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Original poster

Not much interest in our house, thoughts please!

197 replies

Vicki1990 · 01/06/2019 17:40

Hi everyone,

Could do with some advice. We put our house on the market just under 3 weeks ago, whilst we appreciate this isn’t a long time we thought we would’ve had a lot more interest than we’ve had!

We live in a very sought after village, house prices here are on the increase and the market does seem slow. There is no other property like ours in the village, were a 2 bed with beautiful views and we’ve only had 2 viewings! One was the nosy neighbour, naturally. One was a couple looking to relocate to be closer to their daughter in the village, they loved the property and seemed really keen, they’ve left us great feedback but nothing since! They have got a property on the market though.

We have reserved a new build which is almost ready so we are under pressure to get sold!

Please let me know your thoughts!

OP posts:
Talia99 · 02/06/2019 14:11

The problem with purple bricks isn’t necessarily your local estate agent - some individual agents can be very good. The problem is that a lot aren’t and purple bricks as a whole has such a bad reputation that unless you are selling a very individual property or are in an area where you are at best and final offers within a week, a lot of people will avoid your house because of your choice of estate agent because they can go elsewhere.

careerchange456 · 02/06/2019 14:21

Hi OP, I know Baschurch and my gut is that, in 3 weeks, you've not come across your buyer yet. You know a 2 bed won't be the most popular in Baschurch; people want the family houses for the schools etc so you may just have to bide your time and wait for your buyer to come IYSWIM. Baschurch probably isn't on a lot of couple's radars unless they're local and really want to live in that area.

It could also be the new build effect - Galliers are still advertising a 3 bed for £210 so not wildly higher than yours. However, I think it's more likely that most people will be looking for a bigger house in that location but I'm sure it will be perfect for somebody. Maybe give it another month or so?

careerchange456 · 02/06/2019 14:28

Also agree with ditching Purple Bricks. Although not the traditional estate agents, we found the local Ewemove couple very good. We had accepted an offer on our house within a week of it going on and sold within 6 weeks with them.

User8888888 · 02/06/2019 15:18

The only thing I’d wonder is whether you are pitching it to the right group. Lots of families would move into the country for bigger garden, space etc but a two bed newbuild doesn’t really tick those boxes as older houses tend to be bigger/have a better garden. I think you need to find your niche and tailor the description and photos to that bracket. E.g if a young, first time buyer, where are you commutable to, what services are available locally etc.

NoTheresa · 02/06/2019 19:22

It is so grey. Literally.

Original poster
Vicki1990 · 02/06/2019 19:31

Don’t worry we’re in the process of changing it! Started painting the ghastly orange furniture, got some coloured accessories, pot plants, flowers, cushions, bed spreads etc and emailed 5 other local agents. Will post any updates if they happen! Thanks for all your advice Smile

OP posts:
WBWIFE · 04/06/2019 00:07

Being wjth with purple bricks would put me off

Blobby10 · 04/06/2019 09:02

Another here who wouldn't view a property on with purple bricks!

My house is going on the market next month and during a chat with the estate agent yesterday, she said that whilst houses are selling in this area, instead of the average 5-6 viewings it took a couple of years ago, its now taking 12-13 viewings.

JoJoSM2 · 04/06/2019 09:26

I can't see the point of forking out for a local estate agent as it's a pretty standard property you're selling.

I haven't read the entire thread so not sure if it's been mentioned, but the market seems slow in your area. And your house has only been on the market for 3 weeks?

There also seem to be brand new builds in your village so buyers will prefer one of those to a house that's 2 years old. (And the ones looking for character won't be interested anyway).

Honeyroar · 04/06/2019 09:34

I agree JoJo, people who like new build type houses seem to like the fact it's brand new, so are put off by a two year old, been lived in house, and people who don't like new builds still consider a 2 yr old house a new build. So possibly one of the more difficult type if houses to sell. Particularly in an area where lots of new builds are going up.

thecatsthecats · 04/06/2019 11:04

I think the problems are all around the size and new build status.

