Selling Archives | Williams Of Petersfield

Considering Your Next Move In The Housing Market

Posted on October 7, 2022October 22, 2022 by colin_williams

If you are evaluating your finances, and your next move in the housing market, you aren’t not alone. Given the current circumstances, it is no surprise many people seek advice on what to do for the best.

Many people are concerned about rising interest rates

A study by property experts, Property Rescue, spoke to 1,000 UK-based homeowners. Unsurprisingly, the findings showed homeowners are anxious about what is happening in the economy, but more than half are also either angry (28%) or depressed (24%) about the rising prices.

The study showed 21% of property owners are so concerned about their finances, that they might have to sell their home because of increasing mortgage interest rates.

Property Rescue spokesperson, Andrew Landers, comments: “It’s no secret that the UK is currently in the midst of a unique set of financial circumstances. With interest rates and inflation on the up, and the combined impact of the energy and cost of living crises, the UK’s homeowners are under a huge amount of pressure. And sadly, for some, it will inevitably result in the loss of their property. When this happens, the ability to sell your house fast, through a reputable sales management company, can make an enormous difference. Helping homeowners to realise the potential of their property swiftly, alleviating financial strains immediately, without the standard lengthy negotiation period. With the Bank of England predicting a likely recession in early 2023, it may be some time before the UK’s homeowners can contemplate a brighter outlook.”

Steps to sell your home

If you are looking to sell your home, please follow these steps:

Get an appraisal.

The first step in selling your home is to get an appraisal. This will give you an idea of how much your home is worth and help you set a realistic asking price. You can find a qualified appraiser by contacting your local real estate board or searching online.

Prepare your home for sale.

Once you have an idea of how much your home is worth, it’s time to start preparing it for sale. This includes making any necessary repairs or cosmetic upgrades, such as painting, staging, and deep cleaning. You want your home to be in the best possible condition when buyers come to see it.

Find a real estate agent.

If you’re not sure how to go about selling your home, you may want to consider working with a real estate agent. A good agent will be familiar with the local market and can help you market your home effectively and negotiate with buyers on your behalf.

Advertise your home.

Once your home is ready for sale, it’s time to start advertising it to potential buyers. There are a number of ways to do this, including online listings, yard signs, and open houses. You’ll want to make sure that potential buyers are aware of your home and its unique features.

Negotiate with buyers.

Once you receive an offer on your home, it’s time to negotiate with the buyer. This can be a tricky process, but a good real estate agent will be able to help you through it. You’ll want to consider things like price, contingencies, and timing when negotiating with buyers

We are happy to help you at every point of the process.

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to support the Petersfield community as much as we can, and we know this is an extremely trying time. A lot of people are looking for support and guidance, and if you have any property or housing related questions, we are more than happy to assist you, so contact us today.

New Rightmove Study Highlights Current Selling Points In Homes

Posted on September 9, 2022October 22, 2022 by colin_williams

Whether you are buying or selling property, key selling points are crucial. These are the factors which make a difference in so many property transactions, and when Rightmove lists the crucial elements in present-day property transactions, we listen.

Garden offices are a big factor these days and are listen eleven times more commonly than they were a decade ago. Bi-fold doors have also seen a significant rise in listings, up by 589% on ten years. Orangeries have increased by 173% and underfloor heating has risen by 114%.

The number of summer houses listed has risen while greenhouses have fallen.

What do the experts say?

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s Property Expert, says: “Agents and developers have their finger on the pulse when it comes to the home features that will attract suitable buyers. Where dining rooms and fitted wardrobes may not be as important to some potential buyers compared with ten years ago, other features like an outdoor office space have soared as working patterns have changed, and the findings indicate a move towards greener features too. With outside space coming at such a premium, it may be that homeowners are ensuring what they build outside can be used in a number of different ways. For example, summer houses and orangeries are likely to have fewer or smaller windows than conservatories, and so can more suitably double up as home offices during the week and entertaining spaces at the weekend.”

Steve Rule, Group Design and Technical Director at Cala Homes, says: “Over the last couple of years there has been a real shift in what home-hunters are looking for. Buyers are considering in much more detail what they really want and need from their home, and truly optimising their space, especially as many are spending more time there through home or hybrid working. From a sustainability point of view, smart home tech has become very important. Underfloor heating is becoming more popular, both for environmental reasons and for the improved aesthetic it offers. We’re also rolling out various energy-saving measures in our homes which have risen up the agenda for our buyers – from air source heat pumps and EV charging points to water-saving fittings and PV/solar panels.”

