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
Decorating Tips for Selling Your Property
17 days ago
Selling up? It’s important to make your house as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Good decorating can help with first impressions, and increase the perceived value of your property.
20 Budget-Friendly Activities
25 Aug 2023
With the cost of living affecting so many of us, we have made a list of budget-friendly activities and ideas for you.
Moving and Packing Tips for a Stress-Free Move
21 Jul 2023
Moving soon? It's never too early to get organised! Be prepared and avoid unwanted stress by checking out our list of tips to get you ready for moving day.
What is the UK Inflation Rate?
27 Jun 2023
Inflation simply put, is the increase in the price of something over time. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) tracks the prices of hundreds of everyday items and these items are updated to reflect shopping trends.
Debt Consolidation into a Mortgage
20 Jun 2023
We are often asked if it's good advice to consolidate “unsecured” debt (credit cards and loans etc) into your mortgage, the answer is, sometimes.
Parking Rules Explained
16 Jun 2023
When you’re looking to buy a home, and you own a car, you ideally want to know the rules on parking in the area. Parking rules can be confusing, even for the most experienced of drivers! This is why we have written this blog to help you.
Sources of Deposit to Buy a Property
6 Jun 2023
There are several potential sources you can consider when it comes to getting together a deposit to buy a property. Providing proof of the source of your deposit is a key requirement in the application process and will need to be given to both the lender and the solicitor.
More information
Trusted by
