The Fife 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The percentage of home sales agreed and moved (completed) compared to those withdrawn from the market unsold has decreased relative to 2022.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 Fife area (KY1-KY12, KY14-KY16) …
In 2022, 86.0% of properties that left the books of Fife estate agents agreed a sale, exchanged contracts, and the owners moved home
(5,651 Fife area properties exchanged and completed vs 466 properties that withdrew from the agent’s books, unsold).
In 2023, 80.6% of properties that have left the books of Fife estate agents agreed a sale, exchanged contracts, and the owners moved home
(4,624 Fife area properties exchanged and completed vs 593 properties that withdrew from the agent’s books, unsold up to the 20th December 2023), meaning there has been a …
6.3% proportional reduction in the saleability of Fife homes between 2022 and 2023
It’s interesting to compare that with the Scotland regional and national stats for both years.
In Scotland, 81.23% of properties were exchanged, completed, and moved in 2022, compared to 77.85% in 2023, a drop of 4.2%. 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 Fife homeowners and potential sellers. As a seasoned estate agent in Fife, 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 Fife
Economic Influences: much like the rest of the UK, Fife 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 Fife properties on the market. This increase changed the Fife property market from a strong seller’s market to a balanced market or even a buyer’s market in some parts of Fife throughout 2023, where the availability of choices led to a more selective purchasing behaviour.
Changing Buyer Preferences: In Fife, 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: Fife’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 Fife home’s saleability in 2024
Fife properties are still selling, yet not at the rate they were in 2021 and 2022.
Just over 16 out of 20 Fife people in 2023 have sold and moved (i.e. the 80.6% figure mentioned above). If you want to avoid being in the 4 out of 20 Fife 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 Fife in 2023 are very similar to the saleability rates between 2014 and 2019.
- Strategic Pricing: Understanding the Fife 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.
- Tailoring to Buyer Preferences: Align your Fife 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 Fife. I have lost count of the number of times I’ve seen a Fife 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.
- 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 Fife property market, we can target the correct demographic and present your home in its best light.
- Preparing for Viewings: First impressions matter. Ensure your Fife home is well-presented, clean, and decluttered. We can offer personalised advice on the presentation of your home to appeal to potential buyers.
- 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.
- Capitalising on Local Knowledge: Fife’s unique charm and amenities should be highlighted. As a local market expert in the area, I can help showcase these aspects effectively to potential buyers.
The decrease in the saleability rate in Fife 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 Fife 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 Fife property market expert, I offer more than just transactional advice; I provide insights into what makes our local Fife 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.
