It’s generally accepted that the best time to sell your property is in the Spring when flowers are budding and gardens look at their best. Everyone is positive and thinking about, well, moving home.
Of course, sometimes we just have to move for other reasons, such as a change of job or circumstances.
Selling your home in winter has its challenges.
For a start, days are short and light is poor, so homes always look darker and feel less inviting. Finding time for potential buyers to view becomes more challenging. Also, gardens always tend to look at their least inviting and doorsteps are more likely to be muddy! Positive first impressions matter and are harder to make.
Secondly, there is that big bugbear called Christmas in the middle of winter, meaning that buying or selling property over the Christmas period is likely to take more time as people take time off or get less productive as the Christmas party season arrives.
All of these factors considered, there are some things working in your favour. You can use these to your advantage. Here are our top five;
- Make sure all paths, driveways and external areas are tidy, well swept and clear of mud and leaves. Clean all windows and the front door and tidy the entrance porch and, if necessary, redecorate this area.
- Make sure that all lights are working properly as first viewings are likely to be at night. Make sure to put all lights on during viewings so that your home seems warm, light and inviting.
- Don’t be stingy with the heating! Make sure the place is warm before the time of expected viewings. Make sure bathrooms and kitchens aren’t all steamed up during a viewing.
- If you have an open fire, now’s the time to use it! Lots of buyers LOVE open fires and during the summer it’s hard to present this attractive feature without looking like some sort of lunatic!
- Spice things up! Pleasant smells make a big difference to first impressions. Baking smells, coffee, subtle scented aromas and things like mulled wine, etc tend to send us back to happy times. Exploit and co-ordinate your inner Mary Berry!
Whatever time of year you are selling, make sure your property is well-presented. Do all those odd jobs you’ve avoided for months or even years. If you redecorate, keep things neutral. One woman’s good taste is another’s nightmare chintz!
Related articles:
Recent posts
The government has announced plans to make buying or selling a home cheaper and quicker with what is being called the “biggest shake-up to the homebuying system in this country’s history.”
More borrowers using equity release
8 days ago
Almost one in five equity release mortgages are now taken out to provide financial support to family.
Buyers purchasing properties sooner
10 days ago
According to industry data, the expected wait for those looking to buy a property has dropped from just over 11 months to less than six months.
It is common for your first mortgage payment to be higher than your subsequent monthly payments for two reasons.
What to do just before you get your keys
15 days ago
Firstly, a big congratulations, you’ve now exchanged contracts! After weeks and months of waiting, you are about to move in. What should you do first?
The chancellor will deliver her second budget this autumn. Due to slow economic growth and high inflation, the government need to manage a £40 billion shortfall in public finances. There have already been reports about changes to taxes including income tax and capital gains tax.
Landlords could face a new tax this autumn
29 Aug 2025
The chancellor has advised that landlords could have another tax to pay this autumn as the Treasury decide whether to extend national insurance contributions to rental income.
According to a report in the Guardian, senior ministers have asked Treasury officials to look into a “proportional” property tax to see how it would work as an alternative to the existing stamp duty land tax on owner-occupied homes.
More information
Trusted by
