Struggling to Sell? Here Are 5 Things That Could Be Holding You Back
Selling your home should feel exciting, not exhausting. But if your property’s been sitting on the market with little interest, it’s time to dig into why. The good news? Most of the issues are simple to fix once you know what’s causing the hold-up.
You listed your home expecting a quick sale, but the weeks have rolled on and nothing’s happened. It’s frustrating, especially when you’re not sure what’s gone wrong. Here are five common mistakes that stop good homes from selling and how to put them right.
1. The house needs a bit of attention
Buyers notice everything. Even small maintenance issues, a patch of damp, cracked sealant or tired paintwork can put people off or raise red flags. Sometimes, buyers are happy to do the work, but most just want “move-in ready.”
What to do:
Tackle the basics. Fix obvious issues, refresh paintwork, replace tired fittings and make sure everything looks cared for. You don’t need a full renovation, but your home should feel loved and well maintained. If you’re unsure where to start, compare your home online to others in the same price range, would yours stand out for the right reasons?
2. The price is a little too high
Pricing is one of the trickiest parts of selling. If your home’s priced above where buyers see value, you’ll get fewer clicks and fewer viewings. After a while, it becomes “stale” on the portals, even if it’s a lovely property.
What to do:
Review the data. Look at similar homes nearby that have sold and ask your agent to show you the evidence. Today’s buyers are well-informed, they’ll instantly spot when a property feels out of line. The right price will re-energise your listing and often attracts the most serious buyers quickly.
3. The home feels cluttered or too personal
Clutter, furniture overload, or even strong decor choices can make it hard for buyers to imagine themselves living there. They end up distracted by your things instead of seeing the space.
What to do:
Less really is more. Clear surfaces, box away anything you don’t need, and neutralise colours where possible. Consider using a professional cleaner for that “fresh” feel, it can transform first impressions. If storage is an issue, use a temporary unit or spare garage space.
4. It hasn’t been staged effectively
Staging isn’t just for show homes, it helps buyers visualise how they’d use the space. Even small changes like rearranging furniture, swapping cushions, or adding greenery can make a big difference.
What to do:
Focus on the key rooms that sell homes: kitchen, living room, and main bedroom. Remove personal photos, simplify decor, and let the light in. You want viewers thinking “I could see myself here,” not “I wonder who lives here.”
5. The kerb appeal isn’t drawing people in
Many buyers decide within seconds of seeing your home whether they’ll book a viewing. If the front garden looks tired, paint is peeling, or the windows are dirty, it can affect their interest before they even step inside.
What to do:
Spend a weekend outside. Jet-wash the path, repaint the front door, tidy the garden, and add a few plants by the entrance. A well-kept exterior signals care, and care builds confidence in buyers.
Selling your home doesn’t need to feel like guesswork. With the right presentation, price, and marketing, things can move quickly again.
If your home has been sitting on the market with little response, it might just need a fresh set of eyes and a new approach. Get in touch for an honest review of your current marketing, and we’ll happily take a look and share what can be improved to help get your sale back on track.
