Help me sell my flat - advice please

[Overallthis]

Not the best time but after years living here I've had enough of the awful noisy neighbour, his neglectful damage to my property and various other things. My husband and I want out.

I would very much appreciate any tips on what to do. A family member has been investigating options but thought I'd ask here too.

It's a ground floor Victorian flat. Some age related issues, some cosmetic things that can be dealt with relatively easily. Family member has made comments about "polishing a turd" but something needs to be done.

I haven't made any alterations or done any improvements/decorating since I moved in 10 years ago. I guess a lot of that was depression related, it seemed pointless trying to make it look nice if water was going to come in from upstairs, and I got despondent. Also I like travelling and would rather save up to see the world than be cooped up in here with fancy wallpaper listening to the neighbour shouting. I try to spend as much time away from here as I can. But just now I am working from home as is my husband, and things are worse than ever. My husband has very sensitive hearing and it is so much worse for him.

We are looking to find a small 2 bed detached house (DC are not on the cards) if possible, or semi detached if that's not available. The fear of ending up in the same or worse position is there but at least it would be getting away from this situation.

My DH is still paying a mortgage in his home country (his mother lives in the house) so we can't spend too much but should be able to get something decent hopefully).

The question is, what to do about this place. Family member has spoken to a decorator who has worked on similar properties and estimated a grand for doing it up to sell. I don't have loads of money but given that I've never spent anything on it in all my years of living and probably won't be going on holiday this year, here it might be worth it to make it look nice. It also might not sell either despite me paying for this service.

So I'm wondering, should I pay to have a decorator make it look nice or just try to sell it as it is? I'm most probably going to lose money on the place anyway, which is a shame and frustrating but getting away from here is more important. As long as any offer covers what I still owe and a bit more for a deposit on a new place if I have to lose 10-20 grand so be it. Our mental health and happiness is more important.

Many thanks for any advice or tips on "polishing a turd"/selling this place. Surely we can't be the only ones who have been in this position?

For a quick sale, I’d recommend a clear out, a thorough clean, and yes, getting it painted - walls and woodwork. You want to make a good first impression. Go for clean and fresh, some plants, pictures and mirrors, etc. Not cluttered, but not too stark and bare either. Keep the windows sparkling clean.

Sorry to hear about the horrible neighbour. It’s miserable not being able to relax in your own home.

I think it's worth spending the money, it's an investment in selling the house, so will pay back in long run. Keep it simple, so people are it as somewhere clean and tidy and not thinking how much is this going to cost me. Think about decluttering to give idea of space. invest in a few bits like nice hand to well or mirrors, they can help it look spacious.

@Overallthis "Many thanks for any advice or tips on "polishing a turd"/selling this place. Surely we can't be the only ones who have been in this position?"

No you won't be the first to move because of disagreeable neighbours.
You'll be able to say to a potential buyer that you are moving for work, that way it says nothing negative about the property you are selling. I would also bare in mind that each persons 'tolerance' level for a neighbour is different, so that any questions asked by the solicitor in your 'selling pack' can be answered in a positive manner.
I'd do as @Seeingadistance suggests. Declutter and clean, but leave it looking lived in. And I'd definitely get a fresh paint job. Good luck.

We painted our kitchen top to bottom including the cupboard doors. We bought new cupboard handles. Total cost less than 200 pounds and we get many compliments.

Top tip: look through some fancy kitchens etc for inspiration and choose your colours wisely. Our kitchen is mushroom by Little Green (but mixed by Johnstone's) and it's made such a difference compared to the darkish turquoise that was on before. The new handles were 50 pounds and make the place look a lot more modern.

Thanks everyone. Family member suggested that I try an investor if I can't sell. I know that I wouldn't get much for it but I just want to move on. But perhaps I can try to sell the regular way first.

Some good suggestions on how to make the place look decent, thanks. Will arrange for the decorator to come over and make it look nice once I've decluttered. Been told to remove personal effects, photos etc so that it looks like a blank canvas. Can't afford to get a new kitchen but maybe new door handles etc could brighten it up. Will add some plants as well.

Yes I reckon maybe a young guy wouldn't mind the noise too much. There's one next door and he has the odd party too so maybe someone similar wouldn't care so much about the noise.

