How the 26.7% Saleability Drop in the Chelmsford Property Market Might Impact Your 2024 Home Moving Plans

The Chelmsford housing market, like many others, has experienced a notable shift in 2023.

The percentage of home sales agreed and moved (completed) compared to those withdrawn from the market unsold has decreased relative to 2022.

Looking at independent data for the Chelmsford area (CM1/2/3) …

In 2022, 63.0% of properties that left the books of Chelmsford estate agents agreed a sale, exchanged contracts, and the owners moved home

(3,065 Chelmsford area properties exchanged and completed vs 1,820 properties that withdrew from the agent’s books, unsold).

In 2023, 46.2% of properties that have left the books of Chelmsford estate agents agreed a sale, exchanged contracts, and the owners moved home

(2,111 Chelmsford area properties exchanged and completed vs 2,463 properties that withdrew from the agent’s books, unsold up to the 20^th December 2023), meaning there has been a …

26.7% proportional reduction in the saleability of Chelmsford homes between 2022 and 2023

It’s interesting to compare that with the East regional and national stats for both years.

In the East, 63.85% of properties were exchanged, completed, and moved in 2022, compared to 47.18% in 2023, a drop of 26.1%. Nationally, 65.55% of properties were exchanged, completed, and moved in 2022 compared to 52.39% in 2023, a decline of 20.1%.

This could raise concerns among Chelmsford homeowners and potential sellers. As a seasoned estate agent in Chelmsford, I have observed these trends closely and offer insights into this phenomenon and strategies to enhance your home’s saleability in 2024.

Understanding the dip in saleability in Chelmsford

Economic Influences: much like the rest of the UK, Chelmsford has been subject to financial pressures such as inflation and Bank of England interest rate increases. These factors have affected buyer affordability, leading to a more cautious approach to home purchasing.

Market Saturation and Buyer’s Market: 2023 saw a surge in Chelmsford properties on the market. This increase changed the Chelmsford property market from a strong seller’s market to a balanced market or even a buyer’s market in some parts of Chelmsford throughout 2023, where the availability of choices led to a more selective purchasing behaviour.

Changing Buyer Preferences: In Chelmsford, buyer preferences have evolved. There’s a growing demand for properties that offer flexible living spaces, energy efficiency, and modern amenities, which not all available homes meet.

Local Economic and Social Factors: Chelmsford’s local economic and social developments, such as job market shifts and community developments, have also played a role in influencing the housing market dynamics.

Six tips to maximising your Chelmsford home’s saleability in 2024

Chelmsford properties are still selling, yet not at the rate they were in 2021 and 2022.

Just over 9 out of 20 Chelmsford people in 2023 have sold and moved (i.e. the 46.2% figure mentioned above). If you want to avoid being in the 11 out of 20 Chelmsford people who were unable to sell and move this year, there are some things that you can do to stack the cards in your favour.

To start with, the saleability levels in Chelmsford in 2023 are very similar to the saleability rates between 2014 and 2019.

1. Strategic Pricing: Understanding the Chelmsford market is critical. Homes priced correctly from the outset are more likely to attract serious buyers. This requires a deep understanding of the local market trends, something a knowledgeable estate agent can provide.
2. Tailoring to Buyer Preferences: Align your Chelmsford home with current trends. This could mean investing in creating flexible work-from-home spaces, upgrading energy systems, or modernising key areas like kitchens and bathrooms. However, before you start spending tens of thousands of pounds on this, please do pick up the phone so I can give you the best advice for the type of property you own in Chelmsford. I have lost count of the number of times I’ve seen a Chelmsford homeowner spend money on the wrong things without advice, only to find the money they spent did nothing for the value of their home nor made it more saleable.

3. Effective Marketing: Utilise a comprehensive marketing strategy that includes high-quality photography, possibly virtual tours, and leveraging online social media and portals. As experts in the Chelmsford property market, we can target the correct demographic and present your home in its best
4. Preparing for Viewings: First impressions matter. Ensure your Chelmsford home is well-presented, clean, and decluttered. We can offer personalised advice on the presentation of your home to appeal to potential buyers.
5. Flexibility and Negotiation: Be prepared for negotiation and show flexibility in terms of viewing times and conditions of sale. This approach can make your property more appealing compared to others on the market.
6. Capitalising on Local Knowledge: Chelmsford’s unique charm and amenities should be highlighted. As a local market expert in the city, I can help showcase these aspects effectively to potential buyers.

The decrease in the saleability rate in Chelmsford reflects broader economic trends and evolving buyer preferences. However, with the right approach and strategies, selling your home in 2024 can be a realistic and successful endeavour.

By understanding the Chelmsford market, pricing strategically, aligning with buyer preferences, and utilising effective marketing and presentation techniques, you can significantly enhance your chances of a successful sale.

As a Chelmsford property market expert, I offer more than just transactional advice; I provide insights into what makes our local Chelmsford market tick. By partnering with a knowledgeable estate agent, you can confidently navigate these challenging times and maximise your chances of a successful home sale in 2024.