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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to wonder why nobody wants to buy our flat?

300 replies

pimsandlemonade · 30/04/2015 11:26

or to even see it?
We are trying to sell our 2 bed flat in London zone 2.
We have already found a lovely house we like (out of London) and our offer is not officially accepted until we get an offer on ours.

When we listed the flat the estate agents made it seem like it will be superfast considering a fairly central location, very good condition of the flat, lovely views etc.
Before the listing was up on Rightmove we had 2 viewings booked - 1 was a rental investor, made a very low offer which we won't accept. The other one cancelled the viewing and now, nearly 2 weeks later we have not had anyone to even see it!
I just don't get it!
We have already dropped the price a bit as we thought maybe the initial asking price was too much (again, the initial price was recommended by the estate agent, I suppose to get up to choose them), but still nothing.
The estate agents are saying that because of the election everything has slowed down and they expect it will get better next week...
I'm struggling to believe anything they say at this point.

Any advice, comments?

OP posts:
IncognitoBurrito · 01/05/2015 09:47

We are having similar with our west London flat. Hoping it is the election and like Blinkin said it will pick up towards the end of May.

Also - love your copper pans!

Patapouf · 01/05/2015 10:23

Get rid of one of those sofas, it makes the room look absolutely tiny. I am Shock at the price, but that's not your fault- it's London! My 2 bed, 20 miles from Canary wharf is 1/4 of the price!

OrangeVase · 01/05/2015 10:32

Agree show bathroom.
Also show balcony - huge plus factor.
Show bedroom with balcony doors open indicating space and light.
Sofas too big - but maybe difficult to remove at this stage.

I have a friend in a similar block in the area - they are nice flats

I have friends in London estate agent who have said NOTHING is moving. The scary things re Buy To Let, (3 yr fixed tenancy, rent cap etc) plus possibility of hoovering up cheap ex Council houses mean all Landlord investors are waiting to see what happens in election.

Love your copper saucepans by the way - Envy

MrsGoslingWannabe · 01/05/2015 10:55

Link again please as I want a nose!

Original poster
pimsandlemonade · 01/05/2015 15:14

I have just read the new comments.
Thanks again, i wasn't expecting that many responses!

Just to clarify couple of things that have been asked - the balcony door is from the master bedroom, but it is located as shown on the floorplan- outside the smaller bedroom.
The main view is from the open plan living/dining/kitchen (i took a snap with my phone)
I can't believe that the photos are so crap, that it's not even clear where the view is!!!

The good news is we have another viewing on Monday and we have ordered a smaller new bed (which will unfortunately take 10 days to arrive) and i'm just in the process of removing the shoe boxes and then DH will remove shelves and fill the holes.
So once the new bed is in i should be ready to take new photos!

I will say that usually nearly everyone that comes to the flat says how nice it is - these photos seems to have excluded everything that is nice or homey about it! I can't believe that i didn't see that myself!

to wonder why nobody wants to buy our flat?
OP posts:
Original poster
pimsandlemonade · 01/05/2015 15:17

I just thought i'd ask - for the photo of the dining area would it be worth it to set up a table or is that a bit too staged and show-homey?

OP posts:
Original poster
pimsandlemonade · 01/05/2015 15:20

MrsGoslingWannabe i haven't actually removed the link yet

IncognitoBurrito and OrangeVase thanks:) Copper pans are DH's "thing", that's why they are hanging out - not so much for lack of space.

Patapouf Yes, one of the sofas is going as well.

OP posts:
Stinkersmum · 01/05/2015 15:47

pimsandlemonade yes, set up a dining area. If you're expecting someone to fork out the best part of half a million pounds the least you can do is show them what their money is buying!

