Why aren’t we getting more viewings? Honest feedback welcome

[Diva78]

We’re selling our four-bedroom townhouse in Bicester and have reached the point where we’d really value some completely impartial opinions.

We originally listed at £425k, have since changed estate agents, reduced the price to £400k, changed the lead photo and updated the kitchen cupboards to give them a more neutral look.

Despite all that, we’ve still had very few viewings and hardly any interest coming directly through Rightmove.

We know townhouses and three-storey living won’t appeal to everyone, and there are larger semis and detached houses available nearby. However, our house has good square footage, three bathrooms, flexible living and home-working space, a garage, driveway parking and a quieter position on the estate.

Would anyone be willing to look at the listing and give me some honest but constructive feedback? Is it the price, layout, photos, description or something else we’re just not seeing?

50, Fontwell Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX26 1BP - Estate Agents in Bicester, Oxfordshire | Barton Fleming

Thank you!

It would be the garden for me that would stop me from viewing. It is so bare and uninviting.

I think there’s likely several things at play; the style of house isn’t everyone’s cup of tea - the three floors and architecture like you say.
Those things you don’t have much control over!
I also think the presentation is not very aspirational. The staging is poor imo -with mature plants / greenery outside and better staging inside, you could add some character. I think it has very little character and whilst there’s nothing ‘wrong’ with it, perspective buyers won’t feel very inspired. I think it could do with a stronger ‘look’ - for example either an ultra modern feel like whites and creams with striking mid century or minimalist styling; or something a bit artsy with statement lighting/wall art / quirky furniture. As it stands I think it’s very average and if you want interest and it to stick in someone’s mind I would get someone to come and stage it. Even if you have to swap out furniture etc if that makes you an extra 20k on the sale, I’d say it’s worth it.
Given it’s a town house, great for a young family, and quite modern architecture I would probably go with a quirky/artsy look to peak interest and stand out amongst the other places for sale.

They are not going to make an extra 20k on the sale, they probably need to reduce their asking price by a 100k or so.

I don’t think there is something wrong with your interior or choice of furniture etc etc - it’s the type of the house which is a problem.
A townhouse in a row of other townhouses with overlooked back garden without greenery - it’s not the good option for a family home. We lived in one but we had a particular set of personal circumstances that’s why it suited us (plus we needed the location).
So you need to sit tight waiting for your particular buyer and for gap in the market with limited choice. If you are after a quick sale you need to look at the price again. Sorry.

The people in the levels above are the people who live in the house - like any house.

[Edit: are you confusing townhouse with maisonette or duplex?]

Agree with all of this. Also the lack of greenery both outside and in to me, gives it a rather depressing feel. Also agree with PP it looks dated.

Sandwiched between two other houses is never going to be for me. However, as a nature lover, the thing that stuck me was how concrete and brick it all is. You have brick views out the windows. I don't think there was a single tree in sight, even on the estate. I'm not sure the backyard offers scope to plant up trees that will remedy that for me.

It's not "sandwiched", it's a terrace. Millions of people live in terraced housing and it's perfectly fine. However, I agree with you about the lack of greenery and it's very stark looking. Perhaps something could be done with the back garden.
It's all about the price and location - it'll suit someone. Why did you buy it, OP? Think about that.

I can't work out what's going on im the kitchen, OP. Are there two sinks? Where do you keep your washing machine and dtyer?

There is an integrated washer/dryer in the kitchen.

If I'm spending 400k I'm spending it on at least a house that is detached. Way overpriced for what it is. Looks very narrow and the floor plan is crap who wants to sleep next to a lounge.

You obviously don't live in the south of England!! That's an amazing bargain for that amount of space around here. I still wouldn't buy it though for reasons I said earlier; depressing, no trees, barren. Sorry.

Or even parts of the North and Midlands! Millions of people live in terraced houses or semis! Some of them cost a lot more than that!

Right. Is there a sick by the back window?

Yes, it's all on the Rightmove link that the op and someone else posted.

The house looks in good order. Personally I would never buy a town house and I like a lovely garden, that garden would put me off. No idea on house prices in that area so can’t comment on the price

No. I saw the floor plan. The layout of the kitchen isn't clear on there, and I was confused by the pictures.
Which is what I was asking about, thank you.
Apologies for "sick" instead of "sink".

There are so many new(ish builds with 4 beds in your price range. I suspect it’s just the fact you have so much competition and (kindly) there’s nothing that makes yours obviously better than the others. I don’t know the area though so some locations may be better than others?

Where do you live?!

As i'm from oop norf, 400k for this is giving me the vapours. I'm in the market for a 400k house and I'm looking at detached with big gardens and garages and period features! I'd give 180-200k for that here. That aside, the other in bicester posted on page 1 at 400k is much more attractive, I would 100% buy that instead given a choice. So, i suspect you're still overpriced.

That said, the listing could be improved, I agree the EA has done you dirty - get rid of the picture showing the end of terrace! Do not open with the living room, its not even the best bit but any picture other than the front of the house makes me suspicious something is being hidden. I would rethink the living room decor, it does look masculine and stark. A pp had great ideas down the maximalist route - just a twist.

It looks like a block of council flats from the back; do something charming to make it look like a family home. Tall plants, some furniture etc.

Whereas my first one bedroom flat cost me £400k!

I live in Yorkshire, in a semi detached house which is worth, roughly £450k. ish.
Detached ones on our street are £550-750k.
So it does depend!

keels over

I'm in yorkshire too! Tha must live in a fancy bit 🤣

Not really! There are very expensive parts, all over, especially near the national parks. Have a look at the suburbs of Manchester, they run into £miillions.