Selling your home can be a painstakingly long process.
In 2025, the average time to sell a listed property ranged from between 59 and 77 days, according to the latest Rightmove data.
The good news, though, is that now might be an excellent time to put your four walls on the market.
Data from the poperty site also indicates asking prices have jumped 2.8% or nearly £10,000 in Januay, marking the biggest increase since June 2025 and the biggest January bump in 25 years.
Of course, the length of time to sell a house depends on the length of your chain, but there are certainly things you can do to hook a potential buyer while the market is in your favour.
Metro chatted to Phil Spencer, founder of the property advice website Move iQ and host of Location, Location, Location, about the brutal truths that homeowners need to know if they actually want to sell.
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Clear the clutter
It might sound simple, but it’s true: you really do need to clear up your clutter.
‘This year, there are more homes on the market than buyers,’ says Phil. ‘So if you’ve decided to sell, get ready to face a lot of competition and accept that you may have work to do to make your place more attractive to potential buyers.’
With that in mind, it’s time to get rid of those excessive trinkets – even including photographs and various personal items that, as Phil says, make the home look ‘cluttered.’
‘When potential buyers view your home, they want to imagine themselves living there, and it’s hard to do that if the property looks a little too lived in,’ he suggests.
‘That’s not to say you need to depersonalise, but removing clutter and making everywhere tidy will get every viewing off to the best possible start.’
Paint means prizes
Get the paintbrushes out: it’s officially time to stop ignoring those little marks on the wall. You don’t need to completely try out a new colour scheme to make a difference, but a little touch-up is always welcome.
‘Daily life leaves scratches and marks on walls and painted surfaces,’ Phil acknowledges.
‘But taking the time to fill any cracks in the plaster and give the walls a fresh coat of paint will pay big dividends when you’re selling – it’s an effective way to make your home look well cared for, more inviting and more vibrant.’
Make any necessary repairs
It’s true: that dodgy door handle or pesky plumbing issue needs addressing, rather than sweeping under the carpet.
As Phil notes, you might’ve been putting off these odd jobs for years, but now is the time to put them back on your to-do list.
‘Get on and sort any minor maintenance issues or make any repairs that need doing. This could mean fixing a dripping tap or oiling a door’s hinges to stop it squeaking,’ he shares.
‘Buying a home is stressful, and you want prospective buyers to feel reassured that if they choose yours, they won’t have a lot of problems to fix right away.’
It’s a hard truth to swallow, we know – but there’s no harm in getting the tool kit out, right?
Clean like your life depends on it
It’s time for a deep clean, and not just for the estate agent’s photos. A home that’s completely free of dirt goes a long way at the point of viewing, too – so it’s time to be reunited with your rubber gloves.
‘Deep clean your home, so it looks and feels fresh. Most buyers decide whether or not to make an offer after only spending around 10 minutes in the property,’ Phil reminds us.
‘You need to make that time count, and ensuring your home is sparkling clean is the first step to impressing potential buyers.’
Remember, not all estate agents are created equal
Returned to reality yet? Phil’s final tip is to remember that your choice of estate agent can mean the difference between selling your home quickly and weeks or even months’ worth of anxiously waiting by the phone, waiting for them (no, not your ex) to call.
‘When looking for an estate agent, make sure to read reviews, research their qualifications and experience, and ask anyone you know who has used their services for their impressions,’ Phil concludes, adding that it also helps if they’re a member of a professional organisation like Propertymark, as this means they’ll ‘follow a code of conduct.’
‘Don’t judge agents solely on how much commission they charge or what valuation they give for your home. Agents who are proactive and can demonstrate clearly all the steps they’ll take to sell your home are the most likely to provide a good service and get you the best price.’
This article was originally published in April 2025.
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