Realistic Pricing Critical as Overpriced Homes Sit on Market 4x Longer
By Benjamin Owoicho Adah | July 20, 2026
Correctly priced homes sell in an average of 36 days, while homes needing price cuts sit on the market for 127 days. Setting a realistic asking price helps properties sell fast and avoids major delays. [1, 2, 3]
Key Market Insights
- Fast Sales: 74% of completed sales happened without any price cuts.
- Longer Delays: Overpriced homes take nearly four times longer to sell.
- High Competition: Property stock is near a 12-year high.
- Buyer Advantage: Buyers and investors hold more negotiating power now. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Advice for Sellers and Investors
- Price Right: Set a realistic price from day one.
- Local Expertise: Hire an agent with deep local market knowledge.
- Honest Advice: Work with professionals who offer realistic property valuations. [1, 2, 3]
The Numbers:
- 74% of homes sold and completed this year did so without an asking price reduction
- Homes requiring price cuts spend an average of 127 days on the market, compared to just 36 days for correctly priced homes
What This Means for Investors: Jennifer Lawler, Sales Director at Elite Realty Invest, noted: "The market is rewarding realistic pricing and exposing unrealistic expectations. Stock remains close to a 12-year high and sellers are having to compete harder for buyers – that's putting negotiating power back into investors' hands”.
Chris Thomas, managing director at Wiglesworth & Co estate agents, advised sellers: "Accuracy of pricing is everything... choosing an agent who knows the local area and market extremely well and has a proven strong track record of giving honest and professional advice is essential”.
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