Please can someone tell me why my flat isn't selling?!

[Puffykins]

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-84873916.html

Price-wise, it's appropriate - even cheap - for the area. I know that it hasn't got it's own garden, but there is a huge communal garden which, in central-ish London, I'd argue is better than a tiny garden.

Admittedly I don't like the estate agents pictures much. It's really light in real life, but they always seem obsessed with turning on all the lights.

Anyway, any tips would be hugely appreciated. Thank you!

@thecazalets and I super love the Cazalet saga - which I assume is where your username is from?!

Also, the dressing table unit in the master bedroom - could you style that as an uncluttered desk? People are usually looking for a home workspace at the moment.

Having just looked at the 3D tour, it's actually much nicer in person! Get a good photo of the stairs. It's really just a declutter - pack away 99% of your personal things. People don't need to see your hairbrush or your stacks of magazines.

@Daisy62 excellent idea - thank you!

Yes! (Although I spelt it wrong and then never got round to correcting it!)

Don’t most people look past the decor if it’s not to their taste?

Not everyone can, no. Or they will think "how much is this going to cost me in time and money to make it how I like it?" Not everyone has the inclination to start redecorating the minute they move into somewhere.

Every single room in our house has been redecorated since we moved here 17 years ago. It was all magnolia when we moved in, but it was liveable with until I could get round to doing every room. The OP's bathroom is something that would require immediate attention (for me anyway), and so is the kitchen.

Where in the flat do you and your husband work, as you both work from home?

OP Like others, I love the flat - it's interesting and imaginative and light and airy and the view over the trees and bushes is great, espcially for London. Am really shocked that people say you should get rid of books and paintings - especially in these dark times, they are food for the soul. Pics of communal gardens and local open spaces would be a very good idea. Could you perhaps also arrange for a 'wall' of greenery to cover the balcony/fire escape area?
If purchasers don't like the bathroom, it would be a very quick and easy job to paint over it. Not a big deal, surely?
I have not checked, but if the estate agent's particulars include a good floorplan with room sizes, that will give people the info they need. If these details are not there, can they be added?
Hope your son continues to do well.

No garden ! I’ve just bought a 2 bed flat with 2 double bedrooms and a lovely big back garden for 380k not too far from you (asking was 400-425)

We ruled out even viewing anywhere without a garden and I think a l or a feeling the same at the moment

Also yes get new photos as the place looks a bit over the top especially the bathroom

It's very stylised, I would not even consider viewing as it would cost so much to renovate every room. You either need to be patient until someone who likes your style comes along or rent a storage unit for 90% of the pictures, half the books etc and then give most of the rooms a paint in a neutral colour.

Changing the bedding to neutral and tidying would help too

I like your flat, it's lovely! But I think the bathroom might put some people off?

There used to be a tv show, can’t remember its name, you have to totally declutter and paint in neutral colours, make defined clear areas, try to get the second bedroom to look like a double

Remove the bookcase in the kitchen to make that bigger.

Remove at least two thirds of all the books in the fiat, sort the pictures out so there are a couple on the walls, store the rest

Tidy up the balcony bit, paint it, clean it, put flowers in the boxes

Make the bathroom more neutral

Then take all the pictures again

@Lemonsyellow my husband works at his desk under the stairs (it's a big desk) and I usually work at the dining table - I cleared up my desk though for the photographs .... (I've got a little roll-top desk in the corner, but I essentially just keep stuff in it, and write at the table.)

But honestly it looks so fun and homey.

@Puffykins ah thank you, I didn't realise there was a 360 view, thought I was going mad looking at the pictures! I have my beloved pony's old saddle on my landing, I feel like I need to do something with it but I'm not sure what...

I’ve just done the virtual tour, and it looks worse than I thought!

OP is that a sewage pipe on the worktop in the kitchen beneath all the plants a dinosaurs?

@heyahun WHERE??!! Please tell me where in central London I can get that?!

I love your flat- it wouldn't puttee off because I know you'd be taking it all with you. Don't like the bathroom mural though.

@GreySkyClouds no! It's the flue from the boiler to outside. Also there are no dinosaurs in the kitchen I don't think.... just Mexican ceramic horses (appreciate that on the clutter front, they might as well be dinosaurs.)

De clutter store your bits in boxes and ask any friends if they have space in garage etc, paint neutral the bathroom and anywhere else that too personal
You may have to live with it being not how you like if you want to sell at least try for a bit and see if makes a difference

I agree, you need to emotionally detach from it and clear loads out, if I was viewing I'd worry what the clutter was hiding. You'll appreciate that you've moved most stuff into storage on moving day, it'll take you a week to move otherwise.

I do get confused about why we get so many posters asking 'why is my house not selling?' and when you look at the photos, the house is chock full of stuff. Read any blog about how to sell a property, the number one piece of advice is to declutter and make your space spacious and neutral. It's not rocket science!

I think it’s beautiful, I would buy it!
Sadly people do like a blank canvas.
I hope that your son is doing well and you have a new home soon for your family

You have a really nice space but you’ve hidden it under all your things.

Can I suggest you box up all of your treasures and clear the worktops and shelves in the kitchen, your kitchen looks like there’s no space for storage when clearly it’s a fully functioning kitchen.

Rent some storage in one of those storage units and clear all your books from the sitting room. You’ll be able to sell much easier if people can imagine their own furniture in place, so out with your stuff and cover up with white paint.

You need people to know there’s loads of space. Sorry but your clutter would put a lot of people off.