While that may sound sensible, publicly testing the market is one of the most common, and costly, mistakes sellers make, particularly in today’s more balanced property market.
What ‘Testing the Market’ Really Means
Testing the market usually looks like:
- Listing at a high price “just to try”
- Having no clear timeline
- Being unsure whether you actually want to sell
- Being prepared to withdraw if it doesn’t go well
From a buyer’s perspective, this creates uncertainty - and uncertainty rarely leads to strong offers.
How Buyers Respond
Modern buyers are highly informed. They monitor new listings closely and quickly form opinions on value.
When a property appears overpriced or hesitantly marketed, buyers often:
- Wait to see if the price drops
- Assume the seller isn’t serious
- Move on to better-positioned homes
This means you miss out on the most important period of buyer interest - the first few weeks.
Why It Can Reduce Your Final Sale Price
A property that launches without commitment tends to:
- Attract fewer viewings
- Sit on the market longer
- Almost definitely would need price reductions later
- Appear less desirable over time
Ironically, sellers who “test the market” often end up achieving less than those who launch confidently with the right price and strategy.
What We’re Seeing in Hitchin
In Hitchin, buyer demand remains strong - but it is focused on homes that are correctly priced.
Properties that come to market with purpose and preparation are selling far more effectively than those that drift on and off portals or adjust prices repeatedly.
Buyers can tell the difference.
A Better Approach
If you are considering selling, a better strategy is:
- Decide your motivation and timeframe
- Price your home realistically from day one
- Prepare it properly for market
- Launch with a clear marketing plan
This approach gives your property the best chance of attracting serious interest quickly and achieving a strong result.
Final Thoughts
Testing the market might feel like a low-risk option, but in reality, it often undermines the very outcome sellers are hoping for.
In today’s Hitchin market, commitment, clarity and correct pricing from the start are what drive the best results.
If you’d like honest advice on where your home sits in the current market - and how to launch it properly - we offer a free, no-obligation valuation backed by local knowledge and up-to-date data.
Get in touch with Wellington Evans to discuss the best way to move forward with your sale.
