Why selling a home in Peterborough can be like playing snakes and ladders – and here’s what to do about it

But in the UK, selling a property feels like playing a long game of “snakes and ladders” where you’re never more than one step away from ending up back at square one.

So why does it take so long, where does it go wrong and why all the stress?

We spoke to Chris Hodgkinson, Managing Director of property buying specialists House Buyer Bureau. Chris has bought and sold thousands of properties over the past 20 years.

First, there’s all the pre-sale prep you need to do. You might think, “pop a few photos online, and sit back and wait for buyers to come knocking” but it’s rarely that simple. Time invested in setting things up correctly often results in a better and faster result.

You need to spend time getting your property “sale ready”. This means cleaning, tidying, repairs and a focus on presenting your property in an appealing way. Then you need to get estate agents to visit, make their pitch, compare their valuations, do your own research on property prices and then decide on an agent, sign their contract and agree on an initial asking price.

Selling your home can eat up time for weeks on end

This can take weeks. And only then can you get professional photos done, descriptions written, and the listing finally goes live.

Next comes the potentially awkward step of handling viewings and chasing the estate agent for updates and feedback.

You’ll be tidying, cleaning, and making your home look its absolute best for strangers to critique and comment on. This can eat up weekends and evenings for weeks on end, and there’s no guarantee a serious buyer will emerge any time soon.

Finally, you find a buyer and agree a price!

Relief washes over you, but the journey is far from over. Now comes the survey. The buyer’s surveyor will meticulously inspect every nook and cranny of your property. If any issues are flagged, expect renegotiations. This can add weeks to the process.

Then there’s the legal side. Title checks, local searches, and Land Registry procedures are all vital steps, but they’re also time-consuming and complex. Solicitors raise lots of enquiries and any delays in getting responses can cause significant hold-ups.

Traditional route of selling a home can be frustrating

And let’s not forget the potential for things to go wrong. Sales can fall through due to buyers changing their minds, mortgage lenders pulling out, or unexpected legal issues.

The buyer might try to renegotiate the price after the survey, or the lender’s surveyor may value the property lower than the agreed sale price, forcing further price reductions. All this uncertainty can be incredibly stressful and costly.

Zoopla estimate the entire process takes an average of 6 months, but for many people it is much, much longer – and nearly half of houses that are put up for sale are later withdrawn unsold.

Chris Hodgkinson says: “The traditional route of selling a property can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming. It’s like a game of snakes and ladders!

“The chain, the legal complexities, and the potential for sales to fall through all contribute to an uncertain, stressful and lengthy process.

“Contrast this with the streamlined approach of a property buying specialist, like House Buyer Bureau. “

Chris continues: “We’ll also cover the legal and survey costs, and as there is no estate agent you won’t have any fees to pay.

“This simplicity can be a lifeline for those needing to sell quickly or avoid the stress of the traditional market.”

Of course, there’s a trade-off. A property buying specialist will offer a lower price than you might achieve on the open market. But for many, the speed, certainty, and stress-free process are worth it.

If speed and simplicity matter, then contact HBB

Says Chris: “We understand that people’s circumstances vary and not everyone can afford to wait to sell on the open market.

“Our offer will be lower than you could get on the open market, but with us you get speed, simplicity and certainty, and for some people that is more important.”

He concludes: “Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual needs and circumstances.

“We will never pressure someone into selling their house to us and will always give the best cash offer possible. If speed and simplicity matter more than getting the maximum price, then selling to HBB could be a good alternative.”

Find out more about selling your home through the House Buyer Bureau on the website here.