Flats for sale in South East London: Gone in 60 seconds?

LONDON - Aug. 29, 2014 - PRLog -- Winkworth South East London estate agents (http://www.winkworth.co.uk/regions/south-east-london) have always told property sellers to make their home appealing, using the 'first impressions count' mantra to convince vendors to smarten façades and spruce up interiors. Now energy supplier E.ON has questioned over 2,000 home movers across the country to see just how quickly they make up their mind when searching for a new home.

The research revealed that 59% of home movers questioned knew they had found 'the one' during or immediately after the first viewing. Interestingly, 3% had already decided a property was for them as soon as they saw it advertised - cementing a sale with a mere glance.

House buyers in the capital are known to be a discerning, decisive group, say South East London estate agents. Although the E.ON survey also revealed that house hunters visit eight properties, on average, and take up to 16 weeks before making an offer, this national picture is not being replicated in London.

Flats for sale in South East London (http://www.winkworth.co.uk/search/list?geoLocationType=cu...) are of particular interest to young professionals and investors keen to get a foot hold in the city. Property prices in the SE London postcodes have been steadily rising but this corner of the capital offers far greater value for money when compared to other parts of London. Rightmove's latest figures show flats for sale in South East London exchange hands for an average of £316,193, compared to £431,842 in South West London, £505,848 in North West London and £1,049,306 in Central London.

Therefore competition is rife among buyers from Crystal Palace through to Chislehurst, and there is the opportunity for sellers to realise the true potential of their property. It's not unusual for flats to go under offer before they have even been posted online, as South East London estate agents hold waiting lists of buyers who get first refusal on new instructions.

As the new research indicates, it's making a property as desirable as possible that will generate the most interest and invite the quickest offers. Winkworth estate agents have the following advice:

Appearances count - if people are willing to make an offer based on just a print advert or online listing, the visual impact of a property should be a priority. Exteriors of flat for sale in South East London should be tidy, and insides thoroughly decluttered before photographs are taken.

Sell future location prospects - many places in South East London are part of regeneration projects (Forest Hill, Sydenham and Kirkdale, for example) while others are set for massive transport improvements (think Crossrail in Woolwich and Abbey Wood). A location should help seal a deal just as much as a property, so talk up any location improvements during viewings.

Mention unique selling points - Winkworth is handing enquiries from buyers across London, with many purchasers realising they can get much more for their money by heading south. Any interesting facets will help a property stand out from the competition. So if there's a very social residents' association, mention what type of events take place. A weekly farmers' market in town? Don't forget to drop in what day it takes place.