Is anyone on the market but having zero interest?

[rootsandwings89]

We put our house on the market a month ago and only had 1 viewing so far :( our estate agent says the market is very nervous and nothing is moving …. Anyone else in the same boat?

It’s still good maintenance of your own asset @Delatron to replace the sash windows even if you don’t end up selling for some time.

I think you’re making a mistake thinking the choice was a straight one between replacing the sash windows or reducing the price. You may have needed to have done both - or reduced it even more - to get a buyer.

Sorry to be blunt. I just think 40 viewings with no sale tells us that the potential buyers are disappointed by something in the house and maybe they are being put off by having some expensive maintenance jobs within that they don’t want the hassle & cost of so they carry on looking at other houses instead of offering on yours.

I think you’re right that being the best house on a mixed street will also be putting off some buyers but there’s nothing you can do about that.

Thanks for the advice @Twiglets1 I’m sure you’re right.

We will look at costs for the windows. It may get to a point where we’ve reduced it so much and spent so much money on it that we may as well take it off the market until things improve (if they will!).

Personally original features are a huge plus
Assuming they are in fact original
If I was buying a house with original sashes I would rather they were refurbed to working than replaced.

Especially as so many people replace with upvc windows made to look like sash or ones with large frames that look a bit crap imo.

Id rather buy with the original and install conservation grade wooden sashes if there was no saving the originals.

Do people think the market will improve? I’m hoping to move in a few years but think this is the new normal.

Historically there have always been ups and downs in the housing market

So in that sense this is normal and not a new normal

check out articles by Moneyweek
and
Lloyds Banking

Ah thanks - they are the beautiful original sash windows. We did do some work on replacing the rope system and painting them etc. They are not through the whole house - the kitchen is a modern extension though still with wooden and not UPVC. And we’ve replaced them in one bedroom at the front.

It may be just the case of waiting for the right buyer. I have told the estate agents that if people want a show home (as many do these days) then it’s not the house for them.

I do understand people not wanting Victorian houses with all the potential issues. But I just love the character and our next house is also Victorian.

Victorian houses have no issues imo
they are beautiful !

So glad to hear you refurbished some and fitted new wooden ones in the extension. They are more expensive and many people wouldn’t bother. If I was viewing your property I’d notice that straight away and it shows the care and thought you have gone to !

Ah thank you @BrownTroutBluesAgain I had begun to wonder if Victorian houses had fallen out of favour!! And everyone wants a brand new house!

Yes - first time in my life (I used to flip houses) I’ve tried to sell with no success. When I bought it the market was red hot and now it’s flat - I think I missed the market by a couple months. It’s an investment flat and I’m considering taking it off now and waiting a year. My tenant (she’s been there over 8 tears and I’ve never raised her rent) will be happy but I’m going to have to up it as my costs have certainly gone up!

I think what a lot of people want these days is character houses but with minimum maintenance.

We used to think that was largely unrealistic but in a difficult market buyers have lots of choice. So can be picky about finding houses - even period ones - that don’t present at the point of purchase as needing lots of work.

From what you are saying, it doesn't sound hugely over valued but the proof of what is good value is lots of interest from buyers and a quick sale! No harm in having a break if you are fed up and happy to stay.

I think a lot of people have wised up to the huge snagging issues on new houses

Brother, as an example, bought a persimmon house. 600 snagging issues and sewage in the garden.
There are So many complaints online including excess heat in the summer.

so I’ve googled thoughts on Victorian houses
We are not alone 😁

‘ Yes, people absolutely love Victorian houses!

They are highly sought after for their striking character, high ceilings, large windows, and sturdy brick construction.

Why People Love Them
Distinctive Character: Buyers gravitate toward original details like ornate cast-iron fireplaces, geometric floor tiles, stained-glass windows, and decorative ceiling roses.

Spacious Proportions: High ceilings and large bay or sash windows allow natural light to flood the space, creating bright and airy rooms.

Layout Versatility: They are highly adaptable to modern life. Their pitched roofs and generous loft spaces are perfect for attic conversions, while the traditional layout allows for extensions.

Historical Prestige: Their handsome exteriors provide undeniable curb appeal and long-term investment value ‘

🥳

Personally, I love Victorian (and other period) houses and I wouldn't get rid of original sash windows. I would consider it to be damaging a beautiful, old house.

I don't think the problem is that people don't want to do work. The problem is the cost of doing the work! People are far more price sensitive now as the cost of work has risen so much, property prices are far too high relative to incomes and the interest rates are also far higher than they were only a few years ago. Then throw in the flagging economy, which will be in official recession soon, worsening job market, and the war in Iran, which is again increasing costs all round again. It's not surprising that homes in the most expensive city in the country, and many other places too, aren't selling well and that prices are falling.

