Selling a property is already a challenge. But when your house has a story, a unique architecture, or special features, it can become even more complicated. How can you highlight what makes it so special without scaring off potential buyers? And most importantly, how do you set a fair price that reflects its full potential and character? Here are our practical tips to turn this uniqueness into a real asset.
Don’t Fear the Unusual — Embrace It as a True Advantage
In the market for unique or atypical properties, many sellers see this uniqueness as a drawback, a potential obstacle. But that’s often a misconception! Whatever makes your property stand out, it is by definition rare. It doesn’t look like anything else on the market. That’s exactly what will attract a specific audience, those looking for originality and character.
Instead of trying to hide your property’s special features (a former artist’s studio, attic rooms, an unusual layout, etc.), showcase them. You can even seek home staging advice to highlight them in a smart and attractive way.
Base Your Price on Objective Criteria First
This is the trickiest step. An atypical property often lacks direct comparisons on the market, making its valuation particularly challenging. To avoid pitfalls, set emotions aside and rely as much as possible on facts. Focus on objective criteria such as: living space and land size, number of rooms, overall condition (roof, electricity, plumbing, heating), energy performance, and of course, location. These are the foundations on which to base your price.
Rely on Experts
For an atypical property, more than for any other type of sale, expertise is essential. Don’t rely on an estimate from a friend who knows a bit about real estate, or on your own judgment. Instead, seek out real estate professionals with experience in selling this type of property. Ideally, choose agents who know the neighborhood well. They’ll have a better understanding of similar — even rare — transactions and will be able to identify the right buyers for your kind of property. These professionals can also help you highlight the unique features of your home or apartment.
“Seek out real estate professionals with experience in your type of property.”
Tell a Story
An unusual property often comes with a story — so don’t rely on photos alone! Create a detailed sales presentation with floor plans (even old ones), before-and-after renovation photos if applicable, and all information about the property’s origins (former farmhouse, old factory, etc.), plus any local anecdotes that add charm — if you have them, of course.
Highlight the use of quality materials, unique architectural elements, and recent improvements in energy efficiency, if any. Why so much storytelling? Because the goal here is to help the potential buyer understand the emotional value of the place.
“The goal here is to help the potential buyer understand the emotional value of the place.”
One last essential tip: as with any sale, you must be ready to negotiate but stay firm on the property’s value. You’ll face buyers who may be connoisseurs and enthusiasts — people who will recognize the property’s true worth. Set a realistic starting price and be ready to back it up with solid arguments (materials used, renovation work, rarity, potential) so you never have to lower your price just because it’s “different.” Remember, its rarity is an asset — and that asset has a price!
