Thinking of moving but don’t know where to start? We know what it means to move so whatever the time of year, here’s our guide to the practical points to consider plus some golden rules to ensure your home shines:

Time of year

Spring and autumn have traditionally been popular times to sell a house, but these days there are advantages to putting your home on the market at any time of year. In the summer the longer days and greenery will provide a welcome boost, while sellers listing a property during the colder months can often benefit from being more visible to would-be buyers as there tends to be less competition. Whatever time you choose, there are things you can do to make your home look its best. 


Maintenance

Some buyers will be put off by the need for DIY. Attend to those odd jobs around the house. Touch up scuffed or peeling paintwork, fix damp patches and stains, replace broken light bulbs, dust away the cobwebs and fix loose door handles. These are fairly quick and inexpensive tasks that are easy to remedy but can deter potential buyers if left unattended, potentially signaling that the house hasn’t been looked after.


Declutter and tidy

Make sure your home is clean, decluttered and tidy. Rooms that look too busy can also look smaller. Be careful not to remove traces of character altogether though – pops of colour and a few well-chosen soft furnishings will give your property personality. Cast your mind back and remember what it was that made you fall in love with your home when you bought it.


Photoshoot ready

First impressions count so make sure your home looks enticing to visitors. Kerb appeal can be heightened by a fresh coat of paint on the front door, sweeping the pathway and polishing door fixtures. Flowers and foliage should be neat and tidy, consider some colourful pot plants to flank the entrance or refresh the window boxes.

Once inside, switch on table and floor lamps to soften overhead lighting and create a relaxed mood.

Candles and colourful glassware in the kitchen can create a lovely atmosphere, while a drinks trolley in the sitting room can create a convivial feel.


Lay the foundations

Opportunities can arise suddenly so prepare the paperwork for a move ahead of time. To speed up a sale, gather together copies of your utilities bills and any other documentation that may be necessary.

Do your sums – work out the cost of relocation, including estate agency fees, solicitors’ costs and stamp duty. Go one step beyond, if you’re upsizing assess how much a larger property will cost to heat – the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) will help here – this will help eliminate any surprises further down the line.

A good solicitor will be more adept at easing the process if difficulties arise in a chain of buyers and sellers so ask around for recommendations. 

A good mortgage broker meanwhile should be able to secure a better loan deal for you as they’ll know about offers available from all lenders.


Appoint a good agent 

Be sure to appoint an experienced agent who has a proven track record of property sales in your local area. When evaluating sales performance, consider the time taken to sell a home as well as the percentage of asking price achieved. Guiding the deal from sale agreed to exchange requires patience, skill and experience.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Read our tips for selling in the summer

Read our tips for selling in winter