How Long Does It Take to Sell a Home in Boston?
If
you’re a homeowner in Boston thinking of selling your property, you have
probably wondered how long it will take to find a buyer.
The timeline for
selling a home varies depending on factors such as property type, price, and
market conditions. Fortunately, we’ve compiled the latest statistics for 174 Boston
homes that have sold stc in the last 3 months, split down by type (detached houses,
semi-detached homes, terraced houses, and flats) to give you a clear picture.
·
Of the 78 Boston detached homes sold (stc) in the
last 3 months, the average time from coming onto the market to sale agreed was 139
days (median time 101 days).
·
Of the 61 Boston semi-detached homes sold (stc) in
the last 3 months, the average time from coming onto the market to sale agreed
was 95 days (median time 47 days).
·
Of the 15 Boston terraced/town houses sold (stc) in
the last 3 months, the average time from coming onto the market to sale agreed
was 91 days (median time 52 days).
·
Of the 5 Boston flats/apartments sold (stc) in the
last 3 months, the average time from coming onto the market to sale agreed was 278
days (median time 162 days).
(N.B. – Some of you will notice all the numbers
don’t add up to the total number in the second paragraph. This is because there
are certain types of property that fall outside the four main types, including
mobile homes, commercial, land and building plots etc. Boston being Boston town
centre plus 2 miles).
These
figures show the average number of days a property in Boston takes to go under
offer. However, selling a home doesn't stop there. The entire process—from
listing your property to completing the sale—can stretch over many months due
to legal procedures and other factors.
It
currently takes, on average, 114 days from agreeing to
sell
to completing a Boston property
(interesting when
compared to the national average of 119 days)
While the
statistics provide an overview of the home buying and selling timeline, it's
essential to delve deeper into why homes may sell faster or slower in Boston.
Below, I explore these factors to help you maximise your chances of successfully
selling your Boston home.
Why Does It Take Longer to Sell Some Boston Properties?
Selling a home in Boston
involves more than simply placing it on the market and waiting for offers.
A variety of
challenges can affect how quickly your Boston property sells. Here are the most
common reasons homes might linger on the market longer than expected.
1. Setting the Right Asking Price For Your Boston
Home
The biggest factor
in selling a home is pricing it correctly. Overpricing will deter buyers, as
your home may not appear in their search results, appear out of kilter with
similar properties for sale, or may not align with their expectations.
Remember, over the past
24 months, only 58.66% of Boston homes listed for sale successfully sold,
resulting in a move. The remaining 41.34% were withdrawn from the market
without a sale.
The
solution? Work with a knowledgeable estate agent who understands the local Boston
market. Research what similar homes in Boston have sold for and seek valuations
from multiple agents to ensure your pricing is competitive.
2. Estate Agent
Performance
The choice of your
estate agent plays a pivotal role in how fast your home sells (and even if it
sells at all). Some agents excel at marketing properties and maintaining active
communication with potential buyers on their mailing lists, while others may
fall short. If your agent isn't delivering on their promises, don't hesitate to
follow up and hold them accountable.
As
an estate agent specialising in the Boston property market, I ensure my clients
receive a tailored marketing strategy, especially for the town's nuances,
complete transparency and ongoing updates to secure the best results.
3. Quality of
Photographs
In today’s digital
first world, high quality photographs are essential. Boston buyers scrolling
through Rightmove, Zoopla and On-The-Market listings form their first
impressions based on photographs. Poor or outdated photography can leave a
property overlooked, especially seasonal photos (i.e. Christmas decorations
or snow on the ground in summer) as they reveal how long the home has been
on the market.
Consider
revisiting your property’s photos with your agent regularly. Fresh,
professional images can transform your home’s appeal and attract more potential
buyers.
4. Mortgage
Challenges
Some
properties in Boston might be more complex for buyers to secure mortgages on.
For example, apartments with short leases, unique construction materials, or
flats above shops can raise concerns for lenders. These challenges can limit
the pool of potential buyers. If your property falls into one of these
categories, work with your agent to address these issues. Solutions such as
extending your lease or highlighting property strengths can make your Boston
home more marketable.
5. Timing of Sale
The time of year
can influence how quickly properties sell. Spring and summer typically see
heightened buyer activity, while autumn and winter may present slower markets.
External factors like economic uncertainty or mortgage rates can also impact
buyer behaviour.
If timing isn't ideal, a strategic marketing
approach can still generate interest and results. A skilled Boston estate agent
will tailor your home to the prevailing market conditions,
Selling Your Home
in Boston
I recognise selling
your home is more than just a transaction—it’s a journey that requires
expertise, preparation, and persistence. As an estate agent deeply invested in Boston’s
property market, I pride myself on providing personalised advice and support to
every client.
Whether you’re
selling a detached home, a charming terrace, or a modern flat, I’m here to
guide you through the process.
If you're
considering selling your home, let's discuss how we can achieve the best
outcome for you. Send me a message or call today—I'd be delighted to help you
navigate the Boston property market with confidence.
