Top tips to help you sell your home during the winter

It won’t have escaped many people’s notice that the days are getting colder and nights starting to draw in as we approach the end of October and the arrival of winter. This change in season doesn’t mean that it is impossible to sell a house or flat. Quite the contrary. A small amount of seasonal preparation in advance of putting a property in the market can actually help vendors see a healthy amount of offers – and hopefully a sale and exchange just in time for Christmas.

There can be several advantages to putting a house or flat on the market during the winter. For a start, there can be fewer people wanting to sell in the colder months, so your property could have less local competition. People who are looking to buy a house now can be more committed to the process than those that look earlier in the year. This is because they must go out in inclement weather for viewings, rather than simply popping round on a warm summer’s evening. So, they are more likely to put in offers on properties they like. Here are some top tips to ensure that yours is one of the properties that catches their eye this winter.

• Winter wonderland

There are plenty of magical things about winter that you can use to style and present your house or flat for viewings. Think about creating cosy spaces in which people can imagine themselves curling up with a book and hot drink on a cold evening. Lots of cushions and throws in living rooms and bedrooms can bring on this effect, as can low lighting, winter scented candles and evocative autumnal floral displays in vases and bowls around the home. Nearer Christmas, a smattering of festive sparkle will go a long way to encourage a warm and cosy vibe. Turn the heating up a couple of degrees for a warm and welcoming feel the moment people cross the threshold.

• Light fantastic

Make sure to maximise any light sources coming into your home, as winter evenings and late afternoons can be dark and dull. Pull back the curtains and blinds and clear the window sills of large ornaments, pot plants, piles of books etc. Think about adding mood lighting to the rooms to highlight darker corners. You can also place mirrors opposite windows, doors and other light sources to reflect light back into the room. A cheap and easy way to increase light is to replace your bulbs with higher wattage versions for viewings so people can see all the enticing details of your home. Make sure your mirrors and windows are sparkling, as any marks or smudges can show up even more when light shines directly onto them.

• Curb appeal

Don’t forget to pay attention to your outdoor areas when preparing a house for winter viewings. Tidy the gardens to remove weeds, clear undergrowth and deadhead flowers for a neat and orderly feel. Repair any cracks in the walls or paths and oil any creaking gates. You might like to add lighting leading up to the front door to help people find their way and avoid tripping over any unexpected steps or uneven areas. Think about investing in some floodlights or solar powered spotlights to highlight any interesting trees, plants or statues in the garden for added seasonal appeal. How about a lit fire pit for added external charm? Always clear the paths of ice or snow ahead of any viewings on a frosty evening.

• Online presence

People who enjoy browsing houses online can do so all year round from the comfort of their own homes or workplaces. So, even if it is howling a gale or raining non-stop, make sure your property looks its best on any online listings it is on. Take time to get the photos right, choosing brighter times of day and avoiding angles that cast long shadows over the exterior, garden or grounds. Keep your details up-to-date, particularly if you alter the price or have periods of time when you are unable to facilitate viewings. If you are still using any summer exterior photos, replace these with winter or autumn ones to avoid giving the impression that your house has been on the market for months without attracting interest.