London has always been a popular choice for property investors. It’s seen as a safe city to invest in, with opportunity for growth. Now with employment rates on the rise, more people are keen to own a home in a London.

The Help to Buy scheme has also encouraged an influx of hungry home buyers, seeking out their first property.

If you’re looking to sell, there are a few key points that you need to follow to ensure you receive a premium price for your property. Read on to find out the details from an Paramount Properties - estate agent covering the Ealing area.

Location

This is still the main feature that buyers will consider. The location of your property will determine what school your children go to and the doctor’s surgery your family will use. Proximity to reliable transport facilities is also a key consideration for buyers.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do about your property’s location. But it is worth pointing out any local points of interest, such as parks or nice restaurants to potential buyers.

Gardens and balconies

London’s private outdoor space is at a premium and homeowners are willing to pay twenty per cent more to have access to an outdoor area. If you are lucky enough to own a roof terrace or balcony, spruce it up with garden plants, flowers and vegetables and encourage viewers to step outside and enjoy the fresh air.

Lease

The remaining years in your lease will also affect the price of your property. Choosing to extend the lease before you sell is not only costly, but can take up to six months to complete too.

Selling your home with a shorter lease will mean you get less money. However, it will make your property more desirable, as buyers look to make a cheaper purchase. They can choose to extend the lease themselves in the future.

De-personalise

Property experts will always tell you to depersonalise when you put your home on the market. That means removing family photos, getting rid of the kids’ drawings on the fridge and even shipping your pet dog out!

Potential buyers like to imagine themselves in your property, with their own possessions. Make it easy for them by choosing neutral shades and tidying away personal clutter.

Showstopper

Every home should have at least one show-stopper room. This is the room that makes people go ‘wow’ when they enter it. Normally, it’s the bathroom or kitchen, but clever interior design can make any space in your home stunning. Premium properties in London typically choose classic style with a modern twist.

Space is normally tight in London properties, so consider smart storage solutions to help persuade your potential buyer into purchasing your property.  

Research

It’s worth using property sites such as Rightmove and Zoopla for research. Create a spreadsheet to track which homes are selling and where. You will soon be able to tell where the most desirable areas of town are.

Selling your home can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Try to remember to be patient and keep a positive outlook. You may have had dozens of viewings, but eventually there will be at least one person who’ll fall in love with your property, just as you did.