Sellers how to make your home sales-ready for summer

As we settle into spring, historically one of the most fruitful seasons for property sales, activity is expected to ramp up in the lead-up to the summer months.

Currently, around three-quarters of all properties are successfully finding a buyer in an average of 39 days, compared to an average of 59 days over the last five years, according to Rightmove.

Low stock levels and continued strong demand from buyers are also set to drive house prices up by over 5.5% to £352,984 over the next three months.

For sellers, this presents the perfect time to market your home as buyers continue to flood the market despite the cost of living crunch. But as we continue to shake off the dregs of winter, it’s a wise idea to give your home a seasonal refresh before marketing begins.

Here, we outline some of the ways you can maximise your property’s appeal and improve your chances of selling this summer.

Bathe your home in natural light

With temperatures warming up and longer daylight hours, you now have the ability to flood your home with natural light. While Britain isn’t renowned for its sunny climate, the sun will soon appear on a more regular basis as the months progress.

When buyers view your home, do your best to (literally) shine a light on your property’s best features. Opening windows and patio doors can exude a light, spacious vibe, while directing would-be buyers to your garden space immediately will give them a brilliant first impression.

Your marketing material should also be in order. There is no point in using photos that show off a warm, cosy living room in the height of summer. Instead, you want to show season-specific photos that will help to entice house hunters.

Maximise your kerb appeal

Kerb appeal – referring to the attractiveness of a property and its surroundings when viewed from the street – creates a lasting first impression. Most buyers make up their mind in the first few minutes of seeing the property, whether this is in person or online.

A home with good kerb appeal can command a higher price than similar properties, with a study from Dulux claiming buyers are willing to pay up to 25% more for attractive-looking homes.

Therefore, you need to make sure that your home’s exterior is just as neat and tidy as the inside. This includes trimming hedges, mowing the lawn and clearing pathways. Painting the front door and putting some potted outside can make your property even more inviting.

Declutter and de-personalise

A step that is applicable all year round is to declutter your home. Buyers tend to envision themselves living in the property, and this can be challenging if the space is filled with clutter and personal trinkets.

Rooms that are tidy and organised not only appear more spacious in person but will also look enticing in photos and virtual tours – a significant advantage considering the growth of online viewings.

The same applies to any very personal artwork or ornaments you may have in your home that might be a distraction. You are more likely to secure a buyer or achieve a higher sale price by presenting the home as a clear, fresh space for others to put their own stamp on.

A garden fit for summer

Gardens are most appealing in the spring and summer months, and it comes as no surprise that they remain a top priority among buyers. For this reason, it’s crucial that your garden is in top condition for viewings.

You may want to carry out a range of basic, cost-effective tasks such as washing your patio, de-weeding, sprucing up garden furniture, clearing away garden waste, mowing the lawn and, now that the season calls for it, incorporating colourful potted plants.

What’s more, if you have a key or standout feature – such as a water fountain, a pond, an outdoor pizza oven or a BBQ area – ensure that you point this out.  

Likewise, if your home happens to be close to a scenic location, such as rolling countryside or a man-made lake – many of which can be found in the locations we are based in – then potential buyers should be made aware of this.

Of course, you estate agent will be on hand to ensure your home is marketed effectively, helping you to achieve asking price or above as a result.

At Howland Jones, we will do all we can to help you get the most from your property sale. Our offices are based in the village of Measham in the East Midlands, and we cover areas such as North West Leicestershire, South Derbyshire, Hinckley & Bosworth, North Warwickshire, Tamworth, Swadlincote and Ibstock. 

You can find out more about our services by getting in touch here.