I can’t sell my house Leeds house, what are my options?

So, you’ve made the decision to move, your house is on the market and you are getting excited. While you love Leeds, it is time for a change.

But, your property just won’t sell. Viewings come and go, the place looks nice, and you just can’t understand what isn’t right. 

Whether it is issues with the market, over-saturation or local changes holding you back, selling is not always a smooth sailing process.  

Wondering “what happens if you can't sell my house in Leeds?” In this article we will cover why it is so hard to sell a house, what you can do if you’re struggling to sell house in Leeds and what your options are.

Why is it so hard to sell my house?

If you’re struggling to sell house in Leeds, then pinpointing why your Leeds house isn't selling requires looking at both general challenges and Leeds-specific factors. Here's a breakdown:

General Challenges

These apply everywhere, including Leeds. Consider factors like:

• Overpricing: Ensure your asking price reflects comparable homes in your area.

• Condition: Necessary repairs or outdated features can deter buyers.

• Presentation: High-quality photos, a compelling description, and virtual tours are crucial online.

• Market Conditions: Is it a buyer's or seller's market? A buyer's market might require adjustments.

• Marketing Strategy: Is your agent actively promoting your property? Consider open houses or social media marketing.

• Showing Flexibility: Being inflexible with showing times reduces your home's visibility.

• Curb Appeal: Enhance your home's exterior with landscaping and a fresh coat of paint.

• Neutral Decor: Consider staging to make it more appealing to a wider audience.

• Legal/Financial Issues: Ensure all legal and financial aspects are clear before listing.

Leeds-Specific Factors

Here are some potential hurdles specific to the Leeds market:

• Market Shift: While Leeds is generally good for sellers, some areas might see a slowdown. Research your specific neighbourhood.

• Property Type: Certain property types (detached houses) might take longer to sell compared to others (terraced houses) in Leeds.

• Location: Less desirable locations within Leeds (high crime, poor amenities) might require extra effort to sell. Highlight the property's strengths and consider incentives.

I can’t sell my house, what are my options?

Here are our top tips for getting your Leeds house sold. 

Look at your asking price 

While a valuation and your desire to sell may have influenced your asking price, if people are liking your place but still not biting, this could be the main factor putting them off. 

Evaluate whether your asking price is competitive for the current market conditions or if it is just too high. Ask your agent their thoughts and maybe consider getting a second opinion if you are worried about your valuation. If other houses in your area appear to be selling, look over their listings to see where you may be going wrong.  

Improve the property 

The cosmetic appearance of your home is vital. While the place may look okay to you, it could be designed and decorated very personally, which may not be attractive to prospective buyers. Ensure that your property is well-presented -  clean, declutter, and make any necessary repairs or improvements.  

Consider staging your home to make it more appealing to potential buyers by removing personal touches like family photographs and drawings. If the house is too personalised with unique and niche features, it may limit its appeal. A more neutral and universally appealing decor might be necessary, even if it isn’t necessarily to your taste.  

Market your Leeds property loud and proud 

Don’t be embarrassed to market loudly, and make sure your estate agents are being equally vocal. Utilise various marketing channels to increase exposure including online listings, social media, and traditional marketing methods.  

Professional-quality photographs and detailed property descriptions can make a significant difference, so ensure these are up to scratch and really show the delights of your property. Leverage local networks, such as community groups on social media, to spread the word about your property. Word of mouth and local connections can be powerful in attracting interested buyers who may be only a degree of separation away.  

Head to the auction house 

While you may want to sell your property in the traditional way, there are other ways to sell, such as auctions or private sales. These methods might attract different types of buyers who may not have come across your home on the open market. 

Auctions are a fairly helpful tool with a hard-to-sell property because they allow potential buyers to gauge wider interest, and will often make clear the development opportunities of a property.  

Change estate agents 

You may have had personal recommendations, or just felt really confident when you chose your estate agent. But they could be the problem. Consider changing to a different one if you're not satisfied with the current level of service or if you think a new agent might bring fresh perspectives and marketing strategies. As the face of the sale, their ability to sell is paramount, and if the property isn’t selling, they could be the reason. 

Consider working with a local estate agent who has experience in the Leeds market. They can provide valuable insights, market your property effectively, and assist with negotiations.  

Identify your home’s USPs (and put them front and centre) 

Unique selling points. They are the fundamentals of sales, and they cannot be overstated when it comes to selling a property. Emphasise the unique features and selling points of your property. Whether it is location, school districts, parks, amenities, public transport, or beautiful outdoor space; you need to show how special your place is. 

If you think something makes it attractive, chances are a potential buyer will too.  

Be flexible with important terms 

While you may be eager to sell, consider being flexible with terms such as the closing date, included furnishings, or negotiating on the price. Being open to negotiations can make your property more attractive to potential buyers and therefore get that sale across the line far quicker in the long run.  

Explore Government schemes 

There may be schemes out there that could help you in your pursuit to sell that you don’t even know about. Look into government schemes that support homebuyers. These schemes may incentivize buyers and make your property more attractive, especially for first-time buyers. If you know about them, you can advertise with them in mind because you will know what people are looking for.  

Be patient  

You may be desperate to sell, but unfortunately, it can take time. Selling a house can take a long old while, and the fluctuating property market can be influenced by various factors like the cost of living, economic instability, mass layoffs and political change. 

Patience is important, but consistently reviewing and adapting your approach will increase your chances of success. Keep the faith.  

How long should you wait before reducing house price?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long to wait before reducing your house price in Leeds. However, there are several factors that can guide you:

• Market Feedback (2-4 weeks): If you see minimal interest after a few weeks (showings or offers), consider a price adjustment.

• No Offers After Key Milestones (10 showings, 30 days): Some agents recommend re-evaluating after 10 showings or 30 days with low interest.

• Comparison to Similar Homes (Ongoing): Regularly compare your house to similar ones that sell. If yours lags, a price adjustment is likely necessary.

Beyond these timeframes, consult your estate agent. They can consider:

• Market Conditions (Always): A seller's market allows for more time, while a buyer's market might require quicker action.

• Initial Pricing Strategy (Upfront): If you priced high for negotiation, a bigger price drop might be needed sooner.

• Seasonal Fluctuations (Planning Ahead): If approaching a slow season, consider adjusting the price to attract buyers before activity dips.

Remember, reducing price is just one strategy. Your agent can also suggest improvements or marketing tweaks to attract buyers.

What happens if you can’t sell your Leeds property? 

We know how frustrating it can be when selling your home feels like pushing water uphill. How can you start planning for the future if something as important as your home is in the lurch? 

The Property Buying Company is a cash buyer, and while we are unable to offer you 100% market value for your home, we can offer a service that sells your home fast, free, and securely, something those looking to make a fast sale and move on may want to utilise.

We want to help take away the stress that selling your home can bring, simplifying the process and allowing you to relax - so you can work out where to start afresh, what happens going forward and how to get some cash in your pocket.  

Based in Leeds, we know the market well and we would love to chat about how we can help you sell that stubborn property you just can’t seem to shift.