In the dark when it comes to winter viewings?

Anecdotal evidence suggests dark nights and winter weather can affect the number of people coming out to view properties. A recent report went as far as suggesting over half of active homebuyers are less likely to perform viewings now the clocks have gone back, while more than three quarters felt you couldn’t properly view a house in the dark.

We still haven’t reached the shortest day of the year yet, with the Winter Solstice falling on Friday 22nd December in 2023 and a sunset time of 15:54 – factors that reduce the number of daylight hours to see a property. This could prove problematic for sellers who are looking to maximise the number of people coming through their doors this season.

Rest assured, however, that viewings don’t dry up in the winter. In fact, Move Places finds those booking visits are the most motivated, authentic buyers and the weather - nor the amount of light - will deter those who need to move. In fact, as long as you adjust your approach to viewings, winter can be an incredible time to buy and sell.

Here are seven tips for buyers and seven tips for sellers that will help you embrace the colder, darker seasons:-

Winter viewing tips for sellers

1. Ensure the path to your front door is clear: use a shovel, broom and/or de-icing salt so purchasers don’t slip on their approach to your property.
2. Check whether your door number and bell are visible when it’s dark: if anything is hard to see, consider a battery-operated outside light to illuminate important door furniture.
3. Turn on any outside lights, back and front: if your exterior is in the shadows, visitors may be apprehensive about approaching your home or stepping into your garden.
4. Fire up the central heating: set a warm but comfortable temperature, which will take the chill off and prove that your heating system works.
5. Light any gas fires or log burners: create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere but be wary of overheating your home and making it unbearably stuffy.
6. Banish darkness: turn on your lights but opt for table lamps, wall lights and even candles instead of harsh overhead lighting.
7. Be the hostess with the most-ess: offer viewers a hot drink upon arrival.

Winter viewing tips for buyers

1. Consider two viewings: book a daytime viewing in the light and an after dark slot in the week to get a good idea of the home’s ambience.
2. Do remove outwear: if it’s wet, muddy or snowy, it’s polite to remove shoes and coats upon arrival.
3. Assess the central heating: with caution, touch radiators to establish if there are cold spots, and look out for any leaks or signs of rust.
4. Be vigilant for poor ventilation: be vigilant for condensation on windows and walls, black spots in bathrooms and mould in the corner of rooms.
5. Ask if there’s a smart energy meter: you’ll be able to get a feel of how expensive it may be to heat and light the property in winter by what the screen says.
6. Be a draught detective: hover your hand around window and door frames, feeling for cold streams of air.
7. Don’t put off going outside: while it might be tempting to stay inside all snug and warm, ask for garden access and for any exterior lights to be switched on if it’s dark.

If you are moving home and would like a free, no-obligation valuation, use our online valuation service. Or contact the Move Places team for advice on the best winter marketing methods. Looking for a property to buy? Browse our houses and flats for sale online.