How the 15.9% Saleability Drop in the Leeds Property Market Might Impact Your 2024 Home Moving Plans

The Leeds 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The percentage of home sales agreed and moved (completed) compared to those withdrawn from the market unsold has decreased relative to 2022.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 Leeds area (LS1-LS12) …

In 2022, 70.0% of properties that left the books of Leeds estate agents agreed a sale, exchanged contracts, and the owners moved home

(3,752 Leeds area properties exchanged and completed vs 1,602 properties that withdrew from the agent’s books, unsold).

In 2023, 58.9% of properties that have left the books of Leeds estate agents agreed a sale, exchanged contracts, and the owners moved home

(2,970 Leeds area properties exchanged and completed vs 2,075 properties that withdrew from the agent’s books, unsold up to the 20^th December 2023), meaning there has been a …

15.9% proportional reduction in the saleability of Leeds homes between 2022 and 2023

It's interesting to compare that with the Yorkshire and Humber regional and national stats for both years.

In Yorkshire and Humber, 71.09% of properties were exchanged, completed, and moved in 2022, compared to 59.13% in 2023, a drop of 16.8%. 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 Leeds homeowners and potential sellers. 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 Leeds

Economic Influences: much like the rest of the UK, Leeds 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 Leeds properties on the market. This increase changed the Leeds property market from a strong seller's market to a balanced market or even a buyer's market in some parts of Leeds throughout 2023, where the availability of choices led to a more selective purchasing behaviour.

Changing Buyer Preferences: In Leeds, 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: Leeds'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 Leeds home's saleability in 2024

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

Just under 12 out of 20 Leeds people in 2023 have sold and moved (i.e. the 58.9% figure mentioned above). If you want to avoid being in the 8 out of 20 Leeds 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 Leeds in 2023 are very similar to the saleability rates between 2014 and 2019.

1.Strategic Pricing: Understanding the Leeds 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 Leeds 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 Leeds. I have lost count of the number of times I've seen a Leeds 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.

4.Preparing for Viewings: First impressions matter. Ensure your Leeds home is well-presented, clean, and decluttered.

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: Leeds's unique charm and amenities should be highlighted.

The decrease in the saleability rate in Leeds 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 Leeds market, pricing strategically, aligning with buyer preferences, and utilising effective marketing and presentation techniques, you can significantly enhance your chances of a successful sale.