Viewers saying flat is too small

[AlabamaArkansas]

Has anyone else selling received feedback that their property is too small?

Our flat went on the market the day before lockdown so obviously no viewings. Since estate agents were allowed back to work we've had loads of viewings but consistent feedback that the flat is too small. Slightly confused as to why anyone would bother coming to look at it really as you can clearly see the size of it in the floorplan.

To be honest we didn't think there was much point keeping it on the market as we thought it'd never sell in the current climate, but as we had so much interest thought we might as well keep it on the market. But not much I can do about the size of it, is there! We've already decluttered as much as humanly possible and put stuff in storage.

what have you done to it since buying for 345? or have you increased just because you think/thought market had gone up that much?

We aren't desperate to sell no but would like a bit more space now our son is bigger. We may consider renting it out, or may just take it off and wait a year as it is a huge pain having to keep going out to allow viewings, especially when we are both working from home and home schooling.

agonyauntie2020

New kitchen, shutters put in, new carpets, general decoration.

Compare it to other 2 bed flats. Are they bigger or smaller for the same price? If theirs are bigger and the same price, then lower your price. If they are bigger for a higher price, then leave as is. Someone will come along in that price range and go for it. . If theirs if bigger for same price, then lower your price.

Or it could be something completely different other than size and people aren't being honest. If you post link we can be honest!

New boiler too

Even if you think it is already neat, I would suggest going through it and doing a huge declutter - make sure there are no blockages to the pathways of walking through - remove end tables or coffee tables, clear horizontal surfaces of items. prior to a view ensure all curtains are open curtains, turn on all lights. On your sofa/chairs, clear off all but one or two cushions, etc - in other words, the more floor space that is visible, the lighter it is, the more blank surfaces, the larger it will appear.

If they think it’s too small then they’re going to say it’s too small. Do you want them to lie?

Obviously they don’t think you can make it bigger, but they’re telling you why they’re not buying as opposed to just wandering off with no reason and you not having a clue why.

Two of the other EAs told me to put it on for 400k and the other for 425k! Crackers.

heartsonacake

No of course not, but it would be nice if people looked at the measurements before they came and realised through comparison to other places that it was going to be too small!

I think a lot of the 'it's too small' brigade are just billy bullshitters. They don't like it, but can't think of a reason why, so they say the first thing that comes to mind. I had this when I was selling my house to buy with DH. It was a town centre house and someone's feedback was that it was too far away from the town centre. You can't win against stupid! I'd rather hear 'I don't like it'.

I had these comments when I was selling a one-bed house! Not quite sure what people were expecting...... It had a decent sized kitchen and therefore a slightly smaller living room so that might be why. It sold eventually to someone who loved it as much as I did.

Are the estate agents managing potential buyers expectations? When I was looking to buy I frequently booked a viewing of a specific property only to be told by the estate agent once I had arrived, 'oh, that property's now gone / off the market / no longer available for viewing etc., so I'm taking you to see a similar property" which, if course, was not similar at all.

It's true that some people have trouble visualising dimensions, but an effective estate agent could go some way towards helping managing expectations on both sides. I'd give your agent a call and explain what you'd like them to do, following it up with an email.

No of course not, but it would be nice if people looked at the measurements before they came and realised through comparison to other places that it was going to be too small!

And as you have heard several times on this thread, including from an estate agent, it’s hard for people to judge how big a space actually is.

£375k for a "small flat"? Up here in the Shires, the mind boggles at London lifestyles.

I think I am going to give her a call and tell her that people know it isn't a large flat before they view. In normal times i wouldn't care but while we are all at home in the day it is a huge hassle continually having to pack stuff away and leave.

I'm sure it doesn't help that DH is currently using DS's room as an office either, but I can't do anything about that!

Marsalimay

Normal if not on the cheap side for London. The flat we used to rent in Islington, which was the exact same size as this one, sold earlier this year for 850k!

You can't do anything about the size of the flat so I would agree with PP about decluttering, getting rid of furniture, going for a more minimalist look so the space feels bigger than it actually is.

And as you have heard several times on this thread, including from an estate agent, it’s hard for people to judge how big a space actually is.

I get that but surely if you've been to view somewhere that was 700sq ft and it was too small, then it stands to reason that a 600sq ft place is also going to be too small.

What is the size OP?

It is 650sq feet.

Someone wanting a small flat will come along sooner or later and be delighted with it. Don't worry, it will happen. Most people start off in a small place; our first house - not a flat - was hardly bigger than a dog kennel but we managed to sell and made a profit. My son currently lives in a dog kennel type place :-).

I agree with you that people are silly if they don't read the room dimensions before viewing but places do look different to how you imagine when you actually see them.

Good luck.

Perhaps they are viewing 600 thinking they are too small and trying 650 but feeling the same way...

Good luck OP. Hopefully the agent will do a more thorough screening if you have some ideas.

give it a week or 2 to allow for opening of market before doing anything dramatic - but I would suggest if you do drop the figure (375 go to 369,990 say?) so it comes just under 370 to catch people looking up to 370. People often say its to small because they come from outside London, or because they cant think of any reason why they might not want it(cant afford it) also the agent might be softening you up for a decrease ie lying

What outside space do you have? A balcony you can maximise?

I think your dh working from home has highlighted an issue too. Lots of people will now wonder whether they need dedicated office space.

I had this with a previous property. The estate agent recommended clearing out some of the furniture and other clutter to create a more spacious feel. Worked a treat: offer within a fortnight.

This included getting in a cheap, smaller kitchen table because the one I had just dominated the kitchen space. I didn't notice it because it was my normal but viewers apparently do and get a subconscious 'stuff doesn't fit well in here in/I can't move around easily' feel.

I hired a storage unit quite cheaply to put my stuff in.