Hot property gets the cold shoulder

Published on Wednesday 1 August 2007 12:16

WATER trickles gently into the little pond in the private shrub-filled courtyard, where sunlight beams on to the whitewashed walls. Upstairs, the patio doors are thrown open to the pretty roof terrace and the soothing water feature provides the only sound. The house's Mediterranean style would not be out of place in any traditional Andalusian pueblo. Instead, the home in question sits tucked away in deepest Morningside - where it has been on the market for nearly two years.

Owner Graham Bridgman blames the delay in selling the property in Egypt Mews - even the name is exotic - on his first solicitors, who advertised it as a flat, when it is actually a three-bedroom house.

When he eventually sorted that problem after months of legal wrangles, he believes the property had lost the impact of being new to the market. Also, paradoxically, he believes that while its central yet secluded location is highly desirable, it has been difficult for prospective buyers to find. With Edinburgh's well documented property boom, it seems unusual that a home in one of its most sought-after areas should not have been snapped up.

But many homeowners have found to their cost that selling their property has not proved as easy as they expected.

Scott Brown, property expert at Warners, believes that sometimes when a price starts too high, people who watch the market see it drop again and again and think something is wrong with the property.

He says: "People say, 'that's been on the market for ages, that's terrible', but sometimes a price is client-driven and they are going against the agent's advice. It may be because the vendor is not in a rush."

Scott says that a "mews" address suggests a small property. In such a case he advises putting a floorplan on the sales particulars so people realise a home is a good size. And he recommends including a map where a home is hidden away.

Room uses are also important. "Some people have their bedrooms as studies," says Scott. "I tell them to take the computer out when people come to view. A lot of people can't see a room as a potential bedroom if there's no bed in it."

The Egypt Mews property will feature in STV's Safe As Houses next week, in which presenter Ali Douglas and her team of experts try to decipher why it hasn't sold and give the owner tips on how to make it appeal to buyers.

Graham is the first to admit that with its dark internal colour scheme of reds, mustards and blues and its upside-down layout, with the bedrooms downstairs and living room and kitchen on the first floor, the house is not to everyone's taste.

But he is adamant that people should be able to see beyond the paint-work to the house's prime location, spacious double bedrooms and bathroom, and attractive external space.

Sitting on a leather couch in his sun-filled living room - upstairs - the 49-year-old says he is loathe to leave his house of the last 17 years.

He says: "When they arrive in the courtyard, many people say it makes them think of Greece. The best thing about the house is that it is very quiet and yet handy for the shops in Morningside."

In Graham's favour is that he is in no hurry to sell. He bought the house with the compensation he received after a motorcycle accident 20 years ago which left him in a coma for ten weeks.

He now wants to down-size, but has been disappointed a few times after seeing somewhere he liked but then not selling his own place. It was originally set at a fixed price of 450,000 and is now on the market at offers over 345,000. He did accept an offer of 430,000 some time ago, but the buyer pulled out at the last minute.

The interior designer for Safe As Houses, Doreen Smith of Doreen Smith Interiors, compiled a list of suggestions for Graham to implement to give the house buyer-appeal.

Doreen says it would cost around 2000 to re-paint, clean and re-carpet. She says: "It could be a fantastic property, location-wise and with the set-up. Graham just has a small bit of work to do, a few cosmetic things to sharpen it up. However he's lost focus a bit because it has been so long."

The property is in a quiet mews and has three sets of French doors off the enclosed private courtyard. Doreen says, with so many doors in the courtyard, Graham needs to identify for buyers which is the main door, for example by putting plants at either side.

She also suggests re-painting the house's interior in neutral colours and removing the bush in the centre of the courtyard to open up the space. "If he carried out all the alterations he would get the money he's looking for," she adds.

Warners partner Scott advocates the benefits of tidiness and cleanliness for a quick sale and he cautions against clutter. He also recommends checking the width of the camera lens the agent uses to make sure the photographs are really capturing the best panorama of the rooms.

Scott says sellers should be sure to proof-read sales particulars before their property goes on sale. "It's amazing how many people say, 'you're the experts, so just get on with it.' Your home is the biggest thing you sell, so check everything is right."

On a final note he recommends making yourself accessible to buyers. "You would be gobsmacked at the number of times we ring people because someone wants to look at their home tonight and they say they can't do it. I recommend open viewing, as well as by appointment, as many purchasers don't want to make an appointment."

Hunters Estate Agents, part of Gillespie MacAndrew, have been handling the sale of Graham's property since he changed agents. Graham says he is happy with the service.

Partner Willie Hunter says the property has a lot going for it. He says: "It's a lovely little community there, like a wee village. I think if it was redecorated it would sell straight away. First impressions are pretty important."

Willie admits it's not the easiest place to find and vows that they will put a floor plan and map on any new sales particulars.

Back at Egypt Mews, Graham has taken on board some of Doreen's advice but, the fine art graduate is confident of his own taste and says he can't afford to make alterations. He hopes the publicity will help it sell.

He adds: "In the past few weeks I've had two notes of interest. I don't give up easily. It's been very disappointing but I know how much I've loved living here so I'm prepared to wait."

This episode of Safe as Houses is on STV at 7.30pm on Thursday August 9.

Down-at-heel to des res in just ten steps

Interior designer Doreen Smith of Doreen Smith's Interiors gives her top tips on how to sell your property:

1. Give your home kerb appeal with a freshly-painted front door and a well-maintained garden.

2. A potential purchaser will make a decision to buy in the first few minutes of entering your property.

3. The hallway and entrance create the first impression. Hang a large mirror to maximise the space.

4. During viewing keep animals outside.

5. Replace dark or patterned carpets with a light colour to make rooms feel more spacious.

6. Kitchens and bathrooms help a sell property so make sure both are spotless and well presented. Accessorise bathrooms with candles, fresh towels and some nice soaps.

7. If necessary replace your kitchen or give cabinets a coat of paint - it is worth the investment.

8. Defining space within your home is very important. Ensure every room has a clear function and purpose.

9. Finish the DIY jobs you've been meaning to do.

10. Create a warm inviting glow throughout your home with lamps and uplighters.

Visit Doreen's website www.doreensmithinteriors.com