New research from property analytics firm TwentyCi shows that eight of the UK’s ten most challenging postcodes for selling homes are in London. With a national average of 84 days to sell property in the UK, even once considered prime real estate hotspots, areas like Earl’s Court (SW5), South Kensington (SW7), Marylebone (W1H), and Belgravia (SW1X) are now among the slowest markets for property sales.
These findings, cover the 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 and are based on a range of key factors. In order of importance, TwentyCi analysed:
- The final sale price vs. the original asking price
- The likelihood of the property selling
- Speed of sale
- Risk of the sale falling through
- Likelihood of an asking price reduction
Slowing Property Sales Across London
London has faced a challenging property climate in recent years. According to Zoopla, the average flat price in the capital hasn't increased in a decade. When adjusted for inflation, prices have actually fallen by around 25%.
In the prime central London market, where homes typically exceed £1 million, Savills reports property values have declined by 21% from their peak - or 42% in real terms. With buyers anticipating interest rate cuts later this year, many are delaying purchases, leading to longer selling times and price reductions of 3% to 5% below asking.
Top 10 Hardest Postcodes to Sell Property In The UK
Postcode |
Area Name |
SW5 |
London: Earl’s Court |
SW7 |
London: South Kensington, Knightsbridge |
W1H |
London: Marylebone |
SW10 |
London: West Brompton, Chelsea |
W2 |
London: Paddington, Bayswater, Hyde Park, Westbourne Green, Little Venice, Notting Hill |
PO11 |
South East: Hayling Island |
SW3 |
London: Chelsea, Brompton, Knightsbridge |
W8 |
London: Kensington, Holland Park |
SW1X |
London: Belgravia |
LN13 |
East Midlands: Alford |
How Home Staging and Furnishing Services Help Properties Sell
In this competitive and cautious market, home staging services - also known as “dress to sell” solutions - are becoming essential for both homeowners and estate agents.
What Is Home Staging?
Home staging involves professionally furnishing and styling a property to enhance its appeal. Whether the home is empty or lived-in, the goal is to create an environment that helps buyers imagine themselves living there.
✅ Why It Works
- First Impressions Matter: A well-styled home captures attention in listings and viewings.
- Emotional Connection: Buyers are more likely to make faster decisions when they feel a property is “move-in ready.”
- Receive More Offers: Home staging helps your property stand out, attracting more potential buyers and boosting the number of offers.
- Increases Property Value: Professionally staged homes are more likely to achieve the asking price and potentially increase property values - key in a discount-heavy market.
Why Choose David Phillips for Home Staging and Furniture Services to Sell Your Property Faster
· Award-Winning Expertise: Our property staging service has been recognised for delivering outstanding results that help homes sell faster and for more.
· Targeted Design Approach: We use in-depth knowledge of buyer personas to style each property with furnishings that resonate with your ideal buyer. From lower budget to luxurious prime properties - we’ve got it covered.
· Trend-Led Styling: Our talented designers stay on top of the latest interior trends, ensuring every home we stage feels fresh, modern, and desirable.
· Turnkey Service: From key collection to furniture installation and packaging removal, we manage the entire home staging process for a hassle-free experience, leaving it ready for viewings.
· Trusted by Professionals: Estate agents and homeowners alike rely on us for precision, care, and proven results.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
“David Phillips did a great staging job for my apartment. Not long after, and with renewed activity, we then went on to accept an offer. I have no doubt in my mind this was because of the Staging that David Phillips did. It brought life back to the apartment so people could actually see and imagine themselves living there. I would certainly look to use their services again. Highly recommended!” - Private Customer