Marginal Gains
While national headlines might suggest a sluggish market, with average new seller asking prices dipping 0.1% below last year, it’s important to look at the regional picture. The dip in annual prices is primarily driven by London and the South of England, where competitive pricing is even more vital and homes are taking longer to sell. However, across the rest of Great Britain, including here in Wales, there are positive signs. According to the latest Rightmove report, the number of sales being agreed is up 5% year-on-year across the regions outside the South. This is a clear indicator that there is still strong activity in the market. Locally, the market in West Wales remains dynamic. We know that the upper quartile market in Pembrokeshire is currently showing signs of being a buyer’s market, with only around 18% of properties currently sold subject to contract. This clearly indicates a more competitive landscape, but it also means that with the right strategy, you can stand out. Don’t be discouraged. With the right marketing strategy you can still find a buyer. As Coleen Babcock from Rightmove explains ‘It is sensible and attractive seller pricing which has been helping to drive more sales activity compared to last year’. With improved buyer affordability, driven by static house prices, rising wages, and lower mortgage rates (the average two-year fixed rate has reduced from 5.03% to 4.52% since August 2024) more buyers are committing, and this has led to the increased number of transactions this year. But if the market is improving and there have been more sales, why are so many homes not selling? Unfortunately not every property on the market is benefiting from the best marketing campaign and sometimes they have not been priced sensibly to attract buyers. It isn’t all about price, although that is of course important. And with a record high number of properties available on the market it is essential your agent makes your home stand out for all the right reasons. We believe by making small improvements to every aspect of both the marketing campaign and the service offered to home sellers and buyers we are able to make marginal gains across the entire process and this can lead to a significant overall improvement. We believe this is part of the reason why data shows that 75% of our clients agree a sale within 16 weeks of coming to market, while the average among other leading agents is only 41%, with one national premium agent only managing to sell 25% of the properties they listed for sale within this same time frame. We have a few examples of properties we have sold this year after other agents had been unsuccessful including a five bedroom detached home near Tenby, a detached bungalow in Tavernspite, a lighthouse in Dale and a old mill house in Clarbeston Road. Pentrose Mill House, Clarbeston Road This beautiful home had been on the market with three different agents over a three year period. When we took over we felt the photography did not capture the real feeling of the home and did not evoke strong emotions in potential buyers. There was no video either, which is a tool we feel is essential to really showcase the lifestyle a property can offer potential buyers. We were happy that the most recent asking price was fair and so did not feel we needed to change that at all. We set about improving the photography and produced a video tour. Coupled with evocative written descriptions we were able to actively promote the property to a wide audience through conventional channels, like Rightmove and Zoopla but also to a wider audience through social media platforms, where we were able to reach over a quarter of a million people. This resulted in six viewings and offers from two different potential buyers and I am pleased to say around 12 weeks later our clients finally got to move – after three years of there life feeling like it was on hold. Here are a sample of the photos taken by the other agents compared to the ones we provided. Hopefully they start to give you an understanding of how small differences can cumulate to make a big difference. Other Agents Photos Our Photos If you can relate to this story then perhaps it is time to consider a change in agent. If you have been on the market for more than three or four months then we would strongly recommend you review everything your current agent is doing. It is always important to have a plan B and sometimes when a property has been on the market for a while all you need is a fresh approach and a new tailored plan. I would be delighted to offer you a complimentary, no obligation, report into your home that will give you some suggestions that may help you achieve your goal, whether you chose to work with me or not. If you prefer I would also be more than happy to call round to take a look around and to talk you through my suggestions. If you’d like to chat just drop me a line – daniel.thomas@luxurywelshhomes.com Kind regards Daniel Thomas
Why Staging Empty Rooms Matters When Selling Your Home
📸 Why Staging Empty Rooms Matters When Selling Your Home 🛋️✨ It might seem like a blank canvas is ideal—but empty rooms can actually leave buyers guessing. Here’s why staging is so important: Helps Buyers Visualise 🧠 Most people struggle to picture how to use a space. A staged room gives clarity and sparks imagination. Shows Scale & Function 📏 An empty room can feel smaller than it is. Furnishings show the room’s true potential and purpose. Creates Emotional Connection ❤️ Staged homes feel more inviting and lived-in, helping buyers connect emotionally—which is key to offers! Highlights Lifestyle 🌟 You’re not just selling a house—you’re selling a lifestyle. A staged room paints that picture beautifully. 💡 Don’t let your home fall flat—show its full potential with thoughtful staging! Below are some examples of some simple home styling we have carried out for our clients #HomeStaging #StagingToSell #PropertyTips #EmptyRoomFix #SellingYourHome #InteriorStyling #ShowYourSpace #MoveInReady #CurbAppeal