Expert advice from John Hames and Luke Hames, Directors at Martin & Co Westbury
When you’ve made the decision to sell your home, chances are you’d like it to happen swiftly and smoothly. Selling your property in Westbury doesn’t have to be a drawn-out or stressful experience. With the right strategy, the right pricing, and the right guidance, you can sell with confidence and even find the process surprisingly rewarding.
At Martin & Co Westbury, we’ve supported hundreds of local homeowners through the sales process. In this guide, we’re sharing our top five proven tips to help you sell your home faster in 2025, based on real-time market data, expert insights, and a deep understanding of what buyers are looking for right now.
1. Understand the Westbury market before you list
Before you even begin the sales process, it’s important to take the temperature of the local property market.
Westbury has remained a strong performer in the Wiltshire region, thanks to its mix of traditional properties, good commuter links, and peaceful community setting. As of early 2025, Rightmove’s House Price Index shows that average asking prices in the South West have risen by 1.8% year-on-year, with Wiltshire towns like Westbury seeing increased buyer demand driven by both local upsizing and relocators from larger cities.
According to Zoopla’s Price Index, the average Westbury home is taking around 34 days to go under offer, faster than the national average of 42 days. However, these sales figures depend heavily on how well-prepared sellers are.
Understanding:
- What similar homes in your area have recently sold for
- What buyers are paying a premium for
- Which features are turning heads on property portals
…will all give you a major edge.
Top Tip: Book a free valuation with a local expert (like our team here at Martin & Co Westbury) who understands the nuances of the town’s property microclimates – from Leigh Park new builds to older period homes near Bratton Road.
2. First impressions count: Elevate your kerb appeal
You never get a second chance to make a first impression – and that absolutely applies to selling your home. Many buyers will form an opinion before they even walk through the door.
In fact, research from HomeOwners Alliance reveals that homes with high kerb appeal can sell up to 10% faster and for up to 5% more. With so much of the viewing process starting online, even digital “kerb appeal” matters: the first photo of your listing sets the tone.
Easy wins to boost kerb appeal:
- Front garden tidy-up: Cut the lawn, edge the borders, plant seasonal flowers.
- Jet-wash the driveway: Clean, weed-free surfaces instantly look more cared-for.
- Paint your front door: Classic shades like navy, sage green, or charcoal grey add a modern touch.
- Replace tired house numbers or letterboxes: These small details add up.
- Add outdoor lighting: Subtle solar-powered path lights or lanterns by the door boost ambience.
Remember, a buyer who’s impressed before they even knock is already picturing themselves living there, and that’s half the battle won.
3. Get the price right from day one
Overpricing is one of the biggest reasons homes sit on the market too long.
It’s natural to want the best return on your investment, especially if you’ve improved your property over the years. But today’s buyers are savvy – they’re comparing multiple listings, setting up email alerts on property portals, and they’re quick to disregard overpriced homes that don’t match market benchmarks.
Rightmove’s data consistently shows that homes priced correctly from the start sell twice as fast as those that need later price reductions.
At Martin & Co Westbury, we use a blend of:
- Live market data
- Recent sales evidence
- Current buyer behaviour trends
…to help sellers determine the most effective asking price. Our valuations aren’t automated guesses – they’re informed by years of local experience and ongoing performance monitoring.
4. Present like a pro: Use photography and marketing that sells
Once your home is ready and your price is set, it’s time to make your listing shine. In 2025, the majority of buyers will view your home online before ever stepping foot inside. That means your online listing needs to work hard.
Our internal stats at Martin & Co show that homes listed with:
- Professional photography
- Video walkthroughs
- Floorplans
- Drone imagery (for suitable homes)
…can generate up to 40% more enquiries compared to basic listings.
Modern buyers expect immersive, high-quality content that helps them picture themselves in the home. That’s why we work with professional photographers and videographers who understand how to showcase Westbury homes in the best light – literally.
What makes a great listing?
- Bright, clutter-free spaces: Natural light and neutral tones perform best.
- Lifestyle angles: Show how a space is used, not just what it looks like.
- Descriptive but not overdone text: Focus on key features like “south-facing garden” or “walking distance to Westbury station.”
- Highlight local amenities: Schools, green spaces, shops, and transport are all strong selling points.
5. Be sale-ready: Paperwork, timing and flexibility
If you want to hit the ground running, the paperwork shouldn’t hold you back. Having your legal and compliance documents in place from the start can shave weeks off your timeline once a buyer makes an offer.
Documents you’ll need:
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) – Legally required for all listings.
- Proof of ID and ownership – For anti-money laundering checks.
- Fittings and contents form – Details what’s included in the sale.
- Property information form – Includes boundaries, planning, disputes, etc.
We always advise our sellers to instruct a solicitor early, even before you find a buyer. That way, your file is ready to go, and there’s no unnecessary delay once an offer lands.
Bonus tip: Be flexible with viewings
The more flexible you are, the more people we can get through the door. Evening and weekend slots are particularly important for commuters and families who can’t make daytime appointments.
What buyers are looking for in 2025
It’s also useful to know what’s trending with buyers this year. According to Zoopla’s 2025 Buyer Survey:
- Energy-efficient homes are seeing increased demand, especially those with new boilers, double glazing, or solar panels.
- Work-from-home space is still high on the wish list—spare bedrooms and garden offices are big draws.
- Low-maintenance gardens are proving popular among both downsizers and first-time buyers.
- Proximity to transport links remains key—Westbury’s rail connections continue to be a major advantage.
At Martin & Co Westbury, we match your home to motivated buyers looking for precisely what you’re offering. Our tailored buyer database and marketing reach make all the difference.
Final thoughts from John & Luke
Selling your home is a big milestone – and it should feel exciting, not overwhelming. At Martin & Co Westbury, we pride ourselves on making the process clear, efficient, and above all, personal.
By focusing on the right preparation and positioning, you can ensure your home doesn’t just sit on the market – it stands out on it.
If you’re thinking about selling in 2025, or even just curious about your property’s current value, we’d love to help.
Book your free valuation with us today—no pressure, just friendly local advice from people who know Westbury inside and out.
Ready to take the first step?
Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, relocating or just exploring your options, we’re here to support your next move.
