The Winter Housing Market
A question I am regularly asked at this time of year is whether the winter housing market is a good time to sell or whether it would be best to wait until the New Year. It may not seem like the perfect time, but there are a lot of good reasons to market a house at this time of year, as you’ll see below.
Rightmove recently provided me with some stats that show the increase in traffic to their website from Christmas Day 2018 to the 2nd January 2019. Interestingly enough traffic increased by a whopping 231%!
Moving house is often prioritised in the New Year. Naturally a lot of families will be on holiday together over the festive period, which frees up time for them to sit and think about their plans for the New Year. The thought of another Christmas with everyone cramped around the dining room table makes people wonder whether they need a bigger place, older parents living in larger properties whilst their kids have flown the nest can come to realise that a downsize might be on order in the New Year and first time buyers, living at home start to wonder whether it’s the right time to find a place of their own! Buyers from all angles are consciously thinking about moving over the winter months and as such traffic increases. Also the winter cold tends to sift out the more uncertain buyers on a sellers behalf meaning that those that are looking at this time of year are serious. Also, with fewer properties on the market, there is less competition too!
Already on the market?
For those that are on the market at this time of year, here are a few tips to make sure your home is at its best, whatever the weather.
- Make sure it’s warm
If you are out at work all day, pre-set the heating to come on ahead of any scheduled viewings. Not only will it be nice and cosy when the viewers come through the door but it also shows that your boiler works! Big tick! If you don’t normally have the radiators turned on upstairs, or in any spare rooms, you may want to turn them up while you are selling your house. Of course, at this time of year, it is wise to make sure that your heating is ticking over if you have an empty property.
- First impressions
Gardens can be a bit messy so make sure that the front garden in particular is neat and tidy, with the leaves raked up and the edges of any grass trimmed. Try to clear any moss off the path, and add a couple of pots with brightly coloured winter bedding plants by the front door.
Even a new doormat or a freshly-painted front door can make the front of your house more welcoming and convincing. Remember, first impressions really matter.
- Garden space
A messy garden can detract buyers. Winter weather can tire garden furniture, and make it look unsightly. If possible, clear patio furniture away, if not, ensure they are securely covered. It’s worth spending a few hours trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, removing fallen leaves and dead plants to make a tidy outdoor space.
It is also a good idea to trim back overhanging branches, particularly those blocking the windows in order to encourage as much light into the property as possible. Increased rainfall over the winter months take its toll on guttering too, so check the gutters and drain covers are properly cleared of dead leaves and other debris, as leaky gutters and downpipes cause damage and are unappealing.
- Lighting
Good lighting will be essential on a drab day, so make sure all your lights are working. Adding some lamps into dark corners and turning them on before the viewing will certainly help. It is best if the viewing can take place in daylight, but if a potential buyer is coming in the evening, make sure the porch light or outside light is working.
- Decoration
Do feel free to decorate your house for Christmas, but don’t forget the golden rule to avoid clutter. A twinkling Christmas tree will be attractive, but try not to make the room feel smaller by squeezing too much in. Temporarily moving a piece of furniture into a shed or a neighbour’s garage may solve the problem!
Thinking of moving? Struggling to sell? Questions to ask?
Make sure you call us on 01535 666031 or call me direct on 07557 088460!
Thanks for reading.
Michael
