Estate agent Wooster & Stock has said that people looking to sell their house need to make more of an effort to do so, in the face of a worsening market.
House sales have plummeted almost 40 per cent since the peak of the boom five years ago, while UK property prices dropped 0.6 per cent in July this year.
However, Wooster & Stock said that there are small steps vendors can take to increase the chance of a “quick, smooth and profitable” sale.
Head of sales Becky Munday said: “Go out. Vendors shouldn’t stay at home to meet viewers, as potential buyers will feel more comfortable and relaxed if they feel free to walk around and imagine living there themselves, without picturing the existing owner there too.
“If you can, leave your house in show home condition, hand over your keys for a fortnight and ask your agent to text or email you with details of viewings and offers and with any luck, you’ll come back to a sale.”
Munday also said that sellers should be flexible on viewing times, while the addition of fresh flowers, plants, towels and bed sheets can also help.
She added: “Paint the front door. First impressions are important and ensuring the entrance to your property is freshly painted and clean will ensure viewers will enter with a positive frame of mind.
“Do more than tidy up. Deal with any damp, roofing or plumbing issues that may come up at survey, before going on the market. But, deep-clean your home, or hire a cleaning company to do a thorough clean. Nothing is more inviting to a potential buyer than an exquisitely clean property.”
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