At Shinerocks Estate Agents, we completely understand how disheartening it can be when your home doesn’t attract the interest you were hoping for.
Selling your property is more than just a transaction - it’s about being able to move on to your next chapter. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or simply looking for a fresh start, you want to feel confident that everything’s working in your favour rather than wondering 'why is my home not selling?'
We’ve been helping homeowners across Purley, Croydon, Surrey and the surrounding areas navigate the property market for decades, and we’ve seen just about every reason a sale can stall.
The good news? Much of the time, the fix is straightforward with the right advice and a proactive approach. Here are some of the most common reasons properties stick - and our advice for what to do about it.
Pricing: Striking the Right Balance
It’s tempting to test the waters with a higher asking price, especially if you’re hoping to leave room for negotiation. But if your property is priced too high, many buyers won’t even see it in their online search results.
For example, if a buyer has a £500,000 budget and your property is listed at £510,000, it won’t even appear in their filtered results - even if you’d be happy to accept £500,000.
Instead, aim for realistic pricing from the start. This way you’ll:
- Attract more qualified buyers from day one
- Create a sense of urgency and competition
- Avoid multiple price reductions that can make a listing look stale
At Shinerocks, we’ll always give you an honest, informed valuation based on our local knowledge, recent sales, and market trends.
Generate a full report on your property, including an instant valuation here.
For a pressure free discussion and an in-person valuation, click here.
First Impressions Matter: Boosting Kerb Appeal
You don’t need a major overhaul, but a tired-looking exterior can put buyers off before they’ve even crossed the threshold. Many will form an opinion the second they arrive – or scroll past online if your home doesn’t look appealing in your listing photos.
For a few easy wins make sure your home exterior looks attractive:
- Cut the lawn and trim the hedges
- Pull any weeds
- Sweep the driveway
- Move bins out of sight
- Clean the windows and front door
- Add potted plants or hanging baskets
A little effort and some simple tweaks can make a big difference.
Is Your Property Being Marketed Properly?
It’s not enough just to get your home listed online. It must stand out. We make sure your property is showcased with:
- Professional photography
- Accurate, well-written descriptions
- Exposure on our website plus all major property portals
- Targeted marketing through social media and local networks
Ask yourself: is your current agent doing everything they can to present your home in its best possible light? If the answer is no, we’d love to show you how we work.
Call us on 020 8660 2010 for a no-pressure chat.
Clutter: Helping Buyers Picture Themselves in the Space
Potential buyers aren’t just viewing your home - they’re imagining their future in it. That’s hard to do if every surface is covered in clutter and personal belongings.
Before every viewing, declutter:
- Clear surfaces and tidy away personal items – particularly in kitchens and bathrooms
- Keep rooms looking spacious and light
- Consider removing large or bulky furniture that makes rooms feel smaller
- Freshen up each room with a deep clean
A clean, welcoming, neutral space helps viewers see the potential.
A Long Property Chain Can be a Red Flag
The unfortunate fact is that some buyers may be put off by a lengthy chain, especially if they’ve had past experiences with delays or fall-throughs.
While of course, you can’t control this, there are ways you can improve your position:
- Consider the option of moving into rented accommodation short-term to break up the chain when you sell
- Work with a proactive solicitor to keep things moving
Being chain-free (or in a shorter chain) can make your home more appealing.
Viewers May Not be Seeing the Full Potential
You see your home every day, so it’s easy to forget just how much potential it has. Sometimes viewers need a little help to see it too.
- Have you had planning permission approved? Let us know - we’ll highlight it to viewers as a positive.
- Are there obvious options for a loft conversion, rear extension, or open-plan redesign? We’ll point those out in our marketing and viewings.
- Small changes like fresh paint or brighter lighting can help your home feel more modern and inviting.
We’re experts at helping potential buyers’ picture what’s possible - not just what’s already there!
Overlooked Small Repairs can Raise Big Doubts
You might have stopped noticing the dripping tap in the utility room, the cracked tile above the kitchen sink, the dead lightbulb in the cloakroom, or the sticking door to the bedroom - but buyers will see it all.
These small issues can suggest a lack of maintenance, which may lead to doubts about the rest of the property.
Before viewings, check the following:
- Are all the lights working?
- Do the windows and doors open and close properly?
- Are there any obvious signs of wear and tear that could be easily fixed?
Addressing these things shows buyers your home is cared for and move-in ready.
Let’s Get Things Moving
If your property has been on the market for a while and you’re wondering 'why is my home not selling', we’ll be delighted to take a fresh look.
At Shinerocks, we’re known for our personal, straight-talking approach and our deep understanding of the local market in Purley, Croydon, Surrey and the surrounding area.
We’ll give you honest feedback, solutions, and the support you need to move with confidence.
Contact us for a friendly, no-obligation chat on 020 8660 2010, email our team at enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk or ask us for a valuation.
In the meantime, we’ve answered some of your common questions about how to sell your home faster.
FAQs
Why is my home not selling?
Often, it comes down to price, presentation, or marketing. We’ll help you identify exactly what’s going wrong – and fix it.
What’s the easiest way to improve kerb appeal?
Tidy up the front garden, clean the windows and door, and make sure the entrance looks welcoming.
How do I make my home more appealing to buyers?
Declutter, clean, and aim for a neutral, spacious feel. We can offer staging tips to help you with this.
How can I speed up the sale?
Price correctly, be flexible with viewings, and work with a proactive agent like Shinerocks who know how to get things moving.