After 40 viewings, I think your choices are either reduce the price signficantly again or spend £££ modernising.

I think it will get worse in the sense that I think prices will fall over the next few years, quite possibly a lot. I don't think we are likely to see periods of huge, real (ex inflation) gains.
In what sense do you mean improve? Do you mean price rise or more homes of the type you want being brought to market?

I love older properties and my first purchases were Victorian. However I am now in a 1930s home and love the proportions. Next house will be 1930s too although I still love a sash window.

@rainingsnoring there seems to be a lot of sentiment that this is a blip. I don’t think it is and think the real impact is still to come. I’m not sure about huge price drops but huge equity gains are gone and definitely stagnation. I’ve already changed what i’m looking for in my next property, I think utilities will keep on getting more & more expensive.

ONS stats show a 41% decline for March 26 versus March 25. We so few sales going through houses will have to be very well priced or very lucky to sell

I think most people assume that it's just a blip because house prices have risen a great deal within recent memory and many people, particularly the older ones and those who were able to buy in London and SE 30 years ago, have made lots of £££ simply because of good fortune. I complete agree with you that utilities will keep getting more expensive, food too, travel too. My opinion hasn't been a popular one on here but I think that the falls will become more obvious soon. I think huge, real gains in equity simply from living in a house are a thing of the past. Apart from a worsening economy, there are also the demographic 'challenges'.

They seem to be helping the rental market by creating loads of empty rental as student and work visa numbers plunge, not sure if this is just a ploy to head off Reform by tweaking visa rules? In the broader picture they are probably discouraging landlords, but I think that the making money from property thing is so ingrained in the UK psyche now that people will still jump in and buy rental flats if there is a decent sized property crash.

I agree, you can"t run a bubble this size if the Ten Year is constantly nudging 5%, that is the "danger zone" as they used to say, even in economies with much lower housing debt.

OP, what is the EPC of the house? How much heat is lost through the original sash windows? Have you borrowed or hired a thermal imaging camera to check that?

Many people are very worried about heating bills and know about heat loss from windows (and chimneys and insufficiently insulated lofts).

We do however need to be careful with older buildings
They were made to breathe and need to

heres a quick Google on that

’ older buildings frequently suffer from these upgrades ( double glazing, roof insulation and sealing chimneys ) when installed incorrectly.
Traditional properties were designed to "breathe" using natural ventilation to manage moisture. Sealing them up with modern insulation or double glazing can trap moisture, leading to severe condensation, timber decay, and black mold.

The Problem with Specific Upgrades
Insulating Chimneys: Older homes rely on open flues and fireplaces for background ventilation. Sealing or capping them completely—without adding alternative background ventilation—shuts off a primary exhaust route for household moisture.

Too Much in the Roof (Over-insulating): Pushing excessive amounts of insulation into the eaves of a pitched roof can block essential cross-ventilation. Warm, moist air from below then condenses on cold roof timbers, leading to wet rot, dry rot, and mold. Additionally, using impermeable materials (like standard foam) rather than breathable options (like sheep's wool) traps moisture within the roof fabric.

Double Glazing: Fitting airtight double glazing stops the natural draughts that older, loose-fitting windows provided. This rapidly spikes internal humidity, often pushing moisture into the walls instead, where it can cause damage.

How to Prevent Issues

To safely upgrade an older building without causing structural damage, experts recommend a "whole-house" approach.

Balance Insulation with Ventilation: If you insulate heavily in the roof or block chimneys, you must install compensating ventilation, such as humidity-controlled extractor fans in kitchens/bathrooms or passive air vents.

Use Breathable Materials: Avoid rigid foam or petrochemical insulations in favor of moisture-buffering, breathable materials like wood fibre or sheep's wool.

Opt for Secondary Glazing: Instead of completely ripping out historic single-glazed windows, consider adding Secondary Glazing (such as discreet magnetic or fitted glass panels on the inside), which reduce heat loss while allowing the original windows to breathe.

For further advice tailored to older or heritage properties, refer to the detailed retrofit and energy efficiency guidelines provided by Historic England or the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).’

Just a thought for future renovators

SPAB offer excellent advice btw

Any more viewings?

I think the astronomical cost of any maintenance or repair is also hitting hard. DSIL is in the process of buying / selling. They’re very early 30s. Husband is a tradie. They sold their starter home really quickly but are dismissing anything needing more than cosmetic work becuse of the cost, despite working in that sector and having contacts. The sums no longer add up. It’s not even about adding value. It’s more a) they don’t have the tens of thousands in cash to do it and b) it’s more cost effective to find a house that doesn’t need eg new windows or a kitchen etc.

The whole buying a doer upper model has collapsed when the cost of work and materials is so high.

Absolutely, my next house I am prepared to paint etc but that’s it.