Adrienne Minster, CEO of Rated People, comments: “Homeowners want to reduce their impact on the planet and cut the cost of bills by making their homes more environmentally friendly – in fact, the number one reason for making eco improvements is to lower their bills. So, with the rising cost of living and increasing awareness of the importance of living sustainably, it’s no surprise to see that more homeowners are choosing to make greener swaps and invest in the likes of underfloor heating.”

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

Selling Your Petersfield Home In Summer of 2022

Posted on August 19, 2022October 22, 2022 by colin_williams

Right now, as the weather warms up and the days get longer, many homeowners are thinking about selling their Petersfield home. Selling in the summer can be a great way to take advantage of peak market demand, and with the help of a good real estate agent, you can make sure that your home sells quickly and for a fair price. Here are some tips for selling your English home in the summer.

We are here to offer guidance in selling your home

Are you one of the many homeowners who is looking to sell your Petersfield home in the summer of 2022? If so, you’re in luck! Selling your home during this time period can be very advantageous, thanks to the influx of buyers who come out during the summer months. However, making sure that your house sells quickly and for a good price takes some effort – here are five tips that will help you do just that.

1) Keep Things Clean And Tidy: It’s important to make a good first impression on potential buyers, so keeping your house clean and tidy is essential. Get rid of any clutter and put away personal belongings so that buyers can visualize themselves living in your space.

2) Stage Your Home: Staging your home is another great way to make it look more appealing to buyers. Use furniture and decor items to create an inviting space that showcases your home’s best features.

3) Price Your Home Strategically: It’s important to price your home correctly if you want it to sell quickly – setting it too high or too low could end up hurting your chances. Speak with a real estate agent to get an accurate idea of what pricing would be ideal for your property.

4) Take Advantage Of The Weather: One major advantage of selling in the summer is that more people are out looking for houses at this time of year. Make sure that your house is prominently featured on websites like Right Move and Zoopla, as well as being included in local newspapers and magazines.

5) Use A Good Real Estate Agent: Finally, using a good real estate agent is essential when selling your English home – they’ll be able to give you honest advice about how best to proceed with putting your property on the market. Choose someone who has experience dealing with sales in England during the summer months!

Rely on local estate agents

We are more than happy to be the agent you trust, and we know the Petersfield market extremely well. We aim to provide you with the best level of guidance and support you need to achieve housing market success in the summer of 2022.

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

Sellers Holding Firm In Housing Market

Posted on August 12, 2022October 22, 2022 by colin_williams

With high demand for homes, it is fair to say many properties are selling quickly, and at a good price for the vendor. As buyers know they have significant competition in the market, they’ll often move quickly, and with a significant offer.

However, what of the homes that aren’t selling quickly? A study by Homesearch finds 52% of property which has been on the market for a minimum of 10 weeks haven’t been reduced in price. If vendors know the value and worth of their home, and are confident they’ll achieve this, it makes sense for them to hold firm while they can.

We help you in the local housing market

Sam Hunter, chief operating officer for Homesearch, says: “Despite recent speculation that the housing sector would slow as a result of rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, our data shows that the market remains buoyant and sellers are confident of securing the highest possible price. The agents we speak to are reporting that many homes are still being agreed at, or above, asking price, well within the first few weeks of going on sale. This is largely due to the ongoing lack of supply which is keeping prices strong, though the desperate need to move appears to have left the market.”

Sam Hunter continued by saying; “Prices are more sensitive now than they have been over the last two years. A more balanced market is great news for the high-performing agents out there. If, as an agent, you’ve had a property for sale for over 10 weeks and not had a conversation about price then you are at risk of losing these instructions to competitor agents who do broach the subject.”

How are house prices in Petersfield faring?

According to Rightmove, as of the end of July 2022, the Petersfield housing market can be described as follows;

“Properties in Petersfield had an overall average price of £423,472 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Petersfield during the last year were flats, selling for an average price of £249,290. Terraced properties sold for an average of £411,998, with detached properties fetching £672,790.

Overall, sold prices in Petersfield over the last year were 15% down on the previous year and 5% down on the 2019 peak of £445,153.”

On paper, the drop in house prices in Petersfield over the past year might sound alarming, but this isn’t the case. There are many reasons for significant movements in the housing market, and as we all know, the last few years have been far from typical when it comes to buyer behaviour.

The current market in Petersfield is in excellent shape, and there is significant demand for homes in the local area. If you are looking to buy or sell, rest assured we are more than happy to help you achieve your goal in the Petersfield property market.

