According to lender Nationwide, the average price of a UK property rose during February from 0.4% to almost £270,500. This increase was the sixth consecutive such rise. And it could be that we see a rush of people aiming to complete before stamp duty changes in April. Nonetheless, analysts were predicting at the start of January that 2025 would see a buyer’s market across the UK housing sector, as interest rates start to slowly inch downwards.
That means that, as a vendor, you could see some pretty stiff competition for your sale from similar properties on the market. Some sellers may have to work that little bit harder to grab prospective buyers’ attention.
The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do, including the obvious ones such as decluttering and tidying up and making the garden, pathways and the area outside front of the house look their best. (This is known as kerb appeal; first impressions really do matter.)
You should also keep knick-knacks and photos to a minimum, and the décor looking as neutral as possible. Viewers want a blank canvas so they can imagine themselves living in a place, and picture their own belongings there. If possible, have minimalist furnishings, too.
Give your home a good airing beforehand if you can, and put lights on and open the curtains– natural light is more powerful than you may have realised. For artificial lighting, use a mix of floor, table and overhead illumination. Clean windows in advance – the strategic placement of mirrors can also amplify light.
Add some flowers and maybe some enticing aromas. The smells of flowers, coffee or freshly baked bread may be a cliché, but scent can make a surprising difference.
Showcasing your home’s best bits
You also need to identify and focus on the property’s best features.
Which is the best room in the house? Start with it.
Point out the features and add any interesting facts as you conduct the viewing – indicate, for example, an original fireplace if you have one, and try and end on a high with a final plus point to your home. Let viewers know about any improvements you’ve made, including things like energy efficiency upgrades, plus any potential for extensions and other opportunities there may be for them to put their own mark on the place.
Clear any obstructions and think about how you could highlight any key details without overwhelming them. Arrange furniture to draw the eye to the thing you want people to notice or use accent lighting. For example, comfy seating around a fireplace will show off a feature like this.
Selling your home with Carter & May
At Carter & May, we’re the leading independent estate agency for Salisbury and around, including Amesbury, Fordingbridge, Ringwood and the New Forest, plus we have a strong presence in Salisbury city centre. Let us provide a service that’s strongly tailored to your own situation, whether you’re selling, buying, renting or letting out. We have extensive local knowledge and expertise, and know the market in our area better than anyone.
When it comes to viewings, unlike most online agents, we can help stage your home so viewers see it in the best light. A trained member of staff who knows and understands your property and all its features, plus the local area, will attend all viewings. Be flexible on appointment times to maximise the opportunities for a successful sale.
Finally, if you’re not going to be around for a viewing, we’ll always ensure you’re happy for us to show someone the place in your absence.
So take the first step towards your next move today. Get in touch and tell us what you need.