When it comes to putting your house on the market, winter can be an uncertain time of year. According to Rightmove, potential buyers tend to be less interested and motivated during the colder months, with Christmas being a big distraction.
However, if you’re looking to put your house up for sale over the next few months, there are a few things you can do to help make your home more desirable to house viewers.
Jason Peterkin, from online retailer 247 Blinds, says: 'If you’re tight on time or budget, make a list and prioritise the key factors and features that are really attractive and sought after to potential buyers.
"A great test is to go into a friend or family member’s home and think about the different elements in and around the home that your eye is drawn to and that you would notice when looking for a new home."
To find out more about what you can do to help boost your home’s appeal and value this winter, 247 Blinds spoke to a whole host of interior designers and property experts to find out which design trends and home hacks could help you sell your house quicker.
INSIDE THE HOME
1.Emphasise your features
There are some built-in features that are really worth shouting about in your property. Experts at estate agents Michael Graham say: "We find that open plan kitchens are usually at the top of a home buyer's wish list, and banquette style seating is also a growing trend. Built-in benches and booths make great use of space and are much more comfortable than perching at an island."
2. Make a statement
Make your home stand out while keeping the overall backdrop quite classic and neutral. One clever way of doing this is by adding a few statement pieces that will leave a good lasting impression, showing potential buyers what can be done with the space.
Interior designer Rukmini Patel says: "Break out of your comfort zone and choose styles that you’re not used to. My go-tos for creating a statement are lighting and furniture pieces that grab attention, such as a large pendant light hanging low over a dining table."
3. Prioritise the main rooms
Buyers won’t expect your house to be as pristine as a showhome, but there are certain rooms that deserve special attention.
Helen Silver from The Property Styling Company advises: "Concentrate on the three main rooms - the living room, kitchen and master bedroom as these are the areas where people are likely to spend the most time and are therefore going to pay them the most attention.
"Consider investing in a few new accessories, a couple of plants and maybe even a fresh coat of paint if the walls are looking a little neglected. A large mirror for the living room is always a good idea as it will help the room look fresh and light."
4. Let the light in
With winter approaching, be strategic when organising your house viewings. Try to arrange viewings in the daytime when there is more natural light. According to estate agent, Dana Gonzalez, this is one of the most important features that buyers look for when purchasing a home.
Jason Peterkin, director at 247 Blinds says: "Make sure you choose the right window dressing for the rooms in your home and keep your curtains and blinds open during any house viewings to allow for the maximum amount of light to flood through. Venetian blinds are a great choice as they have a stylish and clean-cut finish while still ensuring privacy and allowing light to flow through."
5. De-clutter your cupboards
Although it’s not recommended that you spend lots of money on making big changes in your home, such as re-fitting the kitchen or bathroom, small changes can make a big difference.
Estate agents Michael Graham advises repainting walls and cabinets for a quick and easy refresh and decluttering your worktops and cupboards. Buyers might want to see the amount of storage space available tend to peer inside cupboards so make sure they’re not jam-packed with junk to give them the impression that the house offers plenty of storage space.
6. Transform with tiles
Giving your tiles a refresh can really transform your space. Rukmini Patel advises using contrasting colours in your tiles or unusual shapes in the kitchen or bathroom to give your home a contemporary update.
The 2020 Topps Tile of the year is a great example of how an unusual shape can have such a big impact on your decor and the scalloped edging is bang on-trend this year.
7. A warm welcome
It’s important that buyers feel at ease and can imagine themselves living in your home. Small touches can go a long way so consider adding flowers, putting on a pot of fresh coffee and have a few baked goods to offer as you invite the buyers in.
During the winter months, make sure the heating is on and that the house has warmed up. Or, even better, get a crackling fire going.
OUTSIDE OF THE HOME
8. Give it some TLC
One of the first things to do when putting your house on the market is to address any structural issues such as cracks, dampness or mould.
Interior designer Rukmini Patel says: "Potential buyers will spot these types of issues straight away and they can be extremely off putting when purchasing. If the work requires specialist attention, it is worth rectifying. Potential buyers will go through your house with a fine tooth comb, especially on their second visit, so it’s a good idea to avoid drawing attention to these areas."
9. Focus on first impressions
With winter approaching, it’s easy to forget about your outside space, but Rukmini Patel advises that first impressions really do count when it comes to viewing houses.
Don’t forget to tidy up your front and back gardens, disposing of unnecessary clutter and raking up leaves to emphasise the lawn or outside space available. Ensure your driveway looks presentable and shows off any important features such as ease of access and safety.
10. Birds eye review
It may not be an obvious place to check but spend some time looking over your roof before any house viewings. There is nothing more off-putting than the possibility of having to re-roof.
Estate agent Robert Smith, at Richardson and Smith, advises that you make sure all tiling is in place, with ridge tiling well pointed and bedded in. Roofing jobs tend to be expensive and you might put buyers off if the job looks scarier than it actually is. Likewise, well-informed buyers will want to make sure that it doesn’t need any work.
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