Your search results

When Should You Consider Lowering the Price of Your Property That Has Been on the Market for Months?

Posted by Jayson Ang on December 3, 2024

| All, Blog Posts, Opinion, Selling Tips

| 0

TLDR

Selling a property can be challenging without the right price strategy. Adjust your asking price to attract more buyers and avoid long market stays. Overpricing can deter potential buyers, but minor reductions can improve search visibility. Regularly reassess your listing’s age and market trends to stay competitive. Establish a clear timeline for price adjustments to avoid impulsive decisions. Be mindful of policy changes like ABSD rates, which can impact buyer behavior. Acting swiftly on initial offers might prevent lower subsequent offers. Strategic planning and market understanding are key to securing your dream property.

After what feels like an eternity, not a single soul has presented you with a tempting offer. And let’s face it, you can’t move on to your dream property until this one is off your hands. Perhaps it’s finally time to take a leap of faith and reduce your asking price?

We know, in a market where replacement properties cost a fortune, it’s hard to let go of your desired profit. But consider this – settling for a slightly lower amount now could mean the difference between securing a more ideal home or no sale at all.

Let’s see what advice some seasoned agents have for those moments when it’s necessary to adjust your expectations.

1. Adjust Downward to Align, Despite Your Aspirations

Starting with a steep asking price is a common pitfall, as it can immediately turn off potential buyers and discourage any further negotiations. Yet, some sellers insist on aiming for the stars and refuse to budge, unaware of the lost opportunities.

For instance, a recent case involved a two-bedroom unit sold by a colleague in 2023. Against his advice, the seller stubbornly set an asking price 20 per cent higher than similar units in the condo. The first two interested viewers never returned, likely assuming their offer would be dismissed without consideration. Finally, the seller relented and agreed to match the prices of other listings.

Miraculously, within a month, the condo was snapped up at a price close to the original asking, thanks to shrewd negotiations. Lesson learned: starting too high can ultimately lead to settling for less.

2. Consider Adjusting the Price for Better Search Visibility!

In today’s market, the majority, if not all, of home seekers rely on property portals rather than the traditional newspaper classifieds to find their dream abode. If you’ve dabbled in these portals, you’re well aware of the plethora of filters at your disposal – from leasehold or freehold options to specific construction dates. And among these filtering options, the ever-popular filter for price reigns supreme.

But here’s something to consider: if your flat is listed at $505,000, but a potential buyer sets the filter to $500,000 or below, your listing may be ousted from their search results. To increase your chances of being seen, it may be wise to adjust your price by a mere $5,000 to align with the search system.

(On a related note, for all you buyers out there, it might be beneficial to set the filter slightly higher – say, at $550,000 if your budget is $500,000. This way, you won’t risk missing out on fantastic listings that may just be a smidge above your set limit).

3. Adjust Pricing According to Listing Age

Navigating through property listings can be tricky, especially in smaller developments with limited transactions. Often, the only other unit available in your project is either significantly larger or smaller, making it difficult to find a fair comparison. In such cases, it may be more beneficial to look at units of similar size in nearby projects. However, it is ideal to find close comparisons to your unit, and take note of the “listed on” date of these properties.

According to M, if your listing is one of the oldest in comparison, it could be a sign that your asking price needs to be adjusted. This can also create assumptions among potential buyers and their agents, leading to lowball offers.

It is important for agents to keep track of the average days a property stays on the market, specific to the property type and area. This information can serve as a benchmark, and if your listing exceeds this average, it may be time to consider lowering the price. Discussing this with your agent beforehand can prepare you for any necessary adjustments.

4. Implement a Strategic Lowering Approach, Not Intuition!

Working closely with HDB upgraders, I’ve noticed a common mistake pointed out by my colleague – one that plagues those who attempt to sell their own flat without proper guidance. It’s the failure to establish a clear timeline for price adjustments.

When our clients entrust us with their sale, we carefully assess their time frame and strategize accordingly. If there’s no response after a couple of weeks, we make a calculated price reduction. And if still no takers, we adjust once again, and so on.

But for those who brave the selling process alone, they often rely on their gut feeling. This ad-hoc approach can be taxing and lead to impulsive decisions. Instead, having a structured timeline in place can help alleviate the stress and guide rational choices.

Of course, this timeline is determined by various factors like ABSD remission (if purchasing before selling) and competition for a new property. While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, it’s crucial to remember that the shorter your runway, the quicker you may need to adjust your price.

5. Decrease in Asking Price After Policy Adjustments

Deciding on whether or not to lower the price of a property can be a daunting decision, as the timing of a policy change, such as an increase in ABSD rates, can be uncertain.

While there may be a desire to hold out for a higher price, particularly after viewings have taken place, it is important to pay attention to the level of interest after the policy adjustment.

In some cases, it may be wise to lower the price before the situation deteriorates. According to ST, this was the case for one of his clients during the July 2018 cooling measures.

“Following the rise in ABSD rates, many potential buyers chose to adopt a wait-and-see approach. Despite receiving an offer slightly below their desired price, the seller refused to budge. However, as time passed and interest dwindled, they were forced to settle for an even lower offer in order to proceed with their own property purchase.

In hindsight, had they accepted the first offer, they would have been in a much better position. Thus, it is sometimes necessary to readjust our expectations before things worsen.”

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?

If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?

It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.

I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.

I can help you by:

Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.

You May Also Like …

All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion

7 Lesser-Known ‘Minor’ Condo Problems That Could Lead to Major Issues Down the Line

Jayson Ang – October 11, 2024 –

TLDR When choosing a condo, it's crucial to look beyond MRT station proximity, developer reputation, and price. Overlooked details can...

All Opinion

Why Can’t We Have More Housing Options For Singles?

Jayson Ang – April 5, 2024 –

TLDR The blog post discusses the evolving regulations for single individuals to purchase public housing in Singapore. It highlights the...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

How Can Decoupling Help You in Buying a Second Property?

Jayson Ang – July 1, 2023 –

TLDR Decoupling property ownership in Singapore can help you avoid hefty Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty fees when purchasing a second...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

When a Property Seller Pulls Out of the Deal : What Now?

Jayson Ang – April 2, 2023 –

TLDR When a property deal is not yet formalized, sellers can withdraw without consequences. However, once an Option to Purchase...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Homeowners Share Their Biggest Regrets Delaying Their Property Purchase in Singapore

Jayson Ang – September 12, 2024 –

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving property market of Singapore, making a timely decision to purchase a property can make all...

All Buying Tips Opinion

Evaluating Property Investments: Pros and Cons to Keep in Mind

Jayson Ang – August 7, 2023 –

TLDR: Key Takeaways from the Blog Post Singapore's real estate market offers both pros and cons for investors. The advantages...

Mandarin Top 5

The 5 Most Popular Types of Properties to Buy in Singapore

Jayson Ang – May 19, 2023 –

The 5 Most Popular Types of Properties to Buy in Singapore 1. Condominiums: Condos are popular among buyers because they...

All Buying Tips Opinion

The Significance of Choosing the Right Condo: A Real-Life Tale of Two $1.8 Million Investments with Significantly Different Results.

Jayson Ang – August 13, 2024 –

TLDR When contemplating property investments in Singapore, consider various factors like rental performance, unit count, access to train lines, and...