The key to selling property in colder, winter months

Chillier weather may be on its way but that doesn’t mean to say there’s a cooling sales market. Here at Move Places, we believe there’s never a bad time to sell a property - serious buyers are active on a year-round basis and we don’t want to miss a single one.

Although it’s a myth that the darker, colder months are more difficult to sell in, it is true that you may have to adapt your approach to accommodate seasonal conditions. You can sell property fast in winter - even in the depths of February – but there are some little extras that will help your sale along. It can be as simple as offering potential buyers a hot cup of coffee instead of an ice-cold drink, and we’ll share more tips like this below.

Don’t forget, as an express property sales agent, buying and selling 100s of properties online every season, our pledge to find you a buyer within 28 days applies every day of every month. If you’re in the market to sell this winter, we can help you achieve a quick sale, and these 4 tips will set you on the right path:-

1. Be flexible on viewing times: it’s only natural for potential buyers to want to see your house in daylight but with nights drawing in, the window to view is getting smaller. Weekends present valuable viewing hours, so try to accommodate Saturday and Sunday appointments, where possible.

2. Don’t overlook kerb appeal: your online property listing will still feature a photo of your property’s exterior taken in daylight, so your front-of-house needs to look smart. Dispose of any litter that’s blown into your front garden, prune back overgrown shrubs and remove hanging baskets that are fading. A working light will ensure visitors can see your house number and it will also create a safe passage to your front door.

3. Give your garden some TLC: an autumnal storm can turn your garden upside down overnight. If the weather is unsettled before you have property photos taken or a viewing, make time to rake up fallen leaves, right upturned garden furniture, fix fallen fence panels and stake plants that have collapsed.

4. Home in on hygge: an inviting environment can really sell your home – just ask the Scandinavians, who invented ‘hygge’. Go all-out warm and cosy ahead of viewings with ambient lighting – think table lamps, candle-lit lanterns and fairy lights – while an open fire or wood burning stove should be lit. Be careful, however, not to make your home too stuffy as it can send people to sleep! Blankets, throws and cushions in chunky, knitted fabrics make the perfect winter accessories. Scatter them liberally and use to hide a tatty sofa.

Start your sale today

If you’d like to try selling your home on the open market this winter, there’s good news! We market our homes for sale on a year-round international basis and Move Places is processing offers come rain, shine or winter storm. Request a valuation now to simply start the process online

Need to sell ‘as seen’?

Not every seller wants to faff, dress, DIY and decorate before a sale – they may not have the time, money or inclination. If this is you, our cash buying sister company can help as you can sell to them with no viewings or estate agency involvement at all. Open Property Group purchases any home ‘sold as seen’ for cash, even if there are dilapidations or unfinished maintenance work – get your cash offer here.