Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Please give your opinions on why we have not had any viewings on our flat? Listing included

459 replies

househelp2025 · 02/06/2025 16:42

Hi there,

We are trying to sell our flat and have not had a single viewing. I know that this is typically either due to the price a property is listed at or something to do with the way it has been marketed.

I would be enormously grateful for any feedback on the listing and what (if anything) might deter you from booking a viewing?

It is a long lease - just shy of 999 years, and has a designated parking space in a private secure car park under the flat.

Is it the photos? Is the price too high? Something else?

Thanks in advance!

Flat listing

Check out this 2 bedroom apartment for sale on Rightmove

2 bedroom apartment for sale in Cunard Square, Chelmsford, CM1 for £325,000. Marketed by Beresfords, Chelmsford

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/162227357#/?channel=RES_BUY

OP posts:
Thread gallery
12
Cornishclio · 02/06/2025 17:20

There are two others under offer in same development at £300k and £325k so I don’t think the price is too far out. It is a shame the development did not capitalise on outside space by putting some green space for outlook from balcony. I would put some plants out there on the balcony. Also the other flats under offer show underground parking so in a city centre that is a big plus so show a photo.

Original poster
househelp2025 · 02/06/2025 17:20

Youcancallmeirrelevant · 02/06/2025 17:19

I can't see this anywhere in the description?

Show quote history

You have to click on the 'leashold' tab - it is there

OP posts:
Original poster
househelp2025 · 02/06/2025 17:19

Octavia64 · 02/06/2025 17:14

If that area is not a car park you need to get your third photo removed or retaken because you can clearly see parked cars from the balcony and do the obvious assumption is it’s the car park.

Thank you - this will definitely be our first port of call with the changes we make to the listing.

OP posts:
Youcancallmeirrelevant · 02/06/2025 17:19

househelp2025 · 02/06/2025 16:53

The service charge is noted in the listing, but perhaps not easy enough to find. It is £2371 per annum

I can't see this anywhere in the description?

WaffleParty · 02/06/2025 17:17

It’s lovely but the service charge is really high.
The thing that would really put me off though is how overlooked it is.

NewPeaches · 02/06/2025 17:16

I'm instantly put off by the kitchen not being separate to the living room.

And the balcony overlooking the car park.

BIossomtoes · 02/06/2025 17:16

It’s horribly overlooked and the view from the balcony is unappealing. The service charge and ground rent add more than £200 to the monthly costs and I’d be paying for amenities I wouldn’t use. I don’t think I’m your target demographic but then I don’t think the people who would find it appealing have that kind of money. Sorry.

Hercisback1 · 02/06/2025 17:16

The photos aren't very good and 200 a month service charge is very off putting.

CarpetKnees · 02/06/2025 17:15

I don't know the market in that area so can't comment on the price but I couldn't see the service charge and would have scrolled past on the mention of a concierge and a gym as I would assume that is going to be costly.
(I know you have now shared it, but I would have scrolled past if I were looking).

I do agree with others about things you can't change, but wouldn't entice me to view the flat - no windows in either bathroom, or, importantly for me, the kitchen. Not able to shut of the kitchen from the living space.
But I think you have presented what you have, very well. I can't suggest any improvements for things you might be able to change.

Ultimately, no viewings is going to be price. I am another person that really dislikes 'offer over' - although if a property were really appealing I'd view, and then ignore that bit.

Blondeshavemorefun · 02/06/2025 17:15

And I don’t like offers over

state the price you want

plus like a window in a bathroom

Octavia64 · 02/06/2025 17:14

If that area is not a car park you need to get your third photo removed or retaken because you can clearly see parked cars from the balcony and do the obvious assumption is it’s the car park.

PeloMom · 02/06/2025 17:14

I think it’s pricey- I don’t know the area but my flat in zone 2 London is similar size, much higher floor with nice views of London landmarks, amenities, and I wouldn’t be able to sell it for a lot more than you’re asking (it also has 900+ yrs left on lease and excellent transport connections). I also have a parking space, huge wraparound balcony etc.

ViciousCurrentBun · 02/06/2025 17:14

It’s very clinical looking and the area though clean, seems like your living in an office complex.

Blondeshavemorefun · 02/06/2025 17:13

For me the service charge £200 extra a month

Holdonforsummer · 02/06/2025 17:13

£200 service charge is a lot on top of a mortgage, but two sharers/commuters might think it is worth it for the gym.

VickiFromAmsterdam · 02/06/2025 17:12

I can only echo what’s already been said. However, I’ve lived in a flat without a window & it was the warmest bathroom I ever had, so that’s a plus from me. I look at many properties & some are right tips, you keep your home nice OP 👍

Original poster
househelp2025 · 02/06/2025 17:11

Cornishclio · 02/06/2025 17:10

The annual service charge is almost £200 a month so that will put some off. It is a nice flat but the balcony overlooking the car park and other flats is not great.

I am quite worried about this! It is not a car park (or at least it is not supposed to be - you get ticketed if you park there), but yes some people are taking their chances and leaving their cars there.

OP posts:
Cyclebabble · 02/06/2025 17:11

I am not sure the photos are encouraging people in. They make the rooms look small and I am not sure what the building visible from the balcony is, but my first impression is that the neighbour is an industrial estate. Also looks quite tight on entertaining space. I also cannot see what the service charge is. If I were buying a flat I would prefer to choose my own gym. Maintaining that estate looks expensive?

Original poster
househelp2025 · 02/06/2025 17:11

IberianBird · 02/06/2025 17:08

Firstly, price! Sounds expensive and the service charge...ouch! Plus it's offers exceeding, that often puts people off.
Secondly, there doesn't looked like there's a lot of storage.
Thirdly, the floor plan has a laundry room but no pictures. I would include a couple of those.

The service charge is in line with other similar properties in the area - some are more! But I do agree with you that it is an unfortunate cost to have to bear if buying / owning somewhere like this. You do get a concierge and gym included though.

The ground rent is capped at £250 per annum.

OP posts:
Cornishclio · 02/06/2025 17:10

The annual service charge is almost £200 a month so that will put some off. It is a nice flat but the balcony overlooking the car park and other flats is not great.

Perhapsanothertime · 02/06/2025 17:10

“Offers in exce….” SKIP!

just put your asking price on, don’t make people guess!

HRTQueen · 02/06/2025 17:10

Seems costly for Chelmsford

and the costs of the service charge is high. flats in London are not selling because of added costs of high service charges that can increase yearly

MyLimeGuide · 02/06/2025 17:10

The price. Is Chelmsford central London prices then?

Cardinalita90 · 02/06/2025 17:10

Could you get the photos retaken on a sunnier day? Or take your own? It's doing you no favours.

Otherwise agree unfortunately 300k is very expensive for a view over a car park.

IberianBird · 02/06/2025 17:08

Firstly, price! Sounds expensive and the service charge...ouch! Plus it's offers exceeding, that often puts people off.
Secondly, there doesn't looked like there's a lot of storage.
Thirdly, the floor plan has a laundry room but no pictures. I would include a couple of those.

Swipe left for the next trending thread