How to Sell a House in a Bad Location

So, you need to sell your home, the only problem is it’s not in the best location. No matter how spacious or nicely decorated, you can’t change where your house is located, and selling a house can be challenging at the best of times. What can you do if you need to sell your house fast? We’ve put together this guide so you can learn how to sell your house in a bad location and successfully navigate through the house-selling process.

Tips for selling your house in a bad location

Be honest with potential buyers 

If there’s one thing buyers appreciate, it’s honesty. Hiding problems will likely lead to delays, added expenses and even a failed sale depending on where in the process buyers discover problems. You can even be sued if you deceive potential buyers on details about your house or the area. If your house is in a bad location, this is likely to be well-known in the area, so not addressing the issue will likely make buyers suspicious. 

Offer buyer incentives

No matter how lovely your property is, if there are issues due to its location such as noisy neighbours, air pollution or poor amenities; fewer buyers will be interested. This is where offering incentives has its benefits. There are numerous things you could offer buyers to make the sale more attractive. You could suggest paying for some of their costs in the buying process, such as their conveyancing fees or stamp duty. Alternatively, you could offer to help with home improvements, or include furniture as part of the sale. As with any negotiation, communication is key. If you find out what buyers are looking for, you can tailor the incentives to their needs.

Set a realistic asking price 

Being in a bad location will naturally affect the price of your property, but setting a realistic asking price will help it sell much faster. Speaking to local estate agents and getting at least three valuations will help you assess how much your property is worth. Although viewing nearby properties on Rightmove or Zoopla may be appealing, these houses have not sold yet, and may still be on the market because they are too highly priced. It’s better to look at houses that have recently sold in the area and get an overall view of the market. By opting for a realistic asking price, you will be more likely to find a suitable buyer for your property.

Stage your home and increase it’s curb appeal

You can’t wave a wand and transport your house to a better location, but you can make it look its best. Do some landscaping, repair anything that’s broken, remove clutter and give your home a fresh lick of paint to draw in potential buyers. And the outside is just the start. Staging your home by cleaning and decluttering can help it feel brighter and more attractive. Updating your furnishings and adding small touches like a vase of flowers or a coat of paint are sure to detract from your property’s location and add to its appeal.

Highlight improvements coming soon to your area

If your location is undesirable, it doesn’t mean that it will always be. Take a look to see if there are upcoming developments in your area indicating that the location will improve. The addition of new restaurants, shops, or parks can give buyers a reason to get excited about the future of your area. Potential buyers might also be interested to know if a new school or better transport links are being built nearby. Mentioning these details might make your house seem like a worthwhile investment and people could buy in the hope of your property’s value increasing.

Target first-time buyers

First-time buyers are price-driven and more likely to be confined to a budget. Because of this, they are often willing to compromise on location and are more concerned with getting a foot on the property ladder. First-time buyers see a bad location as a more affordable area and therefore the perfect place to start their journey — which is a great opportunity for you! Take advantage of this by marketing your house towards first-time buyers; if you’re selling via an estate agent you could ask them to target their advertising. Listing your house online is another good way to attract first-time buyers. Ask your estate agent if they have a network of potential first-time buyers they could contact, you can also ask them to find out a potential buyer’s position when they book a viewing.

Consider the timing of your sale

Just like selling any house, you should take into consideration the time you put it on the market. With fluctuating housing market conditions, different seasonal and economic factors will impact the demand amongst buyers. When it’s a ‘seller’s market,’ there are more buyers than sellers — this is the ideal time to put your house on the market as buyers have less negotiating power. The opposite of this, a ‘buyer’s market’ makes selling more difficult. Keep an eye on the housing market to ensure you choose the ideal time to sell.

Use a cash-buying company

When most people think of selling a house, they think of the traditional method of going to an estate agent. However, there are many ways to sell your house such as selling privately or online. These methods vary widely regarding how much money the seller has to put in as well as the time it takes to complete the sale. Using a cash house buying company that will purchase your property in any condition or location is the fastest and cheapest way to sell.

Sell your property fast  

SellHouseFast.co.uk isn’t your average quick house sale company. We offer a fast, personalised, transparent process, unlike some competitors who might drag things out or surprise you with last-minute offer changes. We’re genuine cash house buyers, completing purchases within your chosen timeframe and sticking to our word. No inflated offers followed by reductions — we prioritise honesty and transparency.

SellHouseFast’s team of established experts has a proven track record of helping homeowners like you achieve their property goals, via a fast and hassle-free experience. Plus we’re regulated by trusted organisations like The Property Ombudsman, Trading Standards and the ICO.

Ready to sell your house fast, on your terms? Get a free, no-obligation valuation and cash offer today, and see how speed and exceptional service can go hand-in-hand.