House prices keep on rising: 10 ways to get the best price for your property

House prices soared again in December. The UK monthly property transactions data shows that there was a rise in prices of 11.8% compared to November 2021.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

For Sale sign displayed outside a terraced house

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

It seems that house prices will continue to rise and that it is a seller’s market. However, should you sell your property? If you decide you do, what can you do to make sure you get the best price and sell your home quickly?

Check out my top tips for selling your home. You’ll find you can increase the desirability of your home without spending too much.

1) Make a good first impression

People will start to form an opinion as soon as they see your property. Make sure your door number is clear, windows are clean and that any exterior is smart and clear of mess.

2) Tidy up!

Yes, tidying up may be dull, I know. You might think you’ll be taking all your stuff with you! But mess can really put people off making an offer on a house. Declutter and store things away. This also gives the appearance of more space and having enough storage.

This goes for the garden, too. Children’s toys all over the garden might make it homely for you but people want to see how the garden would look if they bought the house. How much work will it need, is it an easy upkeep? Try and show that it is!

3) Use your network

Before you talk to an estate agent, use your social and professional networks to tell people that you’re looking to sell. Many times, neighbours will have friends or family who are looking to move to the area. By not using an estate agent, you can save a lot of money!

4) Find a decent estate agent

You could be forgiven for thinking that one estate agent is much like another. Not so. Our neighbour is selling their house and being the nosey person I am, I looked it up, immediately! Lovely house, great pictures and video. But the video goes onto to show a completely different area, in another borough! The wrong park, station and shops!

Make sure your estate agent knows your area and takes time to gets to know you, your home and what you want from them. You will need to trust them to advise on the best price but also what your lowest price will be.

Ask around for recommendations and don’t just go with the first one. Invite three and compare the cost of multi-agency versus single-agency.

5) Fix things!

You may be used to that door squeaking but when people go round your house, it’s the little things that could put them off. You need to sell your house in as near-perfect condition as you can. So fix the squeaks, the sticky window, etc.

6) Be ready for people

You never know what people will look at, ask or move! Some will look in cupboards, some will open and shut and test anything you say that you are leaving behind. Be prepared and clean the property thoroughly before viewers arrive.

7) Sort anything that may put off potential buyers

From mould and damp, to not having a bath, there is a range of things that can put people off from making an offer on your home.

8) Nice smells?

It’s often said that having bread baking can help sell a home. So if you have a bread maker, it’s easy! Others say fresh coffee. But I’m not keen on coffee and I might look to buy your home?!

So, try and find a smell that is neutral but not air freshener. If your home smells of air freshener then people will assume you have just sprayed it to mask the smell of something else! If you have pets, use a neutraliser.

33% of Brits said they were less likely to buy a property with bad smells. Only mould and damp came in as higher “put offs”.

9) Undertake some home improvements

You could do home improvements yourself if you are that way inclined and capable! But if not, and you need to get someone else in, remember that builders are in short supply. So, think about booking these in ASAP!

Paint walls a neutral colour and think about upgrading small things like door knobs and light switches to give an extra shine and impression of freshness.

10) Make small changes to your home

Tactically placing mirrors can give the impression of more space as you move from one room to another Paint over any stains and keep wall colours neutral. Ensure good lighting to show everything, literally, in its best light!

Good luck in selling your home!

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

More on Personal Finance

Note paper with question mark on orange background
Personal Finance

Should you invest your ISA in a model portfolio?

Which model ISA portfolios offer both high performance and low fees? Hargreaves Lansdown, Interactive Investor and AJ Bell go under…

Read more »

Economic Uncertainty Ahead Sign With Stormy Background
Personal Finance

Is it time to exit emerging markets investments?

Investors may well be sitting on losses from emerging markets funds. Is it worth keeping the faith for a sustained…

Read more »

Personal Finance

Share trading? Three shares with turnaround potential

Share trading has been difficult in 2022, but which companies have turnaround potential? Jo Groves takes a closer look at…

Read more »

Man using credit card and smartphone for purchasing goods online.
Personal Finance

Revealed! Why Gen Z may be the savviest generation when it comes to credit cards

New research reveals that Gen Z may be the most astute when it comes to credit cards. But why? And…

Read more »

Environmental technology concept.
Personal Finance

The 10 best-performing sectors for ISA investors

The best-performing sectors over the past year invested in real assets such as infrastructure, but is this trend set to…

Read more »

Road sign warning of a risk ahead
Personal Finance

Recession risk ‘on the rise’: is it time for investors to worry?

A major global bank has suggested the risk of a recession in the UK is 'on the rise'. So, should…

Read more »

pensive bearded business man sitting on chair looking out of the window
Personal Finance

1 in 4 cutting back on investments amid cost of living crisis

New research shows one in four investors have cut back on their investing contributions to cope with the rising cost…

Read more »

Image of person checking their shares portfolio on mobile phone and computer
Personal Finance

The 10 most popular stocks among UK investors so far this year

As the new tax year kicks off, here's a look at some of the most popular stocks among UK investors…

Read more »