Are Bigger Houses
Harder to Sell?

It may sound trivial, but outdated design elements can make a property hard to sell. It’s not just a house’s outside appearance that matters – its insides can also have a huge impact.

Fixtures like door handles, window treatments, and light all play a role in a property’s marketability. For example, an old-fashioned house can be a turn-off for potential buyers.

They may be easily fixable, but spending extra money upgrading a house is a major upfront investment that many buyers can’t afford without ending up “house poor.”

Big houses are easier to sell if they’re updated before selling.

It’s no use having a house full of fancy designs if it’s in terrible condition.

Rusty appliances, shabby storage spaces, and unattractive landscaping are just three details that will make many buyers hesitate about making you an offer.

Torn or threadbare carpets, cracked tiles, broken door knobs, and holes in walls are further indications.

Again, most buyers don’t want to spend a lot of money on having to maintain larger houses or face other hidden costs. For most, a nice but smaller house with no repairs needed is far more attractive.

Keeping your property in tip-top shape will help put their minds at rest and boost your chances of selling your house quickly and for the best possible price.

Bigger square footage tends to mean a bigger price tag – something not all buyers can afford.

And since a lot of buyers need to take out mortgages to purchase a property, it’s not just the house price that matters here – it’s also the interest rates.

Higher rates from mortgage lenders may make potential buyers shy away from larger homes. Most buyers prefer a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) below 36% – when rates are high, that could mean choosing a modest property over the luxury market.

Plus, the mortgage payment is just one piece of the financial puzzle. Bigger houses also come with other expenses, such as higher energy costs and council tax payments. As a result, more buyers will ask themselves: Is the cost really worth it for a three-car garage and an extra spare bedroom or two?

Even if your house is perfectly maintained, an unfortunate location can stop it from selling quickly.

If your house is located in a desirable area with few competing properties, it may benefit from a value boost. Good nearby amenities and neighbourhood appeal also help.

On the other hand, if there are several other big houses with similar prices nearby, you may face a tougher time in the selling process. It’s also likely to be harder to sell a bigger home located in an unwelcoming neighbourhood with inadequate amenities or high crime rates.

You’ll also need to keep the specific demographics of your location in mind. Some places attract more people who can afford to purchase big houses. If you’re unsure how your area fares, consult an estate agent.

When it comes to a property’s value, first impressions count – especially for the types of buyers looking for their dream home. This is why kerb appeal (the attractiveness of a house from the street) is so important.

If you want to make a quick sale, presentation matters An unkempt exterior will put off many potential buyers.

It’s a good idea to make minor cosmetic improvements to keep your entire house looking sharp, such as repainting your doors and touching up the front garden.

All house sellers want to make as much money as possible when putting their property on the market. Yet while a high asking price might give you a buffer in the negotiation stage, it’s likely to slow down the house sale.

Most buyers are savvy enough to compare house prices of similar properties. If you choose an unrealistic number, your property will likely take longer to sell (or not sell at all).

So, how can you determine your property’s “true” value? Do your research. Check the prices of similar-sized properties in your area on property websites, and choose a number that’s more or less average. An estate agent may also help you choose the right number.

If there’s one thing preventing you from selling your house that you have direct control over, it’s the quality of the pictures on your listing. This is your chance to make your property stand out!

While an estate agent will generally arrange photography on your behalf, you should still ensure the photographer does a good job.

Getting the perfect lighting for photos can be tough in the drab UK weather. The best time to take pictures is usually in the evening, between 3 pm and 5 pm, since this is when there’s the most natural light.

Never use special effects or filters – savvy house hunters will notice and view your listing with suspicion.