With its rich hues, crisper air and general cosiness, many of us adore the autumn. But it’s also a time when people often feel inspired to make significant life changes – perhaps because they’ve had time to think over the summer. And, for homeowners looking to sell, it can be a season of fantastic opportunity.
You may already appreciate that spring is the most popular point in the year for buying and selling a property in the UK. However, there’s a lot to be said for an autumn sale, especially nearer the start of the season. So it’s hardly surprising that, according to one major online property portal, sales tend to increase during this time of year, until the beginning of November. Indeed, as another property portal states, September and October can be the best months to sell a home outside the spring.
The benefits of selling in the autumn
The plus points include the following:
· Half term aside, most people aren’t on holiday, and so are focused and able to attend viewings.
· An autumn transaction means you can be in your new place by Christmas. For that reason, potential buyers are often motivated, serious and ready to make decisions quickly.
· Less competition: Because there are often fewer homes on the market, your property has a greater chance of standing out and attracting the attention of possible purchasers.
· Ideal conditions: The gorgeous autumnal colours can help highlight your property’s outside areas including your garden, potentially heightening what estate agents call kerb appeal. At the same time, the cooler weather can make viewings more comfortable compared to the height of summer. Some potential purchasers may therefore end up spending more time at your home, which could just work in your favour.
Maximise your chances of a strong autumn sale
Here are some things you can do to make the most of viewings at this time of year:
1.) All in the timing. The market can be brisk during the earlier part of autumn. But it could slow down as Christmas gets closer. List your property by the end of October at the latest to give yourself the best chance of a sale ahead of the festive season.
2.) Optimise natural light. As the evenings darken earlier, natural light becomes more precious. So, during viewings, have curtain and blinds open as much as possible. Mirrors also reflect light and make spaces look bigger and brighter.
3.) Autumnal staging: There are plenty of things you can do to ‘stage’ your home during the season – i.e. make it more appealing to viewers. Consider adding some scents like apple, vanilla, cinnamon or pumpkin spice. Rake up leaves, add some seasonal flowers or plants in the garden and think about painting the front door and giving the windows a good clean. Think warm-toned throws and cushions and maybe some candles, or having a bowl of pinecones or a pumpkin on display. However, be careful not to overdo it, and don’t make the theme too obvious. However, if you have features such as a conservatory that are especially appealing during this season, definitely show them off.
4.) Get the photography right: Autumnal light can allow for pictures with a warm feel to showcase your home at its best. Professional photographers are ideally placed to create images which grab attention during the few seconds someone is scrolling through property listings.
Work with the right estate agent this autumn
Having the right agent on board who knows how to market your place effectively is crucial to any successful property sale, whatever the time of year. At Carter & May, we’re the leading, award-winning independent estate agents for Salisbury, with a well-established presence in the city centre and across the surrounding areas, including:
· Amesbury
· Ringwood
We do lettings as well as sales. And our service is tightly tailored to customers’ individual needs. So talk to us about selling your property this autumn. Book a free valuation and get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to ask us.