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

How To Price Your English Home For Sale In 2022

Posted on August 5, 2022October 22, 2022 by colin_williams

As a homeowner in England, you may be wondering how to price your home for sale in 2022. You want to ensure that you get the best price possible, but you don’t want to undersell yourself, either. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to price your English home correctly and maximize your profits. Keep reading for more information!

How to price your home for sale in a buyers’ market

Buyers need to know how to price their home in a way that helps them connect with home buyers looking for houses. There is significant demand for homes in and around Petersfield, which is great news for vendors, but it doesn’t mean they can afford to be complacent when it comes to connecting with these buyers.

In the housing market, it’s all about price. You need to be competitive with your pricing in order to attract the attention of buyers who are looking for a great deal. However, you also don’t want to price your home too low and leave money on the table. The key is to find the right balance that will help you connect with the right buyer.

The housing market in Petersfield is very strong right now, with high demand for properties. This is great news for sellers, but it means that you need to be strategic with your pricing. If you price your home too low, you may miss out on potential buyers who are willing to pay more. On the other hand, if you price your home too high, you may have a harder time connecting with buyers who are looking for a great deal. The key is to find the right balance that will help you connect with the right buyer.

If you’re not sure how to price your home for sale in a buyers’ market, it’s best to consult with a real estate agent who can help you assess the current market conditions and come up with a competitive price that will attract the right buyers.

Factors to consider when setting your asking price

The housing market is always changing, and it can be difficult to know how to price your home. There are a few key factors to consider when setting an asking price. First, look at the overall housing market in your area. Is there high demand for properties? Are there more buyers than sellers? This will give you an idea of how much negotiating power you have. Next, take a look at the condition of your home. Is it in need of repair? Are there any major problems that will need to be fixed before selling? If so, this will impact the asking price.

Finally, consider the number of bedrooms and local facilities. If your home has more bedrooms than average or is located near popular amenities, you can set a higher asking price. By taking all of these factors into account, you can come up with a realistic asking price for your home.

Contact Williams of Petersfield for all your 2022 housing market needs

Will Feng Shui Help You Sell Your Home?

Posted on August 24, 2021 by colin_williams

When it comes to selling your home, it is natural to do whatever it takes to connect with buyers. At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we help homeowners present their house in a way that enhances its look, and makes it easier for buyers to connect with the property.

In recent times, there has been a focus on ways for homeowners to steal an edge in the market, and for some, Feng Shui has been mentioned!

What is Feng Shui?

1. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice of arranging your home to promote good luck and abundance

2. It was originally used in homes, but can be applied to other places like offices or even cars

3. The goal of Feng Shui is to create a space that promotes happiness, health, and prosperity for its inhabitants

4. There are 3 main principles behind Feng Shui – Chi (energy), Yin Yang (opposites) and Ba gua (8 trigrams)

5. The way you arrange furniture in your living room should take into account these three principles so it’s balanced with the outside world

6. For example, a couch on one side of the room against a wall will block chi from flowing freely through the front door

Are you ready to change the look and layout of your home?

Research carried out by Manor Interiors suggest that 86% of property buyers said the initial layout and design of a property is important to them. Other findings include:

70% of respondents said this influenced their most recent property purchase.
38% of respondents said they made further changes to their new home as soon as they moved in.
72% of respondents said they paid more for their home because they liked the design and layout.
On current market values, Manor Interiors believes a Feng Shui premium could add as much as £19,743 to a property value, based on the current average value being £256,405.
They also believe a negative Feng Shui state could reduce the property value by as much as £25,641
Manor Interiors state the difference between good Feng Shui and bad Feng Shui in a home as being as much as £45,384

Separate analysis from the International Journal of Housing Market and Analysis states positive Feng Shui could add as much as 7.7% value to a home, while poor Feng Shui could lower property value by 10%.

Farhan Malik, CEO of Manor Interiors, commented: “While you may or may not be completely convinced by Feng Shui, there’s no doubt that many of us will relate to the core principle of perfecting the design and layout of our home if only to suit our own personal tastes. Doing so can transform how we think and feel about our home and so it can certainly make for a happier home life and a greater appreciation for our property. It’s also understandable that this plays a role when looking to buy, both in terms of the homes we opt for and the price we’re willing to pay and research shows that positive Feng Shui really can have a substantial impact on property market values.”