  • FTB get assistance with buying a new build that your buyers won't
...and...
  • to me, it is a FTB house, as (again, to me), it would 'do' for a first house, but not be an ideal option.

The lack of a hallway and proper dining space make it more of a split level flat to me than a 'proper' house. I would buy a house like that (and it's very well presented), if that's all I could afford. Add to that, as PP say, it's a non-new new build. The premium has worn off, but they can't really add value. It's in good condition, so it's not a doer upper.

I'm afraid I think you're just stuck between a lot of 'not quite' categories with a lot of competition, so you'll probably need to drop the price a little.

whatsthecomingoverthehill · 04/06/2019 11:10

I think you are overestimating your local price rises. They don't appear to have risen at all in the past year. Given that new builds were going for £160-165k a year ago I think you are pretty overpriced, especially considering that you pay a new build premium (which you no longer have).

cestlavielife · 04/06/2019 15:22

Where do you put coats,and perhaps a buggy?
Where do you eat?

jemihap · 05/06/2019 06:00

It is a lovely house, you really don't need to do anything to change it.

Your only problem is the price, it's definitely not worth more than the ''new build premium'' that you paid for it less than 2 years ago.

Reduce to £165k and look to accept anything within about 8% of that and you'll have no problem at all selling.

clubchair · 06/06/2019 06:35

It has a 'single male lives here' feel to me. The grey, the fish tank, the black bedding, no photos or art or ornaments or books or shelves on display.

As others have said, too clinical. It needs a personality and some homely touches.

I'd get rid of the fish tank and replace with a table. There are loads of modern, space saving tables with drop leaves. I'd also turn the sofa around to close off a 'lounge' area. Add a rug in that new area. Move the TV to the opposite wall or the front wall. It looks like a corridor and not at all cosy for watching TV.

Have you considered keeping it and renting it out?

madcatladyforever · 06/06/2019 06:40

It's OK but I'd never buy a modern house. No charafter.
My own taste I really dislike black and grey colour schemes so depressing and my mood sinks through the floor when I see grey.
That shouldn't put people off as it's just paint bit unless the price was low I wouldn't buy knowing I had to change the entire colour scheme and carpets. The general layout seems OK.

RoseMartha · 06/06/2019 06:49

Although beautifully presented it may not have been to their taste and they may not have wanted to redecorate.

From where I live this would be a bargain and I would snap it up if I could afford it. But it is too grey for me and I would have to redecorate.

PetrichorRain · 06/06/2019 11:50

Where do you put coats,and perhaps a buggy? Where do you eat?

It's not really much use to the OP to point out her house isn't big enough. She knows that, that's why she's moving to start a family. If she could magically add a dining room or a nice wide hallway, I'm sure she wouldn't be selling.

Skyejuly · 06/06/2019 13:27

I love your house. It's so beautiful.
I would move the fish tank and add a small dining table (maybe a fold out one) just utilize the space for people. Maybe add a single bed in the bedroom so people can visualise it as a childs room

123L · 06/06/2019 13:36

Try "goodfellows"
Good estate agents
Take fab pics use a professionel photogapher 👍

WinterRose92 · 06/06/2019 13:40

I’ve no idea why there hasn’t been much interest, I just wanted to say what a beautiful house!! It’s gorgeous!
Good luck!

cestlavielife · 06/06/2019 16:11

Op asks why no interest... people want some where for coats /shoes at entrance...

notangelinajolie · 06/06/2019 16:13

Your only problem is Purple Bricks. Get a proper estate agent.

thatmustbenigelwiththebrie · 06/06/2019 16:19

The views are nice and open. The decor is a bit grey and neutral for my taste but that wouldn't put me off necessarily

lboogy · 06/06/2019 16:19

It's lacking in character. Can't you inject some colour with accessories. It may not be your taste to have colour but it just looks soulless to me.

Notice when new builds are marketed, the decoration tends to make up for the lack of character inherent

You could achieve some colour with plants

Otherwise, it's a nice house