How to Sell Your Home in a Competitive Market

Is your home ready to compete?

In a fast-moving housing market, simply putting a “For Sale” sign outside won’t cut it. Buyers have options, and if your home doesn’t stand out for the right reasons, it’ll sit for longer than it should. The goal isn’t just to sell. It’s to sell well. That means the best possible price, in the shortest possible time, with the least stress.

So, how do you give your home the edge?

Choose Your Estate Agent With Care

This is one of the first and most important decisions you’ll make.

A good estate agent isn’t just someone who lists your property. They’re the ones advising on pricing, managing viewings, handling offers, and keeping the process moving. The difference between a mediocre agent and a great one can be thousands of pounds and weeks (or even months) on the market.

Don’t just go with the cheapest fee or the one who promises the highest sale price. Do some proper research. Speak to more than one. Ask about:

• How many homes like yours they’ve sold recently
• Their approach to marketing
• Their average time to sell
• How they handle negotiations and price reductions

You want someone who gives honest advice, not just tells you what you want to hear. Experience in your local area matters too. They should know what sells, what buyers want, and what price points are realistic. Spencers Property is a great place to start if you’re looking for an estate agent that ticks all of the boxes.

Price It Right From the Start

Overpricing your home can backfire. While it’s tempting to aim high and “see what happens,” buyers are more informed than ever. If your asking price is clearly off, you’ll lose interest early on. The first few weeks are crucial, and once your listing goes stale, it’s hard to regain attention.

A realistic price attracts serious interest. It creates urgency and sometimes even sparks competition. That’s where you want to be. Price it right, and you’ll set yourself up for a stronger position when the offers come in.

Prepare Your Home Like a Pro

Buyers are looking for reasons to say yes. Don’t give them any excuses to walk away.

Presentation matters. You don’t need to fully renovate, but there’s a big difference between a well-prepared home and one that feels neglected. Go through every room with a critical eye. Fix what’s broken. Clean until it sparkles. And be brutal with clutter.

Here are the essentials to focus on:

• Clean and neutral décor– Repaint bold walls with light, neutral colours to widen appeal
• Tidy up all surfaces– Clear kitchen counters, remove unnecessary items, and open up space
• Boost kerb appeal– First impressions count, so make sure the front of your home looks cared for
• Let in light– Open blinds, wash windows, and keep lighting warm and inviting
• Fix the small stuff– Loose handles, leaky taps, and scuffed skirting boards send the wrong message

You’re not just selling bricks and mortar. You’re selling the idea of a lifestyle. Make it easy for buyers to imagine themselves living there.

Market Like You Mean It

A strong listing gets attention. A weak one gets ignored. Photos should be professionally shot, well-lit, and show your home at its best. The description should be clear and compelling, highlighting the features that make your home different or special. Think layout, garden size, storage, parking, or any recent updates.

More importantly, don’t rely solely on your estate agent to do the heavy lifting. Share the listing on your own social media. Let neighbours and friends know it’s available. The more people who know, the better your chances of finding that right buyer quickly.

Be Ready for Viewings at Short Notice

Once the listing goes live, you need to be on alert. That means keeping your home in good shape every day, because you might get asked for a viewing with just a couple of hours’ notice.

Have a system to make quick tidying easier:

• Basket system– Keep a laundry basket handy to quickly throw in clutter before leaving
• Daily wipe down– Give key surfaces a once-over every morning before work
• Fridge discipline– Keep your fridge clean and clutter-free, especially if it’s visible in the kitchen

And remember, viewings should feel relaxed and unhurried. If you’re still there during the viewing, let the estate agent take the lead and give the buyers space to explore.

Stay Flexible With Negotiations

In a competitive market, the goal is to get the best offer, not necessarily the first.

Sometimes, the highest offer comes with strings attached. For example, a chain of buyers that could delay the process. On the other hand, a slightly lower offer from a cash buyer or someone ready to move quickly could be worth more in real terms.

Be open to conversations. Listen to your agent’s guidance on what’s realistic, and weigh up the full picture before making decisions.

Understand What Buyers Want Right Now

Markets shift. What buyers valued last year might not be the same today.

Keep an eye on current trends in your area. Is off-street parking now a top priority? Are buyers looking for work-from-home space? Is energy efficiency a bigger selling point than before?

You don’t need to reinvent your home for every trend, but highlighting the features that align with what buyers are currently looking for can give your listing that extra boost.

Time It Right

Timing can make a big difference. Some months are traditionally better than others for selling. Spring and early summer are often busy, while the holiday season tends to slow things down. That said, buyer demand doesn’t disappear entirely, and fewer competing listings can sometimes work in your favour.

If you’re in no rush, speak to your agent about timing strategy. But if you’re ready, waiting too long can mean missing the best window.

Give Your Home the Advantage

Selling in a competitive market isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about doing the simple things well, being strategic, and knowing what matters to buyers right now. When you combine realistic pricing, strong presentation, and smart choices, you give yourself the best chance of a quick and successful sale.

Don’t just list your home. Position it to win.