Sunderland in recent years, thanks to regeneration efforts, has emerged as one of the most affordable and popular places to live in the UK. With great transport links, low costs of living, plenty of jobs and good schools and colleges, it is little wonder.
However, sometimes no matter how much we enjoy living or investing in an area, at times we are required to sell and move on to pastures new. Flat owners have faced a difficult few years since the Grenfell tragedy, with many keen to leave cladding problems behind. If you are a flat owner in Sunderland looking to sell, we can help.
The Sunderland property market remains healthy despite recent economic challenges. In the past year, the average price of properties in Sunderland was £160,230. Semi-detached properties were the most commonly sold, at an average price of £165,297, followed by terraced properties at £124,670, and detached properties at £302,249. Flats sold for an average of £91,000, making them an attractive option for many.
However as mentioned, some flat owners have experienced issues with selling, making a quick sale in Sunderland tricky. Flats need safety certificates to prove they are safe from dangerous cladding, and the stagnant economy also meant that not as many people are actively looking to buy flats. So if you need to sell flat fast in Sunderland, a service such as We Buy Any Home is an attractive solution, as we can guarantee a sale in as little as 7 days.
Like any type of property though, selling a flat can become easier if you make it an attractive proposition. Let us guide you through how to do this.
Tips to Sell Your Flat Fast in Sunderland
Set the Right Price
Pricing your flat correctly is essential if you want to sell it quickly. You may think it is worth a certain price, but if nobody else agrees with you then it won’t sell! It’s essential to get a fair and accurate valuation of your property to ensure you set the right price and do not price yourself out of the market. This is even more important when selling a flat as often you’ll be up against flats from the same development. Setting the right price can help to attract more potential buyers, which will increase your chances of selling your flat fast. Do some research on the local property market and the prices of similar properties in the area. Do not be tempted by estate agents who give you a price you want to hear, it is better to have a realistic price than a high one.
Make Necessary Repairs and Upgrades
Before putting your flat on the market, try to make any necessary repairs and upgrades. Repairing or replacing any broken or worn-out fixtures, fittings, or appliances can make your property more appealing to potential buyers. Upgrading your property can also increase its value and help it stand out from other properties on the market. This can be difficult if you have tenants in situ as they have certain rights you need to adhere to. This is one reason why many landlords use our service when selling, as we do not require upgrades to be made and we can buy with tenants in situ.
Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions count, so it’s important to make sure that your flat looks attractive from the outside. This can be difficult with flats but at least try and clean the windows and tidy up a balcony if you have one. Having sheets draped over a balcony drying is not a good look. Simple things like painting the front door can make a big difference too. If the exterior of your property looks attractive, it will make potential buyers more likely to view the inside of your flat.
Stage the Interior of the Flat
Staging your flat can make a big difference in how quickly you can sell. This involves presenting your flat in the best possible light to potential buyers. You can do this by decluttering, deep cleaning, and rearranging the furniture to create a more spacious and attractive living environment. You can also use attractive decor and accessories to highlight the best features of your flat. The last thing you want is for your property to look and feel dark, dingy and stale.
Use Professional Photos and Videos
High-quality photos and videos can make a big difference when it comes to selling your flat quickly. They can also be used to create an online virtual tour of your property, which can attract more viewers and help you to sell your flat faster. Being able to see things virtually helps potential buyers visualise the property and how the layout works. It is much easier to do this than by studying floor plans or static images.
Choose the Right Cash House Buyer
If you want to sell flat fast in Sunderland, you may want to consider selling to a cash house buyer. Cash house buyers can complete the sale of your property quickly, usually within a matter of weeks or days in our case. However, it’s essential to choose the right cash house buyer to ensure that you get a fair price for your flat and that the sale goes smoothly. Only use companies such as We Buy Any Home which is owned and managed by property professionals with over 300 years of combined experience in buying homes.
Be Flexible with Viewings
Being flexible with viewings is essential if you want to sell your flat fast. Potential buyers may have busy schedules, so it’s important to be willing to accommodate viewings at different times of the day or week. You may also want to consider hosting open houses, which can attract more potential buyers and help you to sell your flat faster.
Consider Alternative Selling Options – Cash House Buyers
If you’re struggling to sell your flat through traditional methods, you may want to consider alternative selling options. Selling to a cash house buyer who can sell flat without hassle like We Buy Any Home or using a property auction can be an effective way to sell your flat quickly. These options can help you to bypass the traditional property market and sell your flat fast, often within a matter of weeks or days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overpricing the property
Setting an unrealistic or overly high price for the flat can drive away potential buyers, leading to a longer time on the market and ultimately a lower selling price. Researching the market and setting a fair and competitive price can attract more buyers and lead to faster sales. If you know that flats are selling for an average of £90,000 in Sunderland, if yours is on for considerably more than this then it should start alarm bells in your mind.
Neglecting repairs and upgrades
A flat that is in poor condition, with visible damages or needed repairs, can turn off potential buyers. Investing in necessary repairs and upgrades can make the property more appealing and increase its value, leading to a faster and more profitable sale. You don’t need to add on extra rooms or give the whole place a makeover, but just fixing small things can make all the difference.
Not presenting the flat well
Poor presentation of the flat, including cluttered rooms or décor that has not been updated since the 1970s can make it difficult for buyers to envision themselves living there. Staging the interior and enhancing curb appeal can make the property more attractive and help buyers see its potential.
Choosing the wrong cash buyer
Not all cash house buyers are equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to a difficult and frustrating selling experience. Researching and selecting a reputable and experienced cash buyer can ensure a smoother and faster transaction.
As we can see, while selling a flat in Sunderland can be challenging, using cash-buying services such as We Buy Any Home can help to navigate many of the pitfalls by totally removing the need for you to do anything. Let us help you sell flat fast in Sunderland!