With UK house prices booming by 10.7% in the past year, according to government data, if you own your home, you may be considering cashing in. But while it’s easy to get carried away when looking at such big figures, it’s important to step back and consider every aspect of your situation – especially with such a significant asset as a home. In this guide, we examine when the best time to sell your house is, considering the time of the year, location, value, presentation, and more.
1. Spring offers the speediest sales
According to TheAdvisory, the springtime months of March, April, May and June are some of the best to put your home on the market.
Why spring? Well, after a grey, dull winter, springtime is bright, light, and turning green – making properties look their best in the eyes of prospective buyers. Buyers typically err away from the colder months too (after all, who wants to visit homes and move house in frozen rain?).
2. Research sales in your area
While headline statistics might show an increase in house prices nationally or in your region, these won’t adequately portray the situation in your town, neighbourhood, or street. It’s important to have this kind of information to hand when selling your home so you have an idea of the amount of equity you will have to put into a new home – or cash out with.
To get the information you need, utilise sites like Rightmove and Zoopla to see historical sales data in your local area, and research estate agents when choosing one. Ask them what their asking price track record is like, how quickly they sell homes they manage, and what they would recommend you do to improve the likelihood of a quick sale – or solve a lagging sale.
3. Prepare your home correctly
Once you’ve gained an understanding of the best time to sell and the likely price you’ll get, it’s time to create a to-do list of things that need sorting around the house.
If your boiler isn’t working or on its way out, combi boilers can be a worthwhile investment, since the most unscrupulous buyers will check the hot water and heating to check they won’t need to incur additional cost once they’ve bought the home.
Decluttering is also crucial to let prospective buyers see your home in all its glory, as well as depersonalisation – removing superfluous nick knacks, family photos and so forth. This second preparation point will help buyers visualise themselves living in the house.
Open your curtains and turn on your lamps to boost the lighting and brighten the place up too. And if your home’s walls are looking worse for wear, neutral colours or whites are the best choice so buyers are less likely to be put off by a certain shade.
Selling your home the right time requires research but follow the tips above and you’ll be on the right track. Do you have any extra tips? Let us know in the comments section.
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