The saying might go “the bigger, the better” – but does that apply to the UK housing market?

If you’re planning to sell a larger home, this is a question you’ll want the answer to before you start the (sometimes excruciating) house sale process.

Size alone won’t determine how easy or difficult it is to sell your home, but it’s not something to ignore. We’ll break down how large houses have fared in the UK market recently, before moving on to other factors that affect the speed of a big home sale.

By the end, you should be ready to build the best strategy for success possible…

Is A Bigger House Really Harder to Sell?

The data suggests that, as a general rule, fewer buyers are interested in bigger houses.

A recent report from Zoopla suggests three-bed terraced houses are the most popular choice among buyers.

Meanwhile, detached houses only make up 9% of buyer inquiries – despite representing 21% of all homes. Only one region in the UK had a preference for 4-bedroom houses (the East Midlands).

Plus, data from the UK Census shows that more UK households live in three-bedroom houses than homes of any other size. It stands to reason that a bigger home will be less popular on average.

Yes, you might find that one buyer who falls in love with a large home. But with family sizes smaller now than among the baby boomers’ generation and money tight for many, house size is not the primary worry of most people.

However, other factors influence how fast a house will sell. These include current trends, such as whether there’s a seller’s or buyer’s market, the economy, and even lifestyle factors.

For example, reports via This is Money suggested space was a top priority for buyers in 2021. It was a year when mortgage rates were low and people were spending more time at home during the pandemic, making buyers consider bigger houses – but the same phenomena aren’t always present.

Property Solvers’ own research also revealed that detached houses tend to take longer to sell relative to semi-detached and terraced properties.

You can see why it’s so difficult to make a steadfast rule about the impact of house size on the speed of a sale. Things have changed a lot over the last year or so – never mind what was happening last decade or trying to predict what will happen in the future.

Research Shows That Generally Speaking Bigger Houses Are Harder to Sell in the UK

What Makes a Bigger House Harder to Sell?

As we’ve covered already, the size of a property isn’t the only thing that determines whether you’ll be able to sell a house quickly.

But it’s not just market trends and macro conditions that matter. Certain features and qualities can lower the value of your property, making it undesirable for potential buyers – and the reverse also applies.

Here are some of the most common challenges when selling a big house.

1. Outdated Property Design

Outdated Property Design

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.

2. Poor Condition of the House

Poor Condition of the House

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.

3. The Mortgage Is Too Expensive

The Mortgage Is Too Expensive

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?

4. Property Location

Property Location

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.

5. Not Enough Kerb Appeal

Not Enough Kerb Appeal

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.

6. An Unrealistic Asking Price

An Unrealistic Asking Price

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.

7. Your Photographs Aren’t Good Enough

Your Photographs Aren’t Good Enough

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.

For a Quick Sale of a Larger House, You Don’t Have to Go it Alone

The bad news is that a big house often takes longer to sell (especially if you want to get the best price possible). On the bright side, there’s plenty you can do to boost your chances of a quicker sale. Some crucial factors include:

  • Carrying out all necessary repairs
  • Decluttering and having a good clean
  • Researching the price of similar large homes in your area
  • Ensuring you have good photos on your listing
  • Paying attention to the house’s kerb appeal

But sometimes, you just can’t find the right buyer. If your big house won’t sell, you may want to opt for an alternative path. A home-buying agency can be a practical approach.

At Property Solvers, we have over 20 years of experience in fast house sales properties like big houses. We complete sales in as little as 7 days with no estate agency, auction or legal fees. If that sounds like an option worth exploring, contact us today to find out more.