SUNDERLAND has again claimed its place as the slowest place in England to sell a property closely followed by Bradford a new seller report has shown today.

The average property in Sunderland takes a staggering 302 days to sell on the open market, followed by 287 days in Bradford, and 273 days in South Shields. Neighbouring city North Shields came in 4th with the average sale taking 265 days.

The study conducted by Ready Steady Sell, a quick house sale agency based in the North East of England, took into consideration the past 12 months of data they have collected from homeowners applying on their website (England only) and listing via their partner online estate agency. The majority of properties listed (over 59%) sold within an average of two months.

The full breakdown of the study is outlined below:-

1. Sunderland – property spends an average 302 days on the market.
2. Bradford – property spends an average 287 days on the market.
3. South Shields – property spends an average 273 days on the market.
4. North Shields – property spends an average 265 days on the market.
5. Rochdale - property spends an average 264 days on the market.
6. Darlington - property spends an average 255 days on the market.
7. Middlesbrough - property spends an average 254 days on the market.
8. Oldham - property spends an average 230 days on the market.
9. Knightsbridge - property spends an average 235 days on the market.
10. Charing Cross - property spends an average 231 days on the market.

According to the survey of over 1,500 sellers, the main attraction for most potential buyers is the school catchment area before anything else. The area the property is located in, the size and overall condition of the property and the nearby amenities are closely followed behind.

Surprisingly, when asked, only 3% of homeowners felt that having a garage was a selling feature that would entice potential buyers into considering a purchase. 29% of sellers felt that off street parking was a determining factor – and 23% of all homeowners interviewed felt their garden would give their property the 'wow' factor when it came to selling.

David Sessford, of Ready Steady Sell, said: “Anyone looking to sell their property quickly in 2018 on the open market may struggle in the above areas without some added influencing factor, like being in the catchment area of a good school.

“Sunderland is particularly a difficult place for most Estate Agent's to sell property quickly at market value prices, and vendors need to be realistic with their asking prices in order to achieve a quicker than average home sale”.