I thought you were going to ask how to sell, given such a problem neighbour, I would have thought the decor was the least of the trouble. As you'd need to let any potential buyer know about the trouble you've had I would be inclined to spend money on getting solicitor advice about this rather than worrying about decor they're likely to change anyway.

You don't need to tell anyone about the neighbour. Just answer the solicitor questions from a buyer honestly. You don't need to mention noise assuming it's never been bad enough to call the council environment team or police. Ones person 'fine, normal for a flat' can be someone else's hell. I have. Good friend selling her flat because of the noise, I've heard the noise and yes, it is there but for me it would be what I would expect in a flat.

Water leaks happen, it's not a big deal if you fix/paint any damage.

Are you really sure it's that bad and just not an unkind family member.

Spend the £1k to freshen up anything that potential purchasers would see immediately (paint door frames and walls, ensure bathroom and kitchen look very clean, freshen up bathroom sealant etc).

Put it up for sale the usual way with an estate agent. Only go to an investor if they are prepared to pay market rate. I hope the one suggesting an investor isn't the same one making horrible comments and that they aren't also offering to put you in touch with an investor? (Hopefully not but thought I'd check as if so I think I would be very suspicious about an ulterior motive!)

Dont waste money on kitchen or bathroom, they only get ripped out. Declutter, fresh paint and see how it goes.

I would spend the £1k to freshen everything up personally - the flat will be more enjoyable for you to be in until it sells and will make the property look better looked after to potential buyers. Don't replace the kitchen or bathroom but, again, freshen them up with some paint and a thorough polish, as PP said maybe some new handles etc.

First impressions count, tidy up the front, put a few nice windowsill pots and flowers out, sweep the path, buy a new doormat, trim back any shrubs , clear any rubbish etc

Also your family member sounds quite unkind and negative.

If you have complained about or raised disputes with the neighbour you usually have a legal duty to declare it on the documentation or are liable for certain costs going forward so do be careful.

I agree it is an investment and if you have done nothing to it in 10 years it might be in quite a sad tired state but you have grown accustomed to it. Magazines or pinterest are great for inspiration around lighting, colours, furniture placement and dressing a house for sale .

Make sure your windows are sparkling clean and, if you can, introduce some kerbside appeal, even if it's just a tub of flowers on the front step.
The last place I sold, a long time ago now, was small and a bit cluttered. I moved a lot of stuff out into a friends garage, which had the amazing effect of making it look enormous. I also re-decorated in fairly plain colours so it looked bright and clean. It might be worth investigating renting a small storage unit for a few months to use as a dumping ground.
As long as you have never made a complaint to the council about your neighbour, you don't have to mention it to a buyer.

You are legally obliged to disclose any issues with the neighbour. To hide the fact you have a troublesome neighbour could lead to you being sued if a buyer goes ahead and discovers the problem after they've moved in.

I put forward very specific queries about the neighbours on the house we are buying. If anything has not been disclosed, I wouldn't hesitate to take legal action against the vendor.

2 beds don't really come in detached unless it's an old little cottage which will no doubt be more expensive. Just so you aren't looking for something that doesn't exist .

Unless there are complaints recorded, no one would ever know the OP is moving because of a noisy neighbour. That would be impossible to prove.

It's a close family member, we get on well, no alterior motive. But I'm not sure if he's teasing about this place. He said next time don't buy an old, crumbly house. Sometimes I feel like it's awful, other times I think it's not that bad. But I want somewhere a bit newer and nicer. And hopefully without a foghorn voiced neighbour. Speak of the devil, there he goes yelling out of the window and singing at another neighbour.

My husband says it could be worse, at least he's not a druggie or anything. Just loud, angry when challenged and stupid. I know plenty of people deal with worse things.

It doesn't help that everyone else I know have lovely homes with no issues and all the places I see for sale look like showhomes. Either that or a bit grannyish but that's usually workable. That's why I'd need someone to freshen this place up so it looks decent.

Unfortunately I have spoken to various parties about issues in the past - before I found out that you have to report this stuff when you sell. I haven't called the police on the upstairs neighbour because I was too scared to, but I've spoken to citizens advice, a previous insurer about water damage (didn't go through with the claim). Phoned police about noisy party next door a couple of times because I couldn't sleep. So I'm not sure if all that is "official" and may be a problem. Also spoken to the council (noisy neighbour's friend!) about the anti social antics of a rowdy neighbour next door who eventually got evicted, years ago.

