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You’ve made the decision. It’s time to sell up and move on.
Obviously, you’ll want the best price for your property. But what happens when things are out of your control?
A recent survey by Churchill revealed that an untidy neighbouring property can wipe up to a whopping £43,000 off the sale price of your home.
Top turn-offs
Those cheeky gnomes that your neighbour finds amusing. Believe it or not, they can slash your sale price by around 28%. While piles of rubbish on your neighbour’s drive could trash your takings by up to 30% - that’s a lot of cash.
Here’s our list of the most common ways a neighbour’s property can scupper your sale price:
- Rubbish or junk in the front garden or drive (up to 30%)
- Rubbish or junk in the back garden (up to 29%)
- Excessive use of garden ornaments (up to 28%)
- Broken or boarded-up windows (up to 27%)
- Poorly executed extensions or DIY (up to 26%)
- Run-down or abandoned vehicles in the driveway (up to 26%)
- Overgrown gardens (up to 26%)
Talk to the neighbours
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the impact a neighbouring property can have on the sale of your home is why almost all estate agents (97%) recommend talking to your neighbour before marketing your property.
Head of Churchill Home Insurance, Sarah Khan, adds: “Much like family, you cannot choose your neighbours, or who moves in next door. Sometimes you get lucky with neighbours and sometimes less so.
“Unfortunately, no matter how well presented your house is, a messy or poorly maintained neighbouring property can have a significant, detrimental impact on your sale price. If you find yourself in this situation and it is a cause for concern, it’s worth trying to chat with your neighbour to see what can be done. Even a quick tidy up can make a huge difference, it doesn’t have to be expensive but could significantly improve the curb appeal and the price you achieve for your home.”
Other ways to boost your sale price
In addition to politely talking with your neighbours and asking them to tidy up their front lawn (or even offering to do it for them), there are plenty of other ways to help you achieve the best possible price for your home.
Top tips include:
- Clean the windows
- Clear the gutters
- Spruce up the front door with a fresh lick of paint or a new welcome mat
- Keep your own garden in check
- Declutter or move items you don’t need into temporary storage
- Keep rooms neat and tidy
- Stage’ each room to have a clear purpose, such as a dining room or office
- Tidy away pet bowls and accessories – they may not appeal to everyone
Photos
According to Rightmove, “…images that show your property at its best will generate initial interest.”
They also add that “it’s important to be truthful” and “match how the property presents itself in real life”.
So, by all means, have a quick spring clean and tidy up, but there’s little point in pretending that a drafty extension or a poorly fitted utility room isn’t there because potential buyers will still see them when they come for a viewing.
Ask the experts
One last bit of advice before you sell your home is to ask the experts. Your estate agent will have experience selling properties in your area. They’ll know what buyers are looking for and what houses in your neighbourhood have been selling for. They’ll also be able to advise on key selling points, such as having an in-demand private driveway or being close to a top-performing school. Tap into this knowledge and use it to set realistic expectations about the sale of your home.
Found a buyer?
Great news! They love your house, and you like their offer. Now it’s time to prepare for the big move. For more handy hints and tips, check out our article on things to consider when moving house.
And don't forget to let your home insurer know your new address, too!
