Essential change of season tips for sellers

Changing how you present your home in line with the seasons is not just a consideration – it’s essential. Shorter days, cooler temperatures and breezy, wetter weather will all affect our homes and outside spaces. If you’re already on the market or hoping to sell in the coming weeks, responding to new conditions can help your chances of success.

Here are our essential change of season tips for sellers:

• Outside space

The hottest UK summer since records began is a distant memory, with wind and rain battering gardens this September. Our outside spaces may be struggling right now, so sellers should get out and tidy up when they can. Remove any plants that are brown or dead, sweep up fallen leaves, stake any plants that are toppling over and check fence panels to ensure they will withstand the first storm of the autumn season. Don’t forget to tether down garden toys that might blow away and store garden furniture safely.

• Rainwater systems

It’s not glamorous but looking after your home’s rainwater system during autumn is essential. Maintenance should include clearing fallen leaves out of gutters, fixing broken downpipes and keeping drains/air bricks free of debris. This will help mitigate flooding and reduce the risk of penetrating damp – the latter of which will show up in a structural survey and potentially put buyers off your home. 

• Lights

By the end of September the sun will have set by 18:40, limiting the amount of natural light in our homes. If your viewings are mainly in the later afternoon and early evening, you’ll need to address gloomy spots that prospective buyers may focus on. Table lamps, floor standing lamps and even fairy lights can be used to illuminate dark corners and dingy hallways. Don’t forget to ensure the path to your house and door number are well lit.

• Accessories

Creating an inviting atmosphere works on a psychological level when inviting people into your home, as purchasers will ‘buy’ into the lifestyle you are creating as much as the physical property. Autumn accessories are some of the most homely, so consider richer, deeper shades and chunky fabrics when buying cushions, throws and small accessories. A warming glow can also be created by safely lighting candles – bonus points if they give off a pumpkin spice or woodland aroma.

• Appliances

While September is often blustery it can also be mild but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Now is the perfect time to get your boiler serviced. As well as being able to provide your solicitor with valuable evidence of your central heating being checked, you’ll have peace-of-mind that you can warm your home before viewings, should there be a sudden cold snap. If you have a wood burning stove or open fire, it’s also wise to get the chimney swept before any fuel is burnt.

September is one of the busiest months for property buyers, so don’t hesitate in booking a valuation with us and getting your home ready for the autumn market. Contact us now to start your sale.