The properties haven’t managed to find buyers for some time (Picture: Rightmove)
The average time it takes to sell a house can range from a few weeks to six months, depending on where in the UK you are.
Most people would agree, though, that a decade is too long a wait.
These homes have each been on the market for over 10 years, seemingly being outshone by other properties available in the area.
Packing provider Moverly analysed Rightmove stock across the country to find the homes that have languished on the market longest in each area.
The results show that, while the housing market has been on a steep upward trajectory for some time, not everyone has been able to cash in on the boom.
Moverly co-founder, Ed Molyneux, commented: ‘It might come as a surprise to hear that, during our nation’s much-reported housing shortage, perfectly good homes can sit on the market for more than a decade without finding a buyer, but there are any number of reasons why this might be
‘The asking prices might be too high; the property itself might be too unique or quirky, requiring an acquired taste; or perhaps they’re in a state of such disrepair that nobody is willing to touch them.
‘It’s also possible that the homes have simply not been marketed in a manner that attracts the buyers that the property itself deserves.’
To avoid being one of these unfortunate sellers, Ed recommends ensuring your agent gets marketing right. Buyers should be able to get all the information they need and the price should reflect the location and condition of the home.
That said, it’s sometimes down to the luck of the draw. Perfectly acceptable properties can be overlooked without any clear reasons why, and until the right house-hunter comes along they’re resigned to the bottom of the pile (or the bottom of the online property search anyway).
Could you be the person to give these homes some much-needed attention? Given how long they’ve been up for sale, you may even be able to negotiate a bargain price.
Havant, £140,000, on sale for 14 years
The home has a communal lounge and resident’s manager to help out with any queries or issues (Picture: Rightmove)
This one-bedroom retirement property was first listed on July 4, 2009, meaning it’s spent the last 5,010 days on the market.
The fact it’s only available for those over 55 may play a part in the lack of interest, or perhaps the home’s textured ceilings and somewhat dated interiors are putting buyers off.
Another factor could be the lease, which currently has 87 years remaining and may pose a problem for mortgage lenders. Some will refuse to offer credit if fewer than 80 years are left on a lease, and it becomes more expensive to extend the term past this point.
However, if you’re after a home with amenities like communal parking, gardens, a residents lounge and a house manager, it could be the perfect place for you.
Check out the listing and enquire to view on Rightmove.
Durham, £64,950, on sale for 13 years
The terraced house is situated in Horden, Peterlee, and is newly-renovated too (Picture: Rightmove)
Added to property sites on July 13, 2010, this terraced house in the neighbourhood of Peterlee has been up for sale for the last 4,636 days.
It features two bedrooms, a lounge with an open staircase, a spacious bathroom and kitchen, and a large back garden that has access for off-street parking.
It’s difficult to see why nobody’s taken the bait yet, as the home’s interiors are modern yet neutral, while double glazing and gas central heating mean the new owner is able to move straight in without doing any work. There’s also no forward chain or leasehold issues to worry about.
Terraced houses in the area sell for an average of £57,353, so price may be to blame for the drawn-out sale.
Check out the listing and enquire to view on Rightmove.
Bury, £100,000, on sale for 12 years
The decor here is neutral and ready for the new owner to move straight into (Picture: Rightmove)
This apartment comprises one double bedroom, a large reception room, and a modern kitchen and bathroom, alongside communal gardens and parking bays for residents.
It’s also been on sale for 4,337 days, unable to find a buyer since May 8, 2011.
There are plenty of positives here, from the close proximity to local amenities to well-kept decor designed to suit all tastes. Additionally, there’s approximately 940 years left on the flat’s lease, making it even harder to understand why no-one’s snapped it up.
It is just off the M66 motoway, which is due to be widened as part of a major construction project. Sale prices in the area have fallen steeply in recent years too, suggesting the location may be why buyers are steering clear.
Agents have seemingly attempted to help shed the property’s ‘unwanted’ reputation by recently relisting it, but remember folks, the internet never forgets.
Check out the listing and enquire to view on Rightmove.
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Could you be the one to finally snap them up?
