How Long Does a Property...

Why Do Some Homes Take Longer to Sell?

If your property remains unsold longer than expected, frustration is inevitable. You may wonder:

• Is it the current market conditions?
• Is my asking price too high?
• Is there simply lower demand for my type of property?

If your home falls into the premium price bracket, longer selling times are often unavoidable. Higher-value properties naturally attract fewer buyers, meaning patience is key. However, even with a niche market, the right strategy makes all the difference.

Pricing Matters

One of the biggest reasons homes struggle to sell is overpricing. Even if you're open to offers, a high asking price can deter potential buyers from even booking a viewing.

First impressions matter, and buyers compare multiple properties before deciding which ones to visit. If your home is priced too high compared to similar listings, it will likely be overlooked.

What’s Happening in the Rugeley Market Right Now?

To understand current trends, let’s look at how long Rugeley properties have been on the market compared to this time last year. This isn’t about how long it takes to sell a home, but rather how long properties have been listed for sale, offering insight into market demand.

Average Time on Market (Today vs. January 2024)

• Detached homes – 116 days (down from 147 days in Jan 2024)
• Semi-detached homes – 84 days (up from 56 days in Jan 2024)
• Terraced/Townhouses – 51 days (down from 76 days in Jan 2024)
• Flats/Apartments – 59 days (down from 131 days in Jan 2024)

Changes in Available Properties

The overall number of homes for sale in Rugeley (town centre + 2 miles) has remained steady, 131 in January 2024 vs. 133 in January 2025. But when broken down by property type, some interesting shifts emerge:

• Detached homes – 52 for sale (down from 63, a 17.5% decrease)
• Semi-detached homes – 50 for sale (up from 39, a 28.2% increase)
• Terraced/Townhouses – 14 for sale (up from 13, a 7.7% increase)
• Flats/Apartments – 10 for sale (up from 9, an 11.1% increase)
• Others (e.g. mobile homes, building plots) – 7 for sale (unchanged)

This data suggests that semi-detached properties are taking longer to sell, whereas detached homes are seeing quicker transactions due to lower availability.

Why Presentation Matters When Selling Your Rugeley Home

Buyers today have endless tools at their fingertips, allowing them to browse hundreds of listings in minutes. The reality is that most buyers view just four to five properties before making an offer—and they typically spend no more than 25 minutes in each home.

That means:

? High-quality photos are essential.
? Professionally designed brochures should highlight key selling points.
? Engaging video tours can make your listing stand out.

Even if your property is priced correctly, poor presentation can result in lost opportunities. Buyers need to picture themselves living in your home, and that starts online.

For Buyers: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Finding the right home isn’t just about what’s already listed for sale—it’s about being ahead of the game.

Did you know that around 10% of properties never make it onto the portals? Many buyers miss out on their dream home simply because they rely on Rightmove and Zoopla alone.

???? Register with estate agents to get early access to properties before they hit the market.
???? Be patient—finding the perfect home takes time, especially if you have specific requirements like school catchment areas or commuting needs.
???? Don’t rush—a quick decision can lead to long-term regret, so consider all options carefully.

What Does This Mean for You?

Whether you’re buying or selling, Rugeley’s property market offers opportunities—if you take the right approach.

For sellers:
???? Price realistically – An overpriced home will sit on the market longer.
???? Present professionally – First impressions count.
???? Be patient but proactive – Some homes take longer to sell, but the right strategy speeds up the process.

For buyers:
???? Stay proactive – Don’t rely solely on online listings.
???? Be patient – The perfect home is worth the wait.
???? Act fast when the right property comes along – Well-priced, well-presented homes don’t stay available for long.

Ultimately, those who take a considered, strategic approach will have the most success in Rugeley’s evolving property market.

???? Next week, I’ll be diving into exactly how long properties in Rugeley are taking to sell – stay tuned!