an estate agent to get an accurate estimate of the current market value. This will help guide the asking price and ensure you’re not pricing yourself too high or low. 

Deep clean the entire property including carpets and windows, and make sure that all fixtures, appliances and utilities are in good working order, especially if you’re leaving them as part of the sale. If needed, replace any broken or outdated items before you go on the market. The better condition your home is in, the quicker you’ll be able to sell. 

Check your home complies with all safety regulations including up-to-date electrical safety certificates and gas safety records, and consider making energy efficiency improvements like insulation and double glazing to maximise appeal. These are features buyers are keen to have in their home today and getting ahead of their own renovations will make your home more appealing. 

Price Your Property Competitively

Pricing your property correctly is crucial for a successful sale. Set your asking price based on the current market value, which you can determine from recent comparable sales in your area, and make sure your price reflects the location, size, condition, upgrades and other features that impact value. 

In a buyers' market with high inventory, you'll need to price at the lower end of your property's value range in order to stand out and sell quicker. In an economic crisis when the market is dipping and homes are threatened with repossession, you might need to consider lowering your expectations. In a sellers' market with high demand and low inventory, you may be able to price at the higher end and still attract buyers.

Factor in that buyers will negotiate and make offers below your asking price, and leave enough wiggle room to counteroffer so you end up at a fair market value price. It’s important to work with your estate agent to land on an optimal asking price. They can provide advice and guide you based on experience pricing homes in your local market. Being flexible on price and starting competitively will help ensure a faster sale.

Adapt Your Strategy to Evolving Market Trends

The UK property market is always shifting, with new trends emerging, so be prepared to adapt your selling strategy accordingly for the best outcome. Monitor the market closely in the weeks after you first list your home. If it doesn’t generate much interest in the first 2-3 weeks, consider lowering your asking price or relook at your marketing approach. You may even want to take it off the market and wait a few months before trying again, depending on your circumstances. 

If buyers viewing your property seem hesitant or make low offers, think about making improvements like renovating the kitchen or bathrooms to enhance appeal, or offer to cover solicitor fees or stamp duty for the buyer to encourage a sale. 

In a slow market, you need to be willing to negotiate more on price, terms and inclusions. For example, you may need to be flexible on completion dates, or consider allowing first-time buyers to purchase with just a 5% deposit through programmes like Help to Buy.

In a hotter market, property owners can expect bidding wars with offers coming in considerably higher than the asking price. As a seller, you’ll have more leverage to find the best buyer and terms, but bear in mind that things will move much faster and you’ll need to factor this into your own plans. 

Staying abreast of economic factors influencing buyer demand, inventory levels and home values in your area will enable you to make data-driven decisions on pricing and marketing. Investing time upfront to declutter, stage and enhance your home’s appeal will also attract more buyer interest. With preparation and adaptability as a seller, you can tailor your sales strategy to match any market for the optimal outcome.

We are here to guide and advise you, every step of the way - simply get in touch on 01364 652652 or email me directly katie@sawdyeandharris.co.uk for professional property advice.