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Real Estate Sales Which homes are the hardest to sell and what factors have the most influence? - Infobae

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Which homes are the hardest to sell and what factors have the most influence? - Infobae
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Source:




March 12, 2025



Among them are those that lack good connections to the outside world. Factors that affect their marketing and the options available to owners to streamline operations.



By Jose Luis Cieri




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A woman displays pessimism as she tours a home for purchase. Some properties take longer to sell due to factors such as lack of natural light, location, or features that are unattractive to buyers (Illustrative Image: Infobae)



The sale of a property can be affected by a variety of factors, from location to the structural characteristics of the property. In today's competitive real estate market, certain types of homes face greater challenges selling.



Among the critical factors that complicate their sale are their location, lack of connection to the outside world, and the general condition of the building. These are difficult-to-sell units, often remaining on the market for more than 18 months before finding a buyer.

According to Alejandro Moretti , a member of the Board of Directors of the Buenos Aires Real Estate Association, the properties that face the greatest difficulties in closing a deal are those located in unsafe areas and interior apartments without views or light. "After the pandemic, the demand for units with good lighting and open views grew considerably, leaving properties that don't meet these conditions behind," he explained.



The lack of natural light and views of the outdoors became determining factors in the purchase decision. The pandemic changed buyers' habits, and they now prioritize quality of life within their homes.

“Properties that don't offer these attributes often face marketing hurdles and require more aggressive sales strategies,” Moretti said. In many cases, sellers must accept significant discounts to close a deal. He added: “Discounts can reach 10% or more off the listing price.”



Value can drive the purchase

Price is the main attraction for those interested in these units. “Some buyers on a tight budget prioritize location over convenience,” Moretti explained.



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An interior apartment that lacks good natural light is difficult to sell.

For example, in Almagro, a two-bedroom front-facing apartment costs from USD 76,000, while an interior unit can be found from USD 58,000; in Barracas, a similar apartment costs around USD 73,000 for a front-facing apartment and USD 55,000 for an interior unit. In Villa Crespo, the prices range between USD 80,000 and USD 60,000, respectively.

These values correspond to properties approximately 50 years old.





Other cases

Apartments on the top floor, with an elevator up to the second-to-last floor, are difficult to sell due to the inconvenience of climbing a flight of stairs.

Although they offer greater privacy and, in some cases, better views, this feature often discourages many buyers, especially those seeking full accessibility.

Internal ground-floor units also face market obstacles. Their lack of natural light and lack of exterior views make them less attractive compared to other options. Despite this, they can be a viable alternative for those seeking greater security or avoiding stairs.

Second and third floors via stairs limit demand, as they tend to attract primarily younger buyers. However, one advantage they offer is the absence of utility bills, making them an attractive option for those looking to minimize fixed costs.





Not eligible for credit, another difficulty

Another type of property that faces difficulties in the market is that which does not qualify for mortgage credit.

Alejandra Vecchio , co-founder and broker of Puebla Inmobiliaria, explained that “high-value properties that don't accept mortgage financing become more difficult to sell.”

The growing supply of mortgage loans is allowing more buyers to access their own homes, but it is leaving properties that don't meet the necessary requirements for this type of transaction off the market, whether because they lack the necessary paperwork or have severe structural damage, for example.





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Even if it is a renovated home, if it does not have its papers in order it does not qualify for mortgage loans.



In these cases, the sales strategy must begin with a realistic appraisal. "It's key to show the owner the concrete possibilities of closing the deal in today's competitive market," Vecchio said.

Properties priced around $100,000 tend to be the most affordable for buyers. "Generally, the price adjustments required to complete a sale range between 5% and 6%," he added.

The buyer profile for this type of property is those with cash dollars and looking to take advantage of the low demand to close a good deal. "Many have funds outside the financial system and find opportunities in properties that are struggling to sell," Vecchio said.

On the other hand, the way a property is marketed also influences its market launch. "Today, it's essential to invest in advertising, both on real estate websites and social media, to ensure the property has the greatest possible visibility," Vecchio explained.

A lack of adequate marketing strategies can cause some properties to remain hidden, outside the most visible options for buyers.




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