Farhan Malik also said; “Whether you buy into it or not, it’s a particular focus of many housebuilders who market new build developments to foreign buyers where Feng Shui is deep-rooted within the culture of their native country. When furnishing these developments, we often have to consider how the furniture and layout of an apartment or house will not only impact the Feng Shui but also how we can maximise positive energy to increase appeal once it does go up for sale or let.”

Asking Prices Are Rising

Posted on June 10, 2021June 15, 2021 by colin_williams

At Williams of Petersfield, we aim to keep you informed with every important aspect of the housing market. This is something we are proud of, and if you have any questions, please get in touch.

We appreciate it has been a challenging time in the property market, and it has never been more important to make informed decisions. We are here to ensure you make informed decisions at all times.

Do you know how the Petersfield housing market is performing?

As of June 2021, Rightmove describes the Petersfield housing market as such;

“Properties in Petersfield had an overall average price of £466,239 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Petersfield during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £649,979. Terraced properties sold for an average of £368,139, with semi-detached properties fetching £465,688.

Overall, sold prices in Petersfield over the last year were 5% up on the previous year and 7% up on the 2018 peak of £436,809.”

These prices are interesting, as is information which states asking prices have risen.

In the latest research published by Rightmove, asking prices have risen by close to £6,000 a month (on average) in the space of a month.

We are here to assist you make a move

Some of the key headlines from the data include:

There has been an increase of £5,767 in the average seller asking price
This represents a month-on-month increase of 1.8%
The May 2021 average asking price was £333,365, which is a new record
The April 2021 average asking price was £327,797
There is a growing supply-demand imbalance across the country, and in some areas, this has led to a double-digit price increase
Some of the areas with a double-digit increase include Wales with a 13% rise, the North West, with an increase of 11.1% and Yorkshire and the Humber, which rose by 10.5%
In London, the average rate of price increase since pre-lockdown is 0.2%
On average, London property prices are 2.9 times higher than in the northern areas of Great Britain

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property data, commented: “Last year’s unexpected mini-boom is rolling on into 2021, with new price and market activity records again defying many predictions. Buyer affordability is increasingly stretched, but there’s obviously some elasticity left to stretch a bit more as many buyers are squeezing their way into higher price bands. This high demand, with both willingness and ability to pay more, has pushed the average price of property coming to market to a new all-time high of a third of a million pounds. In another twist, it is the regions of Britain further north that are leading the way, with some degree of catching up between average prices in London and the north.”

Tim Bannister continued by saying; “While the gap remains very large, with average prices in London still 2.9 times higher than those in the north, this ratio is now at its smallest since 2013. The pandemic has given a greater focus on the home, and in 2020 we saw a surge in southern coastal and rural areas. So far 2021 is proving to be the year of the northern mover, not only satisfying their pent-up housing needs, but in doing so also narrowing some of the huge price gap with London.”

Tim Bannister also said; “Family homes with three bedrooms or more are like gold dust in many areas of the country, especially in parts of the north. For example, compared to the same period in 2019 agents in the North East have 59% less available stock for sale in the ‘second-stepper’ sector made up predominantly of three-bedroom homes, while Scotland is 65% down in the “top of the ladder” four bedroom or more sector. In contrast, London’s available stock is down 20% and 24% respectively in these sectors, so while supply is still limited it is more closely matched to demand.”

Research undertaken by Rightmove amongst people looking to sell their home in the next month found an average of 84% of people in the north are keen to move locally, while only 52% of prospective London movers want to move locally.

Tim Bannister concluded by saying; “Another important factor driving the higher demand and quicker average time to sell in the north is that more of their sellers are intending to buy and stay local, whereas many Londoners are looking to move out. The pandemic has changed many aspects of what people want from their homes, and the pricing pendulum is swinging away from London towards the north.”

Know What House Buyers Need In 2021

Posted on February 15, 2021 by colin_williams

If you are looking to sell your home, it is always helpful to know what buyers are looking for. With this knowledge, you can position your home in the most effective manner, boosting the chances of selling your home.

At Williams of Petersfield, we are pleased to say we have helped many local vendors connect with buyers. We know the local market well, and we look to bring people together.

Through our knowledge of the local market, and our studies of what is happening across the market, we are here to help you know what house buyers need in 2021.

White Goods and Existing Heating Systems

The boiler and heating system is one of the most important factors that buyers consider. You can improve your chances of connecting with buyers by:

Having your boiler reviewed by an expert to determine its condition before listing your home
If it is in your budget, upgrade the boiler or at least carry out improvements
Make sure you have sufficient boiler insurance coverage in place

David Holmes is the founder of the Boiler Guide, and he believes people aren’t doing the right sort of searches when looking for a new or better boiler. Digital searches have given people more options, but this might not be the best way to find the ideal solution.

