Should you sell your property in Teddington right now...or wait?

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Are you ready to sell your home?

Selling your home is a big decision and requires careful thought and planning. Timing is key, so it’s understandable if you’re pondering ‘Should I sell my house now?’ 

Moving house impacts every aspect of life, from the financial to the emotional, so it’s a question that leads to endless research and soul-searching. It can be overwhelming and difficult to know where to start. So we’ve noted down all the questions you should ask yourself to work out whether you’re ready to sell your house.

Why are you thinking of moving? 

People move house for all kinds of reasons. And many of those reasons can’t wait for perfect housing market conditions to materialise. From relationship changes to career-driven relocation, the impetus to sell your house can come from personal choice or external factors.

It’s important to know what you want to get from selling your home. Most homeowners prioritise improving their personal circumstances and nurturing a lifestyle that suits them – but making a profit is a very welcome bonus.

Perhaps your lifestyle has changed. Factors like job changes, family size, or retirement can influence your decision to sell. For example, your family might be outgrowing the space available in your home and you want a house with a larger garden, a playroom – or even a home office for more peaceful WFH days! Alternatively, circumstances might have left you with reduced mobility, so you’re looking for a bungalow or smaller house with less maintenance demands. 

Sometimes you don’t have a choice about selling a house now. You may have inherited a house in Richmond that you don’t have the time or inclination to manage as a rental. If you’re not based in South West London, it’s even more difficult and time-consuming. A quick sale will save you money on maintenance, council tax, utilities, and frequent travel to the area. 

Consider these reasons for moving:

• Are you relocating to a different area than South West London? 
• Are you looking for a larger house, or perhaps to downsize?
• Do you want to be closer to family? 
• Are you moving for financial reasons? 
• Are you looking for a new adventure or project?

Take a step back to assess that your reasons are valid before you commit to your decision. Backing out in the middle of the process can have serious financial implications so it’s best to feel confident in your decision to sell. 

Once you know the motivation for your move, you can figure out the next best steps. 

Does selling your home excite or scare you? 

Change is an inevitable part of life, but some people handle it better than others. Selling your home is an emotional experience, especially if you’ve lived there for many years. Your family could have fond memories and it could feel hard to let go. Those four walls have seen late nights working on ambitious projects, dinner parties, various furniture arrangements, baby’s first steps, exam celebrations, and a lifetime of laughter and tears. 

It’s natural to feel scared of the unknown, but if you feel like you won’t be ready to leave, it’s probably not the right time. Perhaps your reasons for moving are tenuous or you're vaguely dissatisfied with life and think the grass will be greener. In this case, talk through your decision with a friend who can offer an objective perspective.

On the other hand, you might have those tell-tale butterflies that are a positive sign it’s the right time. If you think it’s an exciting opportunity and aligns with other aspects of your life, seize the day and move on to your next chapter!

Do you have any financial implications associated with moving house? 

Unless you’re mortgage-free, there may be financial implications to consider. Do you have a clear understanding of your home's current market value? Will the sale generate the funds you need for your next living situation? 

Talk to an estate agent in Teddington and Richmond to find out what local demand is like right now. Bartlett & Partners can show you houses similar to yours, their listing prices and – most importantly – the actual sale price. 

Assess any outstanding mortgage, potential closing costs, and the amount of profit you're hoping to make. It’s all very well feeling excited and psychologically ready to sell your house, but you have to make sure you have the resources for moving before you begin the process.

Have you already thought about:

• Your mortgage repayments – you‘ll need to cover any early repayment charges
• Other fees associated with moving – including solicitors, estate agent fees, removal company costs, etc.
• Costs for the next stage – can you afford the next place you’re looking at moving to?

If you’re moving to a bigger house, bills will be more expensive. You might also have to pay more in terms of maintenance and equipment if you invest in features such as smart technology, swimming pools, and home gyms. Consider how much money you’ll need to spend on your new home to decorate and furnish it to your taste.

Examining your current and future finances before you begin the sales process helps ensure it’s the right decision. 

And what are the financial implications of inheriting a property? If you inherit a property in South West London, you’re liable for inheritance tax on an estate worth more than £325,000. However, an immediate sale will help you avoid capital gains tax on any increase in its value.

What condition is your home in? 

Assess the condition of your home. Are any major repairs or renovations needed before listing? It’s usually worth getting unfinished DIY projects and any other loose ends tied up before putting your house on the market. Even minor repairs can increase your home's appeal and value.

We’re talking about things like touching up paint, trimming garden hedges, and replacing broken roof tiles. Everything from fixing loose hinges on cabinets and replacing tatty carpets to refreshing walls and surfaces will create a better first impression.

If you really want to boost the value of your home, opt for upgrades rather than repairs. For example, replacing dated bathrooms with walk-in power showers and stylish tiling will give your home more of the ‘wow’ factor. 

Are you a fan of bold colours and striking designs? It’s great that you’ve put your personal stamp on the property, but some people might be a little tamer in their tastes. It could be worth neutralising your interiors to appeal to more buyers. 

Some buyers find flamboyant decor off-putting and struggle to look past it – so it might be time to bid farewell to the bright pink flamingo wallpaper and leopard print curtains. Neutral doesn’t mean boring. You can mix textures and tones, but remember to keep the space light and airy to allow potential buyers to imagine their own interior.

For viewings and open days, it’s also good to be prepared to remove any unnecessary clutter and keep your home tidy. If you’re not ready to declutter or adapt your decor for staging the house, you’re not ready to sell. 

What are your plans after the house sale goes through?

Plan for the logistics of selling your house. Think about where you'll move after the sale, how you'll handle your belongings, and the potential need for temporary housing. Ultimately, the question ‘Should I sell my house now?’ depends on your future living situation and goals. 

Do you have somewhere else lined up? Would you have somewhere else to go no matter the timescale? Knowing your plans after can help to figure out if it’s the right time to sell. For example, if you’re waiting for a ‘dream home’ to come on the market and don’t have anywhere else to go yet, it may be worth waiting… 

You could always talk through your options with Teddington estate agents Bartlett & Partners. Not only can we provide valuable insights, but we might also be able to help you snag that dream house!

Getting a valuation before selling your home in Teddington 

Hopefully, we’ve given you a helpful starting point to decide if you’re ready to move or not. 

If you are ready to sell but need to find out how much your home is worth, booking a valuation is the first step. You’ll need an honest, realistic valuation based on your timescale and the current market in the Richmond area. 

Finding the right Richmond and Teddington estate agent to sell your property can make the difference between a stressful, time-consuming experience or embarking on an exciting new adventure. Bartlett & Partners is here to help you enjoy the latter by providing a personal service from your initial enquiry to completion day – and beyond.

Regardless of current market conditions, we use our expertise, local knowledge and extensive network to do everything we can to secure a fast sale. But above all, we take the time to really understand your motivations and concerns about selling your house.

We pride ourselves on our professionalism and ability to forge long-lasting relationships. If you have any questions about selling your house or would like to schedule a valuation, please get in touch.