What To Do If You Can't Sell Your House

If you’re having a hard time selling your house, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in the U.K. are in the same boat. Even as overall house prices have risen by 1.5% over the past year — with forecasts suggesting a 2.5% increase in 2025 — many householders still struggle to secure a sale. 

These figures highlight that while market activity is generally strong, unsold properties and pricing missteps remain a persistent challenge for sellers (like you). This situation can leave you feeling frustrated and uncertain about your next steps.

We understand that the emotional and financial stress of a prolonged sale is not what you signed up for. That’s why we put together this guide that offers practical, straightforward advice to help you overcome these hurdles. We will share eight common reasons why your house isn’t selling and things you can do to make it sell.

Table of Contents

• Why Your House Isn't Selling: 8 Key Reasons

• What Can You Do To Make Your House Sell?

• Can Your Estate Agent Be a Problem?

• Should You Sell Your House To a House-Buying Company?

• How Can The Property Buying Company Help?

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Your House Isn’t Selling: 8 Key Reasons

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like nothing is moving despite your best efforts. There are many roadblocks that might be standing in your way — from pricing and presentation to market fluctuations and economic uncertainty. 

Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common reasons so you can make the adjustments needed for a quicker, more successful sale.

1. Overpricing

If you price your home above its true market value, potential buyers may be scared away before they even see the property. And we get it: Many sellers have a personal attachment to their house that makes it hard to see the realistic market perspective.

Overpricing not only reduces buyer interest but can also lead to your property sitting on the market for far too long. In fact, research shows that properties priced too high tend to take significantly longer to sell, as buyers wait for a price drop before making an offer. It’s like adding some products to your cart/wishlist and waiting for the sale or price drop.

2. Poor Presentation

It takes someone less than 30 seconds to form a first impression, and first impressions matter — especially when selling a house. If your home isn’t presented in its best light, buyers might overlook it even if it’s a great property. 

Simple steps like decluttering, making minor repairs and staging can make a big difference. A well-presented home helps buyers envision themselves living there and can accelerate the selling process.

3. Unrealistic Expectations

Many sellers hold on to the hope of a quick sale at their desired price, but data shows that 498 properties took an average of 103 days to sell (with a median of 54 days). Price and property type make a big difference, too:

• Homes under £100,000 averaged 140 days to sell.

• Those in the £300,000–£400,000 range sold in just 31 days (median).

• One-bedroom properties averaged 175 days compared to 89 days for three-bedroom homes.

These figures about the average time to sell a house in the U.K. show that overpricing can extend your selling time significantly, as buyers tend to wait for more realistic pricing. 

4. Ineffective Marketing Strategies and Competition

Even a well-priced, well-presented home can struggle if it isn’t marketed effectively. In a crowded market with many similar properties, your listing needs to stand out. This means employing a robust marketing strategy that reaches the right audience, whether through high-quality online listings, social media or traditional advertising methods.

5. Limited Online Appeal or Visibility

Don’t be surprised if we tell you that a majority of home searches start online. With everything at our fingertips, we want convenience over everything — and homebuying is no different.

If your property listing lacks professional photos, an engaging description or doesn’t appear in the right online searches, it might not reach the potential buyers, who are actively looking. Enhancing your online appeal can dramatically increase interest and lead to quicker inquiries and viewings.

6. Regional Market Fluctuations

The U.K. property market can vary widely depending on the location. What works in one region might not work in another. For instance, as of December 2024, the overall average house price in the U.K. was £268,087 with an index of 102.7, reflecting a 4.6% annual increase. That said, these national figures mask significant regional differences:

• In London, for example, properties typically command a premium compared to the national average due to high demand and limited supply.

• Meanwhile, regions like the North West or Scotland often see more modest price levels and growth.

7. Seasonal Impacts Like Winter Slowdowns

Timing can be everything when you decide to sell your house. It’s common for the market to slow down during winter, with October and December being the slowest months. The trend might continue in January and February, too, which means there may be fewer buyers actively searching for a home. 

If you’re selling during a slower season, be prepared for a longer selling period and consider adjusting your strategy or timing if possible.

8. Economic Uncertainties Affecting Buyer Confidence

Wider economic issues, such as rising interest rates or job market instability, can make buyers more cautious. When economic uncertainty looms, buyers may delay their purchase decisions, which in turn can lead to longer selling times for your home. Understanding the economic climate can help you adjust your expectations and strategy accordingly.

What Can You Do To Make Your House Sell?

Boosting your home's appeal doesn’t have to be complicated — it’s about making smart tweaks that resonate with buyers. Think of it as fine-tuning a car for a smooth ride. With the right adjustments, you can attract more interested buyers and speed up the sale. 

Here are some ways that can help sell your house quickly:

✅ Adjust the asking price: Set a competitive price like you’re marking the perfect price tag at a busy market stall. Too high and buyers walk by, too low and you leave money on the table.

✅ Consider professional home staging: Treat your home like a star on stage. Professional staging and crisp photos are like great costumes and lighting that captivate an audience at a theatre.

✅ Choose the right sales method: Compare traditional estate agencies with alternatives like auctions or managed sales, much like picking the right tool for a job. Sometimes a standard screwdriver does the trick, but occasionally a power drill (auction) is needed to get things done faster.

✅ Market timing considerations: Think of listing your home as planting a garden. If you sow your seeds in the right season, you’re much more likely to harvest a bountiful sale. March is ideal for profitable sales!

✅ Improve curb appeal: As we said, first impressions matter. Improving your home’s exterior is like dressing up for a special occasion — a little freshening up with landscaping or minor renovations can go a long way.

✅ Boost social media exposure: Using social media to spread the word and reach more potential buyers. The more people you reach, the higher the chance your home will attract the right crowd.

✅ Host a viewing event: While open house days aren’t as common in the U.K., arranging a viewing like hosting a small neighbourhood get-together can help. It will be an intimate chance for buyers to see what makes your home special.

✅ List on more portals: As they say, ‘the more, the merrier’. Just like social media, listing your property on multiple websites can help you broaden your reach.

All of this can be hectic, and you might not know where to start, but you don’t have to do it alone. A knowledgeable agent can help simplify things, guiding you through each step and making the process much smoother. Collaborating with The Property Buying Company can help as well.