Summer has arrived, and the property market is busier than ever, with asking prices across Great Britain hitting new records in each of the last four months.
House prices are continuing to rise, and with demand still strong, this summer is a great time to sell your home.
As the weather begins to get warmer, everything looks brighter, gardens look their best and homebuyers have more time to view properties.
If you’re looking to sell this summer, here are some tips to make your property stand out to viewers and help it sell for the highest potential price.
1. Capitalise on the busy property market
The property market is white-hot this month, with June and July being popular months for homebuying. However, the busy market usually begins to ease slightly in August, as people are away on holiday, and are preparing for the new school year in September.
It’s important to bear this in mind when selling your property, to ensure you can capitalise on the market this summer. Experts recommend sellers get ahead by putting their homes on the market at the beginning of July, in order to take advantage of the busiest selling season.
2. Maximise your kerb appeal
First impressions are crucial in the home selling process, as they can make your viewer fall in love with your property. The outside of your home will give your viewer an idea of what is inside, so try and look at it from their point of view.
A home that looks well-kept will be inviting and will make anyone approaching, want to see inside. Sweep the paths, pull up weeds, paint the door and porch, and add some pretty flower beds or plant pots around your front lawn to give your property a refresh.
3. Put some love into your garden space
Homes with outdoor space are in high demand, with three-quarters of homebuyers looking for a property with an outdoor garden space this summer, according to Property Reporter. * Therefore, it is important to freshen up any outdoor space you have before a viewing, to give you the best chance of achieving a record price for your home.
Freshly cut grass will help to make your home stand out. It will add to the beauty of your home and will make it look well-loved. Families that come to see your property can see their children playing outside, themselves soaking up the sun or entertaining guests in your garden. If you only have a patio space, get a head start on the competition by using plants and shrubbery in tubs to provide some greenery.
4. Decorate for the season
Make a centrepiece on your table by filling a bowl with lemons, limes, and other similar coloured fruit. You can get your kitchen summer-ready by adding brightly coloured decorations. Keep in mind that your kitchen can look better with a simpler approach, so keep work surfaces as clear as possible and keep everything clean. A useful tip is to use equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle to get your kitchen extra shiny. This will allow your potential buyers to picture themselves living in your fresh, clean home.
5. Declutter and Clean
Decluttering your home before placing it on the market is important. It’s especially difficult for a buyer to imagine themselves living in a property if it’s completely cluttered. Buyers want to be able to visualise how their furniture might fit or how they would live in your property. If they can’t do this, it might put them off placing an offer.
Rooms that are clean and well-organised not only look nicer in person but in online photos and virtual tours, which is crucial to attracting potential buyers to your property.
For more advice on selling your property this summer, contact our friendly local agents, who will be happy to help.
*Property Reporter
