How to increase property viewings when selling your home

Putting your property on the market is an exciting step. The photos are taken, the floorplans are complete, and your home is ready to shine. But what if viewings aren’t coming in as quickly as expected? If your property isn’t attracting attention, it’s important to understand why and how you can turn things around.

Review Your Asking Price

One of the biggest barriers to generating viewings is an unrealistic asking price. Buyers today have access to vast amounts of data, making it easy to compare similar properties in your area. If your home is priced higher than comparable listings, it can put people off before they even book a viewing. A well-researched, competitive price will help attract more interest and could even encourage multiple offers. If you’re not seeing any enquiries, it may be time to revisit your valuation and adjust accordingly.

Choose the Right Estate Agent

Your choice of estate agent can make a huge difference to the number of viewings your property receives. A motivated, knowledgeable agent who knows the local market will actively promote your home to the right audience.

Look for an estate agent who:

Understands your target buyers

Markets properties beyond the online portals (social media, local advertising, mailing lists)

Provides feedback and recommendations for improving your listing

The right agent won’t just list your property; they’ll market it strategically to get more qualified buyers through the door.

Improve Presentation and Kerb Appeal

First impressions matter. A cluttered or tired-looking property can turn buyers away, even before they’ve stepped inside. Both the interior and exterior of your property should showcase the lifestyle buyers aspire to. Kerb appeal is particularly important, as many buyers will decide whether to book a viewing based on how the property looks from the outside.

Simple improvements can go a long way:

Declutter and depersonalise, while still keeping the space homely

Carry out any overdue maintenance jobs

Refresh paintwork where needed

Style empty properties with furniture to help buyers imagine living there

Tidy the garden, mow the lawn, and repaint doors or fences

Understand Your Target Buyer

Not all properties appeal to the same audience. Tailoring your marketing to the right type of buyer can increase viewing numbers. For example, a family home might highlight nearby schools and transport links, while an investment property could emphasise rental potential. Consider what makes your home unique and make sure these features are clearly communicated in your property listing.

Invest in Professional Photography

Most buyers start their property search online, which makes high-quality photography essential. Listings with sharp, well-lit, and varied images consistently attract more clicks and more enquiries. Professional photography is often worth the investment, as it helps your property stand out in a competitive marketplace.

Monitor Viewing Levels and Take Action

So, how many viewings should you expect? In most cases, sellers should see a surge of interest within the first two weeks. If fewer than 8–10 people have viewed your property within the first month, it may be time to take action.

Possible next steps include:

Adjusting the asking price

Refreshing photography or marketing materials

Updating the property description

Asking your agent to increase promotion

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Today marked a historic moment as King Charles III delivered his first speech, outlining the government’s priorities for the upcoming year. Among the key announcements were significant reforms impacting the rental and property sectors. Let’s delve into the three major takeaways that should be on every letting agent and landlord’s radar.

 Renters (Reform) Bill: A Balancing Act

The speech reiterated the government’s commitment to the Renters (Reform) Bill, signalling a renewed focus on the rights of tenants and the concerns of landlords. A notable highlight is the pledge to abolish Section 21, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” a commitment that has been in the spotlight since the Queen’s Speech in 2019.

However, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain. The King’s Speech provided no further clarity on the criteria and deadlines for the significant court process reforms required before Section 21 can be abolished. Letting agents and landlords should stay vigilant for updates, as these changes will reshape the dynamics of the rental market.

Leasehold Bill: A Path to Fairness

King Charles III emphasised the government’s dedication to making homeownership more accessible by introducing a Leasehold Bill. The proposed reforms aim to streamline the process of buying the leasehold of a property and alleviate the burden of “punitive” service charges.

Estate agents need to monitor the legislative landscape, anticipating reforms such as simplified procedures for leaseholders to purchase the freehold or extend their leasehold. The introduction of a cap on ground rent at 0.1% of the freehold value could transform the leasehold market, while changes to ownership requirements may lead to a future where all houses are sold as freehold.

Net Zero and Energy Efficiency: A Green Commitment

The government’s unwavering commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2025 is a pledge with broad implications, including significant changes in the property sector. King Charles III expressed the government’s desire to “safeguard energy independence” and invest in renewable energy sources.

For landlords and homeowners, the initial requirement to upgrade properties to an EPC C rating by 2025 on new tenancies, and 2028 for all tenancies, faced a revision in September 2023. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the relaxation of these targets, relieving landlords and homeowners from the original deadlines. However, the commitment to energy efficiency and the transition to renewable sources remains a focal point in the government’s agenda.

As we navigate through this new era under King Charles III, the landscape of the property market is set to undergo significant transformations. Letting agents and landlords must stay informed and adapt to these changes to ensure a smooth transition into a more tenant-friendly, fair, and sustainable future.

 

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