Miserable weather and the distraction of the London 2012 Olympic Games starting in less than two weeks time are combing to make it a very challenging time to sell property, the firm says.
It adds that the challenge for sellers is to make first impressions count as potential buyers spend an average of just 2.7 seconds judging a summary advert before deciding whether to take their interest further or dismiss
Those keen to sell this summer should get market intelligence on what it takes to improve their property’s quality, value and appeal to make a positive impression.
The latest data means that average asking prices have dropped by £4,138 from the previous month, the first fall since January the largest drop Rightmove has recorded in July since 2008.
‘Those keen to sell this summer have the challenging confluence of miserable viewing weather, the continuing credit crunch plus a sporting distraction of Olympic proportions. Those who have been on the market for many months might consider the prospects of achieving a sale to be somewhat of an Olympian challenge given that actual sales completions are just half what they were five years ago,’ said Miles Shipside, director of Rightmove.
‘The weather might not be hot but in most parts of the country the competition to sell is. Those fit to buy this summer will be looking for a property that is prepared for sale better than the rest in terms of value and quality. There is evidence that quality remains in higher demand in spite of the downturn, and those keen to sell need to be clear on what it will take to make their property a compelling buy. This will be a difficult goal for some sellers given their circumstances and location but, with buyers even thinner on the ground this summer, you won’t get a second chance to make a first impression,’ he explained.
At a macro level, the latest statistics show that the monthly average run rate of properties coming to market is just under double the level of completed sales. Land Registry data for the last 12 complete months shows average sales completions running at 56,220 per month. Rightmove, which covers over 90% of the market, records a monthly average of new property listings over the same period of 102,121. Although there will be a degree of correction in this imbalance as unsuccessful sellers change their minds and withdraw from the market, average unsold stock levels remain stubbornly high at 75 per estate agency branch.
Indeed, stock levels have risen for five consecutive months as new seller numbers outstrip the number of properties sold or taken off the market. In the comparable 12 month period prior to the onset of the credit crunch, average monthly new property supply of 137,082 outstripped successful seller numbers of 108,539 by just 25%, although it is important to note that it was a markedly more buoyant market at that time.
‘Even though the supply of new properties coming to market remains constrained compared to pre-credit crunch levels, in all but the most stock starved micro markets seller levels substantially outnumber those of proceedable buyers. Attracting the attention of those buyers is the first step on the road to a successful sale,’ said Shipside.
‘The fact that we have not seen major price falls in the UK and that many areas are not awash with agents’ For Sale boards may lead some sellers to be over optimistic with their pricing, but it is vital that they are dispassionate and face up to what they have to do to get their property fit to sell. New seller numbers may be down some 30% on the period prior to credit-crunch, but the numbers achieving a successful sale are down by half and average unsold stock levels are creeping up. Sellers need to adjust, as this new world is the new norm,’ he added.
Research into buyer behaviour on the Rightmove website shows that potential buyers spend an average of just 2.7 seconds looking at a seller’s summary advert before deciding whether to take their interest further, or move on to look at other properties.
‘As a seller your property advert has less than three seconds to make a positive impression
with a potential buyer. With lots of property to look at, buyers tend to exclude rather than include, and once dismissed it is a challenge to regain a buyer’s attention. Your property advert needs to give them reason enough to travel to visit your property, especially during one of the wettest summers on record,’ Shipside pointed out.
‘Given the level of competition for proceedable buyers in many markets, making an immediate and impactful impression is more important than ever, and this means finding the perfect combination of attractive price, compelling photographs and alluring description. Sellers already on the market, and those considering selling, should gather market intelligence on those properties they are in competition with and make an impartial judgement on why a buyer should view their property and why they would prefer to live there,’ he added.
Unsurprisingly, agents report that while location remains important, good quality properties in terms of finish and layout are easier to sell but also harder to find. Potential sellers of quality examples are choosing to hang on to what they’ve got if they cannot better it. Conversely, poorly cared for property is harder to sell, unless the price or potential it offers once improved is extremely attractive.
‘Those keen to sell this summer should consult their local estate agent about what it takes to improve their property’s quality, value and appeal to be one of the best in class. Sellers should ask their estate agent if their property is worthy of a medal in terms of the three P’s: Price, Presentation and Promotion. Is it one of the most competitively priced? Is it amongst the best presented in terms of condition? Having ticked those two boxes, then how is it best promoted to ensure a buyer is aware of its endearing qualities over other choices on the market?’ Shipside added.
