12 Tips For Selling A London House – Practical Strategies You Can Start Today

We know how you feel. We’ve been there too!

Selling your London house can be a stressful and prolonged process. But, as if that’s not enough, there’s also a long list of things to note to improve your property’s appeal.

But don’t worry, you are in luck!

This guide includes everything you’ll need for a quick house sale.

And based on industry experience, these actionable tips can help you sell in record time and get a good offer too!

Curious to learn more? Then, keep reading!

1. Find the Right Estate Agent

Unless you choose an auction house or a professional house buyer, an estate agent is your best option.

But finding a great one can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when you need a quick sale.

Fortunately, the internet provides fantastic solutions like a “Find an Agent” service.

Some tips to boost your odds for success include:

  • First, choose a suitable estate agent.
  • Verify the estate agent’s knowledge.
  • Check for reviews and feedback.
  • Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true.
  • Finally, consider your property’s advertising channels.

Note: We recommend you use one estate agent for your house. You would appear less desperate and could reduce cost in agent fees.

2. Understand Your Local Market

Research your local market and get a grip on local estate trends. That ensures you make informed decisions on how to sell your London house.

How can you do this?
It’s easy!

Keep your ears to the ground, scan local property pages regularly and check online too.

Also, interact with the local folks, especially those that have bought or sold recently.

Local market information can help you:

  • Understand sold house prices.
  • Know your competition
  • Know your target buyer
  • Understand seasonal selling, etc.

3. Get Your Ducks in a Row

Work with an excellent solicitor to ensure everything is in place for the sale and get all your paperwork and seller pack sorted.

These include the title deeds, the original mortgage contract, energy performance certificates, gas, and electrical servicing documentation, building regulation certificates, etc.

Also, your solicitor should handle legal issues such as third-party consents, restrictive covenants, and negative easements.

Note: If your property price is right, offers might fly in thick and fast.

And, if you have a great conveyancing solicitor and a proactive buyer, your house will sell within your timeline.

4. Prepare Your Property for Sale

That may sound too obvious but needs to be emphasised.

Always ensure that your property is appealing!

An appealing house establishes a strong sentiment that remains in the buyer’s mind, especially when comparing other homes with yours.

It could also help you secure a buyer and sell within your timeframe.

So, some cost-effective tips to consider before you start showing people around include:

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  • Seek a professional opinion from your estate agent.
  • Organise an independent RICS property survey
  • Deal with any repair regardless of its magnitude.
  • Don’t disguise problems
  • Seek opinions from friends and family, etc.

5. Create the Perfect Environment

Some agents believe that 43% of buyers decide within 10 seconds of seeing a property.

So, trigger a positive subconscious feeling as potential buyers approach your property.

Some factors to consider are:

  • Creating Kerb Appeal
  • Dealing with ‘Problem’ Neighbouring Properties
  • Car Parking
  • External lighting
  • Highlight any potential for conversion and extension.

6. Your Property should be Spick and Span

That may be a familiar tale but deep clean your property before placing it on the market. You’ll be glad you did!

So, focus on making your property appear as simple, tidy and organised as possible. And eliminate any distractions that might deter potential buyers.

You can start with these tips:

  • Declutter your house.
  • Get rid of marks and odours.
  • Clean upholstery and hard-to-reach areas
  • Consider floor waxing.
  • Clear out the basement and garage.
  • Be mindful of people’s allergies.

7. The ‘Little Touches’

The tiniest and seemingly insignificant details can turn the market in your favour. So, make sure to leave an excellent first impression during the viewing process!

Pay attention to the details below to improve curb appeal:

  • Ensure the house is warm
  • Windows and doors should be in excellent condition.
  • Pay attention to your garden and create space around the property.
  • Eliminate dampness.
  • Keep up with trending interior design ideas, etc.

8. Presenting Your Kitchen

A kitchen is a crucial section of any home. As a result, most potential buyers often take a closer look.

We want our kitchen to be a fully functional environment where folks can gather, cook a meal and relax.

However, a kitchen can get tatty after a while. But some simple tips can help you make an impression.

Have any ideas? Well, here are ours:

  • A bright and well-lit kitchen works wonders.
  • Clean and tidy surfaces.
  • Ensure kitchen cabinets and drawers are well-aligned.
  • Create adequate space for appliances.

9. Presenting Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are often safe spaces where we can get some alone time. As a result, we want them clean and functional.

And so do your potential buyers.

But, they are often prone to microbial accumulation and constant wear and tear. So, ensure you complete all necessary repairs and deep clean before showing people around.

You can do the following:

  • Ensure there is no condensation.
  • Inspect showers and taps’ conditions.
  • Replace damaged tiles/grouting.
  • Install quality bathroom flooring.

10. Marketing Your House in the Best Way

So you’ve gotten your act together, gone the extra mile and stepped up the game! And now,  your home looks great.

It’s time to get buyers through the door.

We’ve outlined some essential tips below to help you ensure you’re maximising your home’s exposure on the open market. And ultimately attract the best offers.

  • Get photos and floorplans.
  • Double-check property description.
  • Add comment to the listing.
  • Monitor the local estate market.
  • Understand your estate agent’s perspective
  • Market aggressively.
  • Filter out the time-wasters, etc.

11. Still Can’t Sell Your House?

Followed the tips above, and still no result?

Don’t panic!

There’s often an easy solution. You can explore some of these actions below:

  • Speak with your estate agency for ideas for improvement.
  • Swap your estate agent.
  • Join online forums.
  • Adjust your asking price.
  • Sell your house at auction.
  • Ask your estate agent about home cash buyers.
  • Approach a Quick Homebuying Company.

12. Using a Quick Homebuying Firm

Working with a quick home buyer firm may be a great option if you want speed and certainty.

The added benefits include completing the sale within the shortest possible time, the buyer will pay cash, and there are usually no extra fees.

Plus they can arrange for creative but legal solutions in case your property has challenges that restrict it selling via the traditional estate agent route.

About Richard Mews

Richard has 31+ years of property experience, has been Chairman of several regeneration committees and has helped more than 600 homeowners and landlords get easy, stress-free personal solutions for selling their property. Richard’s goal is to give you unbiased help to receive a quick house sale, even if that means not working with him.

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