But if you are keen for a quick winter sale between the months of October and March there are lots of easy improvements you can make to help combat the seasonal slump.
House selling website, Good Move, has put together some top tips to make your home more attractive to buyers,even when the weather is at its most overcast and murky.
Ross Counsel, director at Good Move of Good Move, said: “Winter can be a really difficult time to make a sale, with the gloomy weather, people’s reluctance to move house during the colder, shorter days, and even buyers and estate agents taking time off for Christmas.
“Often, things can pick up in the new year as more people are looking for a new start, but if you’re still struggling, hopefully these tips will go a long way.”
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Tackle DIY
Everyone has some minor, nagging defects in their home which they are putting off fixing. While you might write them off as a minor nuisance, to a potential buyer they could be quite off putting.
Good Move advises spending a bit of time fixing those flaws – whether they are shaky windows, drilled holes left in the wall or flaking paintwork.
Ross Counsel, director at Good Move of Good Move said: “They might just feel like tiny inconveniences while living there, but to potential buyers, these represent yet another job to do after the ordeal of moving house.”
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Don’t use overpowering scents
It might be tempting to make your home seem more attractive by spraying scents, or using diffusers but Good Move advises these can sometimes be overpowering.
Not all these smells are to everyone’s taste. Opt instead for neutral or subtle scents or use natural smells by baking cookies.
Counsel said: “Baking sweet treats like cookies, or perhaps mince pies if it’s around Christmas, leaves a homely smell that will give viewers positive thoughts towards your house, and leaving pastries out on the side for people to help themselves will help viewers feel welcome.”
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Use winter to your advantage
One of the best things about winter is walking in from the cold outdoors to be enveloped by warmth indoors. So, use this to your advantage and make your home inviting and warm for viewers.
Warm lighting, knitted, throws on the sofa and lighting the fire or wood burner can create the perfect, cosy atmosphere. Good Move advises, however, not make the house too hot.
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Creating light
It’s hard to let in natural light when the days are so short but there are still ways to maximise the light available.
Keep all the blinds and curtains open during daylight viewings to let in as much natural light as possible and use lamps and ceiling lights to brighten up darker spaces.
Counsel said: “A well-lit room feels bigger and more inviting, and makes people more likely to associate positive feelings with the house.”
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Tidy the garden
Gardens can often get neglected during winter but a recent survey by LV= revealed buyers are hugely influenced by the outdoor space in a property.
Therefore, you will most certainly boost the appeal of your property by giving the garden a tidy. This will enable buyers to see the potential for the warmer months.
If it’s snowing or icy, clear the path and driveway to ensure it’s not slippery.
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Pets
As cute and cuddly as they may, some people can be put off by pets. Good Move suggests people keep their pets elsewhere during viewings and also vacuum any stray hairs to ensure there’s no risk of triggering a viewer’s allergy.