David Holmes said; “Like many other services, it really is worth putting in the time and effort to explore your options for such an important investment and in many cases, you could save hundreds of pounds simply by spending another five minutes on the phone.”

He also said; “We expect the residential heating market to become even more competitive in the next few years as both existing and emerging brands are investing in renewable alternatives such as air source heat pumps and hydrogen-ready gas boilers.”

White goods are also important if you are including them in the sale.

Some steps you can take include:

Investing in new kitchen appliances
Making sure you know which sort of appliance is best for the most likely buyer in your home
Have all existing appliances reviewed and if repairs must be carried out, do so
Consider the energy efficiency of your appliances

The Energy Efficiency Rating is crucial when selling a home

You will likely know the importance of energy efficiency, and how vital it is for vendors and buyers.

Money Super Market provides the following tips on improving the energy efficiency rating of your home:

Insulate your loft – This could save between £120 and £225 a year according to the Energy Saving Trust
Poorly insulated roofs and walls can be a major cause of energy wastage. But with decent loft insulation, you could save between £120 and £225 a year, depending on the type of property you have and where you live, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Hang thick curtains and insulate your doors
Install an energy monitor to review your energy consumption
Use a water-saving showerhead
Install double glazing
Consider solar panels
Insulate your cavity walls – According to the Energy Savings Trust, this could save between £70 and £255 a year

How Long Will Housing Market Frenzy Last?

Posted on January 18, 2021 by colin_williams

It is fair to say the end of year activity for the housing market was frantic. With the stamp duty holiday deadline looming, many people were keen to buy property before the end of the year, in the hope of enjoying the significant saving on offer.

At Williams of Petersfield, we have seen this heightened demand for ourselves in the local area. We’ve also stayed in touch with what the leading property portals are saying about the market.

Rightmove tips market activity to remain high for now

Rightmove predicts a 4% average house price growth in 2021 across the UK. The leading property portals states that in December 2020, sales were 53% higher than they were in December 2019. This is the case, even though many deals taking place at the time will not conclude before the stamp duty holiday ends.

Tim Bannister is the Rightmove’s Director of Property Data, and he said; “Our 2021 forecast of a 4.0 per cent price rise is more conservative than the unsustainable 6.6 per cent national average seen this year. There’s likely to be a lull in quarter two unless the stamp duty holiday is extended, but for many buyers its removal will not be make or break, though may lead them to reduce their offers to a degree to compensate for the higher tax, and indeed many sellers may be prepared to help to mitigate their buyer’s financial loss.”

Tim Bannister continued by saying; “First-time buyers will remain largely exempt, so in most cases will be no worse off. The maximum savings of £2,450 in Wales or £2,100 in Scotland are considerably less decisive than the £15,000 available in England for a house costing £500,000 or more, which does however only apply to a small part of the market.”

In November 2020, Rightmove said there were 650,000 sales agreed and in the pipeline. In December 2020, Rightmove states that there were still 650,000 sales agreed, and in the pipeline.

While the property portal believes there were around 130,000 completed or abandoned deals in this time, there was an additional 130,000 sales added. Therefore, moving one month closer to the deadline, there was no fall in the number of sales in the pipeline.

There will likely be a slowdown in the market

Rightmove expects the second quarter of 2021 will be slower. However, there is hope that affordable mortgage rates will allow for modest price growth.

“Pandemic-related uncertainties have been around for nearly a year, and Brexit uncertainties for far longer, and record activity month after month has proved that movers are willing and able to act on their new or existing housing priorities” says Rightmove.

The property portal says demand has significantly exceeded supply in 2020. The number of properties placed onto the market for the year to early December 2020 was down by 0.6% compared to the 2019 figures.

However, the number of agreed sales rose by 8.3%. This means the number of available properties for sale in the UK is at a low level, a record-breaking low level.

Will Help Turn Tenants Into Buyers?

Posted on November 16, 2020 by colin_williams

The stamp duty holiday scheme has been of significant help to many people in the housing market, but not first-time buyers. Many FTBs have felt overlooked in the property market, but at their recent party conference, the Conservative Party have claimed they will usher in new assistance for first-time buyers.

Boris Johnson announced plans for a new scheme to help people arrange long-term fixed rate mortgages for up to 95% of their home’s value.

