Thinking of selling your home? There’s a buzz around the property market right now, and with a potential boost on the horizon, it might be the perfect time to make your move. But how can you make sure your property stands out and bags you the best price, fast?

The Daily Mail spoke to property gurus to uncover the secrets to a speedy sale, from boosting your kerb appeal to dodging last-minute disasters.

1. Timing is Everything (But Don’t Wait Forever!)

Deciding when to sell can feel like a gamble. Should you wait to see if prices go up? Or jump in before they fall?

“Don’t try to time the market, it rarely works,” advises Jeremy Leaf, a top London estate agent. Instead of second-guessing, he recommends chatting with a local agent you trust. “They’ll have their finger on the pulse, knowing if sales are speeding up or if more viewings are happening in your area,” he explains.

Thinking of waiting until after the next Budget? Think again! Leaf warns that “waiting could backfire,” as tax changes might make buyers hesitant. “Acting now, while buyers are keen and mortgage rates are still manageable, could be your winning move,” he says.

2. Assemble Your A-Team

Selling a house is a big task, so don’t go it alone! Having the right team in your corner can make the whole process smoother and faster.

Estate Agents: These are your marketing masterminds! Look for agents with glowing reviews who truly understand your local area. They’ll know how to price your property right and attract the perfect buyers.

Solicitors: Dealing with the legal maze of a house sale can be daunting. A good solicitor will keep the process moving, handle the paperwork, and tackle any unexpected issues like a pro. Donna Vogt, a leading estate agent, stresses that a solicitor is “essential from day one. They’ll prepare the contract, sort out the title deeds, and spot any potential problems before they become deal-breakers.”

Having a solicitor ready to go shows you’re serious and can even speed up the sale.

3. First Impressions are Crucial

You don’t need a palace to impress buyers, but a little sprucing up goes a long way.

Kerb Appeal is Key: “Buyers often make up their minds before they even step inside,” reveals property expert Alex Decmar. His top tip? “Focus on what they see first: a freshly painted front door, tidy garden, and sparkling clean windows work wonders!”

Declutter and Depersonalise: David Britton, a veteran estate agent, advises, “You want buyers to imagine themselves living there, not distracted by your family photos or collection of gnome figurines.” Clear away clutter, give walls a fresh coat of neutral paint, and consider rearranging furniture to create a sense of space.

Don’t Forget the Small Stuff: Those little DIY jobs you’ve been putting off? Now’s the time! Tighten leaky taps, replace broken lightbulbs, and make sure everything is in tip-top shape.

4. Fix Those Flaws!

We all get used to our homes’ quirks, but buyers will spot them a mile off!

“Nothing screams ‘problem’ louder than a damp patch or a botched repair job,” warns Decmar. “Tackle those minor repairs now to avoid putting buyers off later.”

While fixing things costs money, ignoring them could cost you more in the long run. If you’re not prepared to make repairs, be ready to adjust your asking price accordingly.

5. Price it Right from the Start

Setting the right asking price is crucial. Too high, and you’ll scare off potential buyers. Too low, and you could be selling yourself short.

Andrew Groocock, a partner at a leading estate agency, advises sellers to do their homework. “Before you sign with an agent, understand how they arrived at their valuation. Have they shown you similar properties that recently sold? Do they have a proven track record of getting good prices?”

Remember, the highest valuation isn’t always the best. Choose an agent who can back up their pricing strategy with solid evidence.

6. Keep the Sale on Track

You’ve accepted an offer, congrats! But don’t celebrate just yet. There’s still a chance the sale could fall through.

Here’s how to minimise the risk:

• Set a Realistic Timeframe: Work with your solicitor to establish a clear and achievable timeline for exchanging contracts. This helps manage everyone’s expectations and keeps things moving.
• Communication is Key: Harry Bethell, another property expert, stresses the importance of staying connected. “Regularly touch base with your solicitor, estate agent, and the buyer to address any issues swiftly.”
• Be Proactive, Not Reactive: Addressing any survey issues promptly demonstrates to the buyer that you’re serious about the sale and keeps things on track.

By following these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to securing a speedy sale and finally saying “sold” to your property.