Why A Sold Board Doesn’t Mean You Have Moved

Why A Sold Board Doesn’t Mean You Have Moved

When you choose an estate agent, it is very easy to concentrate on two things: what price do they think they can achieve, and how quickly can they find a buyer? Both matter. But neither actually gets the removal van onto your driveway.

Getting an offer is only one part of selling a property. The real job is getting you from “For Sale” to actually moved – ideally at the right price, without unnecessary reductions, delays or the whole thing falling apart along the way.

And that is where some of the less glamorous estate agency statistics become much more interesting.

Over the last 12 months, 92% of the properties we have marketed have sold subject to contract, compared with a regional average of 64%.

But the figure we pay even more attention to is what happens afterwards.

86% of our clients went all the way through to completion and actually moved, compared with a regional average of 57%.

That matters because a sale agreed isn't much use if it never becomes a completed sale.

There are other little clues in the numbers too.

Only 18% of the properties we marketed needed a price reduction, compared with 41% regionally. On average, our completed sales achieved within 1.33% of the marketing price, compared with 3% regionally – a difference that can represent around £6,000 on a typical sale.

Our average property took 44 days to sell, around three weeks quicker than the regional average of 65 days. And from first coming to market to completion, the average was 165 days rather than 190.

None of that happens because of one clever advert or a particularly nice photograph.

It comes from getting the price right, preparing properly, presenting the property well, finding and qualifying the right buyers, negotiating carefully and then staying involved when the sale inevitably throws up a problem or two.

That is the bit of estate agency sellers don't always see when choosing who to use.

So if you're speaking to estate agents about selling your home, don't just ask:

“How many properties do you sell?”

Perhaps ask:

“How many of your clients actually move?”

Because ultimately, that is the result that matters.

If you're considering selling and would like an honest conversation about what might give you the best chance of a successful move, our door is always open.

(Figures based on Campbells' performance during the 12 months to August 2026, compared with the supplied regional averages.)


Get in touch with us

When you are upsizing, the excitement usually starts with browsing properties online and imagining your next step. It is completely natural to want to find your ideal home first, but starting your search before your own sale is underway can lead to unnecessary frustration.

A valuation isn't just the agent telling you a number. It's your best chance to find out whether they actually understand your property, your area, and what it will take to sell it well. Here are five questions worth asking while they're stood in your kitchen.

The rules around renting out a property have changed significantly in recent times, and if you are considering buying to let, it is worth understanding what those changes mean before you commit to a purchase, not after. None of this should put you off, but it does change how a rental property needs to be managed.

If you have found the last few pieces useful, you might be wondering what actually happens when you book a proper valuation with us. Here is exactly what to expect, step by step, so there are no surprises.