Property Listing Advice

Your property listing is the most important piece of information any potential buyers or tenants will view on Propstop, it is therefore essential the presentation is right. Thinking carefully when listing your property information and presenting your details in an appealing manner is crucial if you are going to make a good impression.

• When writing a description of your property it is important that you are as informative as possible. However please remember you have a duty to ensure the information you provide is accurate and is not in any way false or misleading.

• Make sure the pictures you take of your property show it in the best light. This will mean showing off its key features, whether it be location, accessibility or aspect. It is also advisable to tidy your property before taking pictures, removing any clutter or mess.

• Provide as much information as possible, this will mean the potential buyer or tenant will be fully informed before they make an enquiry about your property and there will be no surprises. Take advantage of Propstops features by adding pictures, videos and even floor plans to your listing.

Valuing your Property

If you are currently on the market with an agent, you will already have a good idea of what your property is worth. If you are selling privately be realistic with the price and remember ultimately your property is only worth what somebody will pay for it.

A number of factors determine property value:

• Supply and demand: Property values tend to be influenced by demand rather than supply. As demand increases (if supply is fixed) property prices will rise as there are more people looking to buy. When valuing your property you will need to take into account the state of the economic climate.

• Demand: A fall in demand for people buying properties can influence demand for people looking for properties to rent. If demand for properties to buy is low demand for rental properties will usually be high.

• Location: It is widely acknowledged that location can be a major factor influencing the price of a property. If you compare similar types of properties in different areas, you will find significant variations in price. A property in a good location could command a higher value than a similar property in a less popular location.

• Accessibility: Location has a major influence on value. However, sometimes the differences between areas can be a lot more subtle. Accessibility has become a major issue in most parts of the country and usually relates to transport links, but can also include other facilities such as good schools or hospitals depending upon peoples circumstances.

• Aspect: The position of a property can also produce additional factors that can have a negative or positive effect on the value such as exposure to severe weather or a breathtaking view.

• General presentation: A clean, tidy, well maintained property is more likely to appeal than a property that is untidy, dirty and been neglected. Before putting your property on the market we recommend you do everything you can to make your property more appealing to potential buyers or tenants. Although this may not directly increase the value it will improve your chances of a successful sale or let.

• External presentation: A property with "kerb appeal" is more likely to sell or let than a property that doesn't. Keep the garden and frontage tidy.

• Property Size: This is a factor that can influence property value. Generally, bigger properties are more expensive than smaller properties. This could also include garden size.

It is important to look at comparable properties currently on the market when trying to determine the value of your property or the potential rental value. If you need to make a price comparison or find out what other properties in your area are worth or recently sold for there are a number of companies on line who provide this information as well as the Land Registry ( enter: "property values UK" into your search engine to view options).

The ideal comparable properties will be:

• In the same locality

• A similar Type and Style

• A similar Size of Property

• In a similar condition

• Sold Recently

Although in broad terms you may be able to make a direct comparison between your property and one similar close by, it is advisable to consider the state of the property and if any major alterations or improvement have been completed that could influence the ultimate value.

As well as everything above you should also consider timing:

• The current state of the market: Markets can change over time and prices can fluctuate depending upon the current economic situation. Do your research.

• Your requirements: You may want to sell or let as quickly as possible and reduce the price to speed up the process or you may be happy to wait and obtain the best price for your property.

Measuring your Property

Knowing the size of your property can be very useful information for potential buyers and tenants in the majority of residential properties, rooms are roughly square or rectangular which means you just need to measure just need to measure the length and width. However, rooms can differ in shape. There are rooms that are not square or rectangular, they can be "L" shaped, tapered and include bay windows and chimney breasts for instance.

To the left is a diagram of a room with a bay, it shows which dimensions you would measure and how you would accurately describe it.

Normally these days dimensions will be in metric however you could provide the feet and inch equivalents.

When conducting Viewings

When conducting a viewing on your property there are a few things you should take into account:

• If you are not occupying the property, it would be beneficial to arrive early to look over the property and clear up any potential hazards. If hazards cannot be removed, they should be clearly pointed out, this could include such things as trailing wires and cables, loose carpets, steep stairs or any sharp objects.

• Anyone who occupies property may be sued for negligence if someone viewing is injured under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957. This basically requires the occupier to keep the visitor safe for the purpose of the visit.

• If you live in the property on your own do not advertise the fact. It is advisable to notify a close friend or family member that somebody is coming to view your property and ideally ask them to accompany you during the viewing.

• Before the viewing try and obtain as much information on the potential buyer or tenant as possible, this could include address, contact details among other things. Also, while conducting the viewing you can find out further information about their circumstances and if they are actually in a position to proceed.

• It may be beneficial to print off a copy of your property details to hand to the viewer when they arrive. This way they have the details to hand and can take them away with them.

• If you are letting your property, it may be useful to draw up a tenant application, asking potential tenants to provide information detailing everything from their name and address to whether they have pets and if they are smokers.

Agents usually contact the viewer the next day to obtain some feedback from the viewing. This is good practice and even if they are not proposing to pursue their interest, feedback on the viewing can often be constructive.

Energy Performance Certificate

An EPC is required by law when a building is constructed sold or put up for rent

Your Obligations Under EPC Law

• Landlords:
  Since 1st October 2008 all landlords must obtain an EPC before a property is put up for let.

• Home Owner:
  Since 1st October 2008 all home owners must get an EPC prior to selling their home.

• Home Builder:
  All home builders must produce an EPC prior to selling any home under EPC law.

• Tenant:
  If you moved into a property after 1st Oct 2008 you should request a copy of the EPC for the building you rent.

Mortgage Questions

Propstop users were asked to send in any Mortgage Questions they had via the Propstop Blog. James Allen then met up with Independent Mortgage Advisor Delwyn Davies to get your questions answered:

Further Help

If you have any further questions or need any help using Propstop, please either contact us via the red box on the far left of your page, or e-mail us here: info@propstop.co.uk