Broadly speaking the best time to sell your house is when there are the most amount of buyers actively looking to buy. There are all sorts of myths about when is the best time to sell, but each neighbourhood and each home is different.
Spring always comes out on top as the best time to sell. This is probably because people aren’t away for the summer holidays or busy with Christmas celebrations.
- Gardens are in bloom
- There’s plenty of good light and mild weather
- Properties look their best
- The market is full with buyers
- Spring is a pretty up-beat time of year. In good weather buyers are more prepared to go house hunting.
Also, many families look to match their purchase with the end of the school year.
High summer has never been the best time to sell a house, especially a family one. A lot of people go away and if you’re trying to sell to families, you should remember that they’re either going to be away or having most of their time taken up by child care during the school holidays. If you have to sell your home in the summer, try to get it on the market as early as possible.
Autumn can be a good time to sell. If the weather’s mild your home will still look good and there are no major holidays to contend with. Make sure you’re ready to move quickly if you do find a buyer though because after October the market tends to slow right down
Winter can be a difficult time to sell, especially before Christmas. If you’re not going to be ready to put your home on the market before December, it’s probably worth waiting until January when people are starting to think about the year ahead
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to sell a house within 4-6 weeks, after this period property becomes “old news” and buyers start getting suspicious. They tend to assume something is wrong with the property and you risk your chance of getting best price.
However, it only takes one buyer to successfully sell a house. In reality there are buyers out there 365 days a year. People tend to move home based on family circumstances – a new job, a new baby or downsizing after retirement. These events happen regardless of the time of year, so the demand still exists, regardless of the weather or the shorter days.
If you are forced to sell a house during a quiet month you just need to recognise that you’re at a disadvantage and act accordingly. Be realistic about your price and concentrate twice as hard on how and where your property is marketed.
As many people believe that winter isn’t a good time to sell, fewer people put their property on the market during the winter months which means less competition and more buyers for your own property.
Top tips to sell your house by spring
- Keep the price competitive
- Update photos: If there’s snow when the first pictures are taken, get them retaken as soon as it’s gone. Old seasonal pictures with trees full of leaves can make the property look like it’s been on the market for a while.
- Be flexible with viewings: Daytime viewings are best – try Saturdays or Sundays if weekdays are tricky.
- Location is key: Properties in more isolated locations may appear to be even more remote during the winter when the roads will be muddy, slippery and/or covered in snow. Good village locations and more urban-based properties sell better.
- Make it cosy and offer a warm welcome: It sounds obvious but light the fire or turn up the central heating and offer a cup of tea to potential buyers.
- Put a mat or boot scraper by the door to save your carpets.
- Let in the light: Open curtains and clean windows to make rooms as light and airy as possible.
- Don’t forget the exterior: Make sure gutters and window frames are well maintained and clean.
- The garden is just as important in winter: Lawns should be cut and free of leaves.
- Although you may be thinking about storing tables, chairs and benches away for winter, it’s worth leaving them outside so buyers can see the space in action. Always keep them scrubbed and clean though.
- Don’t be afraid to change your estate agent: A fresh pair of eyes might spot something new that attracts the right buyer.
Why not have a look at the beautiful new homes from Hudson Hirsel while getting ready for your buyer?