The tips are great thanks. I bought this place so long ago and am not great with financial stuff and pretty much gave up on it so everything helps. I've had people compliment it before back in the early days and perhaps I'm just jaded. It could look nice with some work done on it, I need to try to stay optimistic. I'm excited about the prospect of somewhere new though, need to concentrate on that.

Check with your solicitor if you need to declare these in the SPIF form. You want to avoid being sued but also cover yourself. Were the issues sorted in which case it shouldn't be an issue.

@Overallthis use your excitement over moving to somewhere new and shiny to motivate you to make the best of your current place - not only will it make it easier to sell, but hopefully make you more money (or at least stop you getting silly derisory offers).
So if you've still got old features show them off to there best. Make your flat aspirational, don't clear out all of your personal items you'll want it to look lived in, but make sure everything earns its place. Don't leave things 'on show' so people think, ah no storage. Fresh flowers are good too. :)

Thought I'd replied to this! We're getting the ball rolling. Family member is helping with some painting and decorating and I've bought a few bits and pieces too. Will purchase some new soft furnishings to brighten up the place. DH and I have driven around some nice houses for sale in nice neighbourhoods this weekend! Just hope we can find something nice with decent, quiet neighbours and sell this place. Thanks again everyone. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

I would ask your solicitor if you have to declare these complaints to ensure you are compliant with the legislation.

Depending on how long ago they were future buyer might not be put off.

Good luck in your house hunt, exciting times!

What damage was caused by the water coming through? Has that been fixed & the cause addressed?

I’d make sure you’re not there for viewings - every time we’ve met vendors my DP has chatted to them about neighbours and noise, I ask about what is prompting the move/sale. You’d either have to bare faced lie to us or come up with creative ways to describe your situation . I believe that even if it hasn’t come to legal proceedings, you have to declare any issues you are aware of that could lead to a dispute. So if you don’t declare that your neighbour damaged your property and you have noise issues with them, then the new owner could sue you, basically. I think, I’m sure someone with more legal background can clarify, but definitely get specific legal advice on your particular situation.

Needing to paint doesn’t put us off, I’d be planning to repaint everything anyway; poor standard of workmanship underneath the paint has (needing replastering/skirting board repairs in a property that was refurbed 5 years ago).

Do you have outside space? Maximise that, make it an ‘outdoor room’.

Apart from having a good clean up and possibly decluttering I wouldn't do anything. In my experience people usually want to change things, so it's a waste of time and money. As for getting away from noise, the best way is to get detached, although if you do, also pay attention to the neighbouring sides plus other potential noise causes surrounding (ie, pub or garage, industrial places, road noise) because although interior noise is worse, a detached can still potentially have exterior noise. If you can't get it afford detached, I would go for end of terrace or semi, and try to get one with the largest bedroom on outside wall, so having a space between neighbours to minimise noise if you are unfortunate to get a noisy neighbour. If you really like the place at least you've also got the opportunity to put an extra sound proofing. You have my sympathies, noise issues can have a terrible impact on people's lives.

Have you had conversations with the neighbour about noise or their behaviour which damaged your property? Have you ever complained to the freeholder or management company of the building?

You must answer the Qs about neighbours honestly.

The reality of doing this can mean the property sells for less. You just have to accept that.

If you have suffered in silence and there has not been a dispute, there will be no need to declare it.

You do sound as if it's been a bad flat for you and you need to get out. Needing to do that quickly and given its not in a great state, plus possibly needing to declare the neighbours issue probably means you should resign yourself to offering it at a low price to start with to generate interest 'for a speedy sale' and that you will then need to take a reduction in price becaue of the current climate. If you can resign yourself to these things, everything sells at the right price. The problem will be if you are unrealistic about the price and aren't prepared to bend based on the condition, but also the neighbour issue if you need to declare it, because that will certainly lower the value.

Have you had formal disputes with them? Ever written them a note about the issues? Ever contacted anyone else?

Make sure that when you do a 2 nd viewing on somewhere you are seriously interested in, that you ask the vendors very precisely about why they are selling Nd about who the neighbours are and what they have been like/relationship with them. If you only see the estate agent, put the questions you'd like answered in an email to the estate agent and ask them to get answers for you. This is clearly an issue you need some reassurance on when you move.