What help might be on offer?

Zoopla have classed the key points from the Prime Minister’s speech at the Conservative Party Conference as:

The Prime Minister has promised to increase the availability of mortgages for buyers with small deposits
The government believes it will enable an additional two million people to buy a property
Johnson said it would represent the biggest expansion of homeownership since the 1980s

Mark Hayward, Chief Executive of NAEA Propertymark, comments: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s comments today which shows a positive change in tone by promoting a generation of renters to become a generation of buyers. We encourage lenders to come on board and support this initiative to enable first time buyers to enter the property market by future proofing the financial burden many face. We want to see intent become action quickly so that first time buyers can make the most of the current stamp duty holiday and continue to stimulate the housing market.”

Industry experts have their say

Craig McKinlay, New Business Director at Kensington Mortgages, comments: “The ‘Generation Buy’ scheme will be, in effect, a replacement for Help to Buy. Only a few lenders are dipping in and out of the high LTV market at present with ‘flash sales’ due to sheer demand – so this should reassure some lenders to enter more permanently and support first-time buyers.”

Craig also said; “However, for others, the scheme could lead to further capacity issues for those being selective with their offering to manage demand. On the whole though, like the introduction of Help to Buy in 2013 helped boost confidence and ease lenders back into the small deposit market, we hope this scheme will do the same.”

James Forrester, Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, comments: “Today’s (6th October) announcement will no doubt excite a nation of aspirational homebuyers who have already been sent into a frenzy over the prospect of paying no stamp duty. However, for Boris Johnson to claim this will help fix our broken housing market is not only laughable but quite frankly an insult to those who find themselves priced out of homeownership. The cause of the dire situation we find ourselves in is the Government’s sustained failure to build enough affordable housing year in, year out.”

James also said; “The inadequate supply of housing to meet demand is one of the driving factors that has caused house prices to spiral and to continue to mask this failure by further fuelling demand is irresponsible. Instead, their time would be better spent reallocating wrongly classified green belt land so it can be utilised for housing and preventing the big housebuilders from drip-feeding housing supply in order to keep their profits up.”

Manage Stress When Selling Your Home

Posted on October 2, 2020October 2, 2020 by colin_williams

The stamp duty holiday has encouraged many buyers and vendors to be active in the market. The chance to save a considerable sum of money is enticing for many people, but it should be noted that moving home is a stressful and costly activity.

At Williams of Petersfield, we do everything we can to minimise the stress associated with moving house. We are pleased to say we have helped many local vendors in Petersfield make their next move.

Many buyers and vendors find moving stressful

A survey undertaken by Zoopla, which was answered by more than 2,600 buyers, suggests many buyers find the property purchase an emotional and stressful activity.

62% of respondents said they found previous property moves more stressful than they had expected.

One of the biggest challenges in moving home is the property chain. 18% of respondents said they lost or came close to losing their property purchase because of issues with the chain. Only 11% of respondents said the buying process, when involved with a chain, ran smoothly.

34% of respondents aimed to develop a personal connection with the buyers. This step was taken to enhance the chances of the move running smoothly.

Financial issues are problematic in property deals

Close to 40% of respondents said their most recent property move cost more than they had originally budgeted for. 29% of respondents cited additional costs which caused them difficulties during the move. Some of the additional costs listed were conveyancers and surveyors.

44% of respondents said unexpected costs added more than £500 to the cost of their house move. 30% of respondents said they paid more than an extra £1,000 when moving and 15% of house movers said they had to shell out over £1,500.

Staging your home is important

When it comes to vendors regret, 53% of homeowners said they believed they’d have sold their home for a higher price if they staged their home. However, 31% of respondents said they didn’t have the budget to afford to improve their home at this time.

The importance of staging property was reiterated by 84% of respondents who said this activity is worthwhile.

Decluttering your home is also vital, with 52% of respondents wishing they did more in preparation for their move. 28% of respondents said they were too nostalgic when getting ready to sell their home. 20% of respondents said the process took far too long, which is an indicator many vendors underestimate the level of work associated with moving home.

Tom Parker is the Consumer Spokesperson at Zoopla and he said; “Moving home is one of the biggest investments we will ever make so it’s only natural the process inspires a wide range of emotions. Finding that balance between head and heart can often be the most difficult, and this is where agents have a crucial role to play in supporting home movers in their property journey. Agents will have experienced this process hundreds of times so can help not only with finding the right property but also making the purchasing or selling experience as seamless as possible.”