Artandco · 01/05/2015 16:13

Yes set up dining table. They want to see at a glance that they can seat x amount of people easily ( round able from ikea with 6 seats added) use 4 usually but 6 fit and make it look like they can fit family and friends over

whois · 01/05/2015 16:23

Oh yes, defo stage the dining table. It just puts the idea into the viewers subconscious that 'oh yes, there is room and oh look I could be having lovely dinner parties with my friends or family in my lovely new sophisticated flat'

SelfconfessedSpoonyFucker · 01/05/2015 16:35

Pims that view should definitely be in the listing in a way that shows it is from the main room!

I just re-read your comments
I also hate how the sofas look. It's the least nice corner and they managed to put TWO photos of these in as if to emphasize the bloody brown leather sofas that I can't wait to get rid of!

If you are getting rid of the sofas I'd do it now and rent another one which is more contemporary looking and more generic. Yes it will cost you a bit but your sofas kind of dominate the room and if you aren't keeping them anyway I'd sell them now and put in something that shows the room more.

SelfconfessedSpoonyFucker · 01/05/2015 16:39

The other reason for putting a table in the window is that you can put a bright tablecloth on it and something decorative and it will draw the eye to it.

The pans can be DHs thing in your lovely new country house, right now you need to be showing a buyer their 'thing' not yours.

It really looks to be a lovely flat Flowers I think you are going to find someone who would really like it.

SkodaLabia · 01/05/2015 16:57

A pic like the one you took should be on the particulars! The view is lovely.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 01/05/2015 17:02

That's a great view, shame the EA missed it!

MillionToOneChances · 01/05/2015 18:05

You'll struggle to take your own pics unless you have a camera with a very wide angle lens. Don't forget you're not just dressing it for pics, you're hoping for viewings too... You'll get there :)

MillionToOneChances · 01/05/2015 18:05

And I have serious view envy :)

mathanxiety · 02/05/2015 05:07

I agree the river is nice, but it is way across a wide green area judging by the EA photos (that might at some point be built on) and you can't rely on the views and ignore the actual flat or present it as if it is being rented out (an opinion many have posted wrt the appearance and I agree with it).

Do set up a table and if it is in the window area leave it unadorned but put out a simple place setting for four or however many the table can fit with coloured napkins, plain white plates. That way nobody will end up disliking your tablecloth, or thinking it looks like a restaurant if it is plain white, or otherwise distracted by the table itself.

Your photo is far better than any the EA took. Theirs show a windswept and uninviting riverscape while yours conveys a much more positive aspect of living close to the river.

(I like your copper pans too, and the lifestyle they suggest is what you want to hint at.)

Out2pasture · 02/05/2015 06:10

your agent needs to be held accountable for the terrible pictures! if need be someone should hold the hanging lamp (i presume that is what it is ) out of the way to take a nice kitchen pic. surely the bedroom pic could be vastly improved upon. maybe one of the lobby? as other have said include a bathroom one. good luck :D

Unescorted · 02/05/2015 06:41

The sold prices on the RHS might be an issue - they are between 20-70K less than you are asking. I am assuming you are in the same building.

EnriqueTheRingBearingLizard · 02/05/2015 13:08

Just another idea for new photographs and styling.

Put a small table and couple of chairs in the window but show a lap top, notebook, pen and mug there, to reflect an adaptable space for eating or working, while enjoying the view. Seems a little bit less obvious to me.

Pipbin · 02/05/2015 14:02

I see they've now put the second toilet on the floor plan.

Jackieharris · 02/05/2015 14:22

Half a million quid and it's not even got a separate kitchen????

Shock Shock Shock

There's not even room for 2 sofas!

JessieMcJessie · 02/05/2015 14:37

Ignore JackieHarris OP, she makes a habit of coming on people's threads and adding nothing but rudeness.

StampysLoveGarden · 02/05/2015 14:42

it doesn't say how big it is! I think you should sell that. If it's bigger than the average 2 bed apt (about 750 sq foot) make sure the agents put that down.

Pipbin · 02/05/2015 14:43

Jackie You might enjoy this thread: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/property/a2365861-The-ridiculously-expensive-flat-thread?msgid=54074064#54074064

I agree with you but it's not helpful in this situation. The value of houses and flats is relative.