August 20, 2025

My home is on the market – now what?

Most sellers hope for quick results when their home goes on the market, but there are always steps you can take to make your property more appealing to buyers. Here are some practical tips to help speed up the process:

Keep your home tidy

A clean, clutter-free home always leaves a better impression. While it can be a challenge to keep everything looking perfect, especially at short notice, the effort will pay off when viewings happen unexpectedly.

Set clear viewing times

Work with your agent to agree on times when the property is available for viewings, and make sure they can access it easily. Homes that are convenient to view are far more likely to attract offers quickly.

Be ready for questions

Buyers often ask about bills, local planning permissions, or other practical details. Preparing a list of frequently asked questions will ensure your agent can provide answers promptly and confidently.

Prepare for every viewing

Create a simple checklist to run through before anyone arrives. Beds should be made, bathrooms neat, and towels folded. On darker days, switch on the lights to make the home feel warm and welcoming. Buyers want to see a property that feels both authentic and homely.

Decide in advance what offer you’ll accept

Knowing your minimum acceptable offer will speed up decision-making when the time comes. If more than one person is involved, make sure everyone agrees on the figure before viewings start.

Listen to feedback

Feedback after viewings can highlight changes that will help your property sell faster. Whether it’s decluttering a little more or refreshing a room with a coat of paint, small adjustments can make a big difference.

Start your own property search

If you’re planning to buy as well as sell, begin looking at homes straight away. This shows potential buyers that you’re serious about moving, making them more confident about committing to your property. Just keep in mind that you may miss out on a home you love if your own sale isn’t secured in time.

Get mortgage-ready

It’s never too early to prepare for your next purchase. Having your mortgage advice in place and your legal paperwork ready shows buyers that you’re organised and able to move quickly when the right offer comes along.

Stay in touch with your agent

Regular communication with your agent ensures you’re always up to date. A quick review every couple of weeks helps you understand what’s working, what isn’t, and what can be improved to help your property sell.

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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.