Desperate to sell house but area very rough

Yorkshirekel

looking for pearls of wisdom from anyone who might have any ideas.....

I’m trying to sell my house in an area that has gradually been declining for a number of years. I thought I’d had a break through when I got an offer a couple of weeks ago, that I of course accepted - even though it was 7k below asking price. I’ve had the devastating news today that they’ve done some research on the area (crime maps, driving round later at night etc) and they’re worried so they’ve pulled out. I’d had an offer accepted on somewhere and had my mortgage offer sent today but they’ve now put it back on market as I am now ‘un-procedable’.

To say I’m heartbroken doesn’t even come close. I know it’s always a volatile time when you’re buying and selling housing and any number of things can go wrong; I’m just worried sick that this is going to keep happening.

I’ve been taking steps to try and improve the situation (anti-social behaviour, drugs etc) by putting pressure on councillors, police and anyone that will listen. Have also been making regular calls to police to get people moved away from area, that I now feel has come to bite me in the backsid because more reports have been logged in the area. I can’t just sit back and do nothing though.

I’ve considered cutting my losses and taking an offer way below market value but obviously this impacts my onward purchase. Feeling like all hopes lost at the moment and trapped in a hell hole with no way out.

Looking for inspiration from anyone that has any!

buglawton

Can't offer any real inspiration but book an appointment with your local MP to discuss the cuts in policing and social services expenditure that are leading to some borderline localities declining fast.

worried_jim

Location, location, location.

TBagpuss

You talk about accepting an offer 'below market value' but it sounds as though you may, unfortunately, be in a situation where 'market value' is less than it would otherwise be because of the location.

Is taking it off the market and not logging any further reports, for a few months, an option? You'd still have to declare any disputes but with any luck they'll be less recent.

Yorkshirekel

Yep tried that - everyone has slopey shoulders and passes the buck.

Yorkshirekel

I meant below what it had been valued for - I went for middle of three valuations because I know it’s all about where the house is. I’m told by estate agent that nobody has quibbled over price, it’s mainly about the area.

I can’t really stop making reports though because the main problem is large groups of youths congregating - anyone doing a reccy of the area will see it. Completely stuck between a rock and a hard post here.

teddysmum

Have you approached the council to invite them to make an offer ?

Yorkshirekel

I did think about that and looked on council website but the information was patchy at best - but thanks for the reminder - think it’s worth pursuing :-) do you have any tips?

agrinnall

Pretty much anywhere will sell at auction as long as your expectations aren't too high.

SG27

Yorkshirekel wrote: »

I meant below what it had been valued for - I went for middle of three valuations because I know it’s all about where the house is. I’m told by estate agent that nobody has quibbled over price, it’s mainly about the area.

I can’t really stop making reports though because the main problem is large groups of youths congregating - anyone doing a reccy of the area will see it. Completely stuck between a rock and a hard post here.

The middle of 3 EA valuations is likely to be too high. I did the same went for the middle one. Ended selling £16k lower than the lowest one!

Crashy_Time

It is worth what someone will pay. People from rough(er) areas, or from your area itself might not be too bothered about "youths congregating" (what else are they supposed to do?) If youths are smashing their way into your house and you are doing a Dustin Hoffman with pans of water then it might be time to move without selling, but for now it is probably a safe bet that someone will buy it, at the right price.