10 Reasons your house isn’t selling and how to fix it

• Overpricing remains the biggest reason homes sit unsold despite stronger market activity.
• Poor presentation and weak marketing kill buyer interest before viewings even happen.
• Correct pricing, preparation and the right agent can turn listings into sales.

Why some homes still aren’t selling

With interest rates easing and buyer activity returning to the market, many homeowners are puzzled when their properties remain unsold.

According to Seeff Property Group agents, homes that linger on the market almost always suffer from one or more of three issues: price, presentation or promotion.

Today’s buyers are highly informed. Online listings, sales data and neighbourhood comparisons make it easy for them to identify value. If a home misses the mark, buyers simply move on.

Understanding what is holding a property back is the first step toward turning a “For Sale” sign into a successful sale.

Main reasons homes fail to sell

1. The price is too high

This remains the number one issue. Sellers often “test the market” or attach emotional value to their homes, but buyers compare listings carefully.

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Tiaan Pretorius, manager for Seeff Centurion, explains: “Buyers have access to sales data and listings, so even pricing 5% to 10% above market value can significantly slow buyer interest or prevent a sale entirely.”

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2. Poor presentation and condition

First impressions matter. Buyers often decide within minutes whether a home feels right.

Untidy spaces, outdated finishes, peeling paint or broken fittings create doubt and reduce offers.

3. Weak marketing and poor photos

If online photos fail to impress, buyers won’t book viewings. Poor lighting, cluttered images or incomplete listings kill interest early.

4. Lack of curb appeal
If the exterior looks neglected, many buyers won’t even step inside.

‍5. Unique homes appeal to fewer buyers

Highly customised homes or unusual locations naturally take longer to sell due to a smaller buyer pool.

6. Needed repairs scare buyers

Roof leaks, plumbing issues or outdated electrical systems create uncertainty and negotiation pressure.

7. Limited viewing access

If buyers struggle to schedule viewings, they simply move on to easier options.

8. The wrong agent or sales strategy

Gerhard van der Linde, managing director for Seeff Pretoria East, says agent choice matters:

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“Sometimes a property remains unsold simply because the agent is not the right fit or lacks focus on the listing.”

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9. Too many agents, no accountability

Multiple mandates often result in diluted effort and inconsistent marketing.

10. The market has shifted

Sometimes market conditions change and pricing or strategy must adjust accordingly.

How to fix it and get sold

• Price correctly from the start
  Use a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to set realistic pricing. Early, strategic price adjustments work better than repeated small cuts.
  
  
• Prepare your home properly

Declutter, deep-clean, repaint where needed and repair obvious defects. Aim for move-in-ready appeal.

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Pretorius adds, “The home must offer value for money and make buyers feel they can move in without additional stress or cost.”

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• Upgrade marketing quality
  Invest in professional photography, compelling descriptions and exposure across major property portals and social platforms.
  
  
• Improve curb appeal
  Tidy gardens, repaint entrances and ensure exterior maintenance is up to standard.
  
  
• Offer flexibility
  Make viewing times convenient and respond quickly to buyer interest.
  
  
• Choose the right agent
  Van der Linde advises: “Appoint a local area specialist with a strong sales record. A sole mandate allows the agent to focus fully on achieving the best result.”

Switching agents or strategies can sometimes unlock a sale.

Move from “For Sale” to Sold

‍Most unsold homes are not victims of bad luck, they simply need better pricing, stronger presentation or smarter marketing.

‍Sellers who respond quickly to market feedback and adjust strategy early dramatically improve their chances of success.

In today’s informed market, buyers recognise value instantly. Get the fundamentals right, and your home is far more likely to move from listing to sold.

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