Shutterstock / Alexey Fedorenko
With Halifax reporting house prices at a two-year high and interest rates cut for the first time in four years, there’s plenty of good news for downsizers or anyone hoping to move.
Traditionally, autumn is a strong time to sell a home, and this year especially, thanks to the temporary reduction of Stamp Duty ending next March.
Vivienne Harris, Managing Director of Heathgate Estate Agents in London, says: “Autumn is usually a good time to sell, particularly if you put your home on the market by the end of September.”
“If you leave it until late November, you run the risk of the market tailing off because people tend to think about Christmas, and they don’t want to move around that time.”
Linda Webb, who owns the property preparation company Refresh & Impress, agrees: “It’s the perfect time to sell. Summer holidays are over and people are thinking: ‘I don’t want another winter in this house’ or ‘Next summer, I want a bigger garden’.”
So, if you’re thinking it’s time to downsize or move to another part of the country, there’s plenty you can do to add thousands in value to your home as the weather gets colder and the sun sets sooner.
"The first thing to check is that your house can catch a potential buyer’s eye as the nights draw in. “If people drive by and they can’t see the number, that could put them off - that’s particularly important when evenings are darker,” says Webb.
“Make sure the front of the house is well lit, where outdoor lights help the ‘kerb appeal’ by making it welcoming.
“Even when the weather’s miserable, make sure your front garden’s tidy and cut your grass. Polish your door, put some outdoor plants in pots and get your gutters cleaned in case someone comes to view it on a rainy day.”
One survey suggested buyers will pay £5,000 more for a house with high kerb appeal – even simply having a clean car in the drive can help.
When it comes to the outside space, forget garden kitchens or fancy pizza ovens: in a survey for Home Sale Pack, a quarter of respondents said a well-kept lawn was the most appealing outdoor feature. And buyers will take a good look outside, even in the rain.
“Added extras make the outside look good,” says Heidi Phillips, Owner of Tergo Specialist Cleaning Services. “Make sure your rubbish and recycling areas are clean and organised, and your paths and walls are moss-free.”
Estate agents’ wisdom suggests you've only got eight seconds to impress a buyer, meaning you need to wow them as soon as they walk through the front door.
“You’re buying into a lifestyle, especially for bigger houses. There are lots of different ways that a house can be immaculate, whether it’s full of character and old charm or sleek and modern,” says Harris.
“It’s important to decide what your property offers and what lifestyle vibe you want to give off.”
“Make sure that everything works, particularly lights. If I’m showing a house on a dark and dismal day, I’ll make sure the curtains are open, blinds are up and lights are on, so it looks as light and bright as possible.”
Webb agrees that the moment buyers walk through the front door is crucial. “Bear in mind the autumn weather and have a doormat and somewhere for people to put their umbrellas. Pop the heating on so it’s nice and warm – and make the entrance hall smell fresh and clean,” she says.
When it comes to animals, Webb advises not to have them around for viewings. “Some people think they make it more homely, but that’s only if you like pets. Buyers might have cat allergies or dislike dogs, so remove evidence of food bowls too,” she says.
It costs nothing to move furniture around, but it can make a real difference as buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home.
Your home office can stay though, as research by RatedPeople from 2022 suggested it could add around £6,500 to your home’s value.
“If you bought a four-bedroom house because you had young children, but they’ve all left home now, try and remember why you chose that house,” says Webb.
“You could be marketing it to a young family in the same position as you were, so show them how they can use the bedrooms. Turn the ironing or sewing room back into a bedroom – make it easy for them to visualise sleeping in there.”
As the weather gets colder and condensation starts appearing inside, mould can build up. This makes deep cleaning and airing your rooms more important during this time of year. “Pay particular attention to the bathroom and kitchen,” says Phillips.
“Remove any mould, grease and grime from the tiles and grout - you want them to gleam. Clean windows inside and out and pay attention to the corners of glass and frames where grime may have built up over the summer.”
And if you’re selling in spider season (between September and October), don’t forget the cobwebs. “Sweep every corner and skirting board. It’s the small touches that make the biggest difference so take the opportunity to clean every single door, frame and light switch,” says Phillips.
Buyers want your house to feel like it could be theirs, so remove anything too personal, as much as you might love it.
“Welcome mats and anything else with ‘Home’ on it might put buyers off – it’s your home, not theirs. You don’t want it to be too cold, but limit the number of photos of your grandchildren,” says Webb.
It costs nothing, but a good clear-out can add thousands of pounds to your asking price, says professional home and lifestyle organiser Elizabeth Wickes.
It’s an emotional time, so she recommends involving the whole family. “If this is your family home, you’re probably storing your children’s memorabilia. Ask them to sort through their belongings themselves and give them a strict timeframe.
“Depersonalise these childhood bedrooms and change them back into neutral guest rooms.”
And it’s never too early to get started, says CEO of SelfStorageBooker Anna Roberts. “Even if you're only toying with the idea of downsizing, it's worth starting to identify what you don't want or need anymore, then when the opportunity arises to donate or re-home them you can seize it.
"Just taking some old clothes to a charity shop can mentally start preparing you for the move,” she adds.
While estate agency Yopa reports a new kitchen could increase your home’s value between four and 10 percent, it’s worth weighing up the cost and upheaval involved.
“Don’t worry about putting in a new kitchen or bathroom - it costs thousands and it might not be to your buyer’s taste,” says Webb. “If your buyer thinks it’s tired, just say it’s reflected in the price.”
Instead of a full makeover, use small and inexpensive tweaks to brighten up your home for viewers visiting on a dull autumn day. “Add flowers and plants for pops of colour, a fruit bowl and herbs in the kitchen because they smell good,” suggests Webb.
“Clear your worktops. If you have lots of things out, it makes you look like you don’t have enough storage – and storage sells.”
Details are important, so tour your house as a viewer would and add cosy touches. “Extra pillows make your beds look comfortable and help your buyers picture themselves relaxing in there,” adds Webb.
“No-one wants to see your bare lightbulb, so get a lampshade from a charity shop and put it up.
“I also have ‘moving towels’ that no-one’s allowed to use, but whenever I’m selling my house they come out perfectly folded.”
If you’ve already moved out, buyers can see the blank space, but they still want to know the house is loved.
“Make sure the property is maintained throughout the selling process,” says Harris.
“Don’t just tidy the garden once – make it look loved. When people come up to the house, they know it’s being looked after.”
Having strangers walking around your home can be stressful, so you might feel more comfortable leaving the house during viewings.
Instead of worrying about people in your home, you could use this time to go and visit any new areas you’re thinking of moving to – perhaps trying out any local restaurants or pubs to get a feel for the area.
“Let the agent do the viewing and show the house and don’t get too involved,” says Harris. “Owners love their homes and might talk too much or end up talking the buyer out of it. Don’t give up too much information – if the buyers have questions, let them go through the estate agent.”
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