Issues selling flat - help!

EmmaYo · 24 March 2021 at 12:42PM

Hello,

I’ve seen posts where people offered feedback on a flat listings so wanted to post ours in hope someone could offer some useful insight.We have a 1 bed in West London that has been listed since January. We had a buyer after a few weeks but he was swayed elsewhere by another agent & price-drop. It was at that point we started realising our agent wasn’t as ‘on it’ as we initially thought, so switched at the end of our 8 week contract.

The agent we have now is great – really proactive, knows their stuff and most importantly, brought 10 viewers through our door in the first 3 weeks (double that of our last agent in half the time) Although the prospect of a second viewing does loom, things have however dried up over the last couple of weeks.

I can't post the listing link because of my newness but if you go onto Right Move, search 1-bed South Acton, we're 'Stanley Road' listed at £395k (Failing that hopefully I can post it within a reply) You’ll see it’s a 1-bed, good square footage, balcony (West facing) and a communal garden (for what it’s worth)

The only thing that stands against us is slightly is the view (you’ll see this on the video) although that hasn’t stopped 2 of our neighbours going under offer, both of whom were listed for more than us.

Perhaps it’s just a matter of time (although it has been almost 3 months) but if there’s something in the ad that is detracting people, or even not fully selling the place, we would love to know. For reference we have (as of this morning) switched some pictures around to see if that makes a difference, if you think there's a better lead image we would love to know.

Thanks for your help!

davidmcn · 24 March 2021 at 12:46PM

Here you go:
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/102782621#/

[Deleted User] · 24 March 2021 at 12:52PM

Here's another listing for a flat one floor up. EDIT- OP says this has sold:

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/96205328#/

EmmaYo · 24 March 2021 at 12:57PM

@Poster_586329 that's under offer, the agent they listed with doesn't mark their properties when they are... For reference they were listed for a while but declined offers (and didn't realise they needed an EWS1 form last summer so ran into issues there) So in summary, we know issues aren't born out of lack of overall interest in our building / location etc.

lozenlady · 24 March 2021 at 12:59PM

We are in the process of buying a flat in West London, and while your advert wouldn't put me off; it wouldn't encourage me either. The description seems limited and as a buyer I'd be keen to have a rough idea of lease length and service fees / ground rent to help me decided on which properties to view.

One of the other properties lists a bike store as a perk, might be something to include if it's a communal feature?

The other thing I have noticed is that certain estate agents don't put properties STC, so with yours listed as reduced in Oct 2020 on RM I would assume it falls into that category and I probably wouldn't enquire, but that's personal due to lots of wasted phone calls to estate agents.

davidmcn · 24 March 2021 at 1:06PM

Putting fourth floor somewhere in the blurb might be helpful (though I found it on the floor plan).
Why no details about the lease? I'd assume it's because they're too scary to disclose.
The video tour seems a bit wobbly and amateurish compared to others I've seen, though I suppose it gives you a fair idea of the flat.
Any proposals to build more flats nearby? I'd assume the stuff across the road would soon end up as a building site / another high rise block.

EmmaYo · 24 March 2021 at 1:07PM

@lozenlady you're looking at our neighbour's ad (we have been listed since Jan) but point taken about bike storage noted! As well as lease & service charge - thank you.

EmmaYo · 24 March 2021 at 1:19PM

@davidmcn - nothing to hide on the lease (it's about 200 years) so we'll get it added + 4th floor point - thanks. We've been here for 5 years and proposals have gone in to build on the land in front of us, but because the space is limited developers need to build high, and the height has always been an issue for the council. Unless someone buys the businesses occupying the rest of the space / bulldoze them, I think it'll stay as is

FTB_Help · 24 March 2021 at 1:33PM

Hi Emma

Just one tiny detail for me is to possibly get rid of that chair next to the tv, it makes the room look slightly cramped, so removing it will open the room up a little more.

If you do that right now and see if that makes a difference in your eyes

gwynlas · 24 March 2021 at 1:35PM

The flat appears to have been dressed for photos with the two coffee cups but there is still clutter with wine bottles and other things pushed into the corner. The upstairs flat shows better as dining/console table does not intrude and furniture minus throws make the space look larger, You want to present as a show home, less is more. You appear to have good storage with a number of cupboards and built in wardrobe which could be emphasised. Shops like Waitrose and open spaces like Gunnersbury Park should be mentionned as should the west facing balcony being ideal for drinks and al fresco dining in the sunset. Make sure that long lease and reasonable service charges are listed as well as building and grounds being well maintained. Remember you are selling your flat so write description and take photos you want, your agent is just an introducer and negotiator

Natbag · 24 March 2021 at 1:49PM

Is that a pet bowl in photo 3? If so, I would hide it and re-take. It's always best to hide any trace of a pet for photos and viewings, as not everyone likes them and the sight/smell/thought of hair and dirt or hidden damage can be off-putting. Agree with the other points about opening up the space the best you can, either remove a couple of things or have a play with the layout. I did this with my last living area and it really helped people to better see the space and potential for the room. Good luck!