6 Top Tips on Preparing Your Home for an Autumn Sale
By Gareth Davies | Created on 22nd November 2024
The Davies Property Partners team provide their tips on how to prepare a property for an autumn sale.
As the seasons change, the leaves fall and the cold creeps in, it’s all too easy to put off some of life’s bigger decisions until spring arrives. However, autumn is in fact a great time to sell a property. Homes still look fantastic in that golden autumnal light, and there are no major school holidays to hold up the sales process. With that in mind, here is a step-by-step guide to preparing your property for a pre-winter sale.
1 A lightbulb moment
Everyone dreads the clocks going back; the time of the year when things suddenly get darker – for longer. Whilst you’ll still have time – and light – on your side if your property is taking viewings pre-October 27, natural light will become more limited after that. In order to accentuate the available natural light, and to introduce light to rooms that don’t easily let the light in, we recommend making the best of bulbs. Replacing your existing lightbulbs with daylight variants that don’t give off the darkening hue of an aging bulb can easily transform a room or space – and for very little cost, too.
2 Au naturale
Of course, whilst bulbs are great for those darker periods, nothing beats natural light. So, try to arrange viewings in peak daylight hours. At Davies Property Partners, for example, we try and steer prospective buyers towards viewing a property when the sun is at its highest. Not only is this beneficial for you, the seller, but it’s also highly likely that the buyer will want to see your property in its best light, too.
3 Leave out the leaves
Leaves are a nuisance at the best of times (and by best of times, we mean when it’s dry and sunny). But when they’re wet and beginning to rot, they really have the ability to make a home look unkempt and uncared for. It might be a tedious job, but we always suggest that sellers arrange for leaves to be cleared in readiness for a viewing. If you already have the weather and light against you, then our advice is to make the best of what you’ve got. The cleaner, tidier and fresher your property looks against an autumnal backdrop, the more attractive it will look to prospective buyers – and wet leaves are hard to ignore, yet easy to fix.
4 Lean into it
Over recent days we’ve heard people enthusiastically talking about ‘getting the fire on’ and or ‘cosying up on the sofa’. Autumn really is that transitional period, when people start to think about keeping warm and the autumnal colours associated with the season. So, why not make the most of it. Maybe an autumnal wreath will help showcase the exterior of your property. Perhaps introducing a few autumnal colours to the lounge will highlight exactly how good your home looks in autumn. And yes, it goes without saying that if you do have an open fire or woodburning stove, make sure it’s burning during viewings!
5 Clear the air (then heat it)
After months of being able to keep windows and doors open, you’re suddenly looking to keep them closed so as not to waste energy and therefore money. However, a well-ventilated property is much more marketable than an unventilated one – for two reasons. Firstly, it smells and feels fresher, which is what everyone wants to experience when viewing a property. Secondly, it reduces the risk of condensation – a big downside of the UK’s colder months – which nobody wants to see. Once well-ventilated, close the windows and open up the heating so that it’s warm an inviting in time for the prospective buyers’ arrival.
6 Be garden proud
It’s very easy to take an eye off the ball when it comes to the garden in Autumn. Afterall, who’s really looking at it now that the weather’s turned. Well, the truth is that whilst you might have turned your attentions elsewhere, the prospective buyer may prioritise the garden above everything else. Whether the next owner of your property is green fingered or a gardening novice, they will want to see it looking its best. So, take some time to neaten the lawn, mow in those lines, reinstate the edging and remove any dead or straggly shrubbery. And, if you don’t have the time, then we recommend getting a gardener in.
When it comes to selling a property in autumn, our team of Surrey estate agents know all the tips and tricks to get your home in ship shape for a quick sale. Simply contact your nearest office to arrange a valuation and we’ll be able to guide you through what you need.
Thinking of selling your property this autumn?Contact your local Davies Property Partners office to arrange a no obligation valuation of your property.
Gareth is a dedicated professional at Davies Property Partners, committed to delivering exceptional service with a transparent and client-focused approach. Having spent his entire career with the family business, he has played a key role in building its strong reputation in the local property market. With deep roots in Cobham and an intimate understanding of the area, Gareth excels at providing tailored solutions that go beyond expectations.
