It’s officially Spring and with this new season comes longer, brighter days after a cold and gloomy winter, prompting many people to start thinking about selling their home. Now we’re in April and lockdown restrictions are starting to lift, this also means more freedom to start on those plans to move. Therefore, if you’re planning on putting your property up for sale in the next few months, here is what you need to know:
The best time to move?
Spring is a popular time of year to sell a home for many reasons. The brighter nights don’t just make people happier they also have functional use as they provide more potential viewing hours. Increased sunshine also helps bring gardens back to life creating kerb appeal and a great first impression.
Putting your home on the market in early Spring will hopefully mean that you move in the Summer months. This gives you a few more months to get the jobs done in in your new home before the Winter arrives. Moving over the Spring/Summer season will also give you a higher chance of having a sunny day or at least being dry. You can get to your new home and open up all the windows and doors to let that fresh air in – which is particularly important given the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. After a busy day, you can then start enjoying your new home, step out in the garden and open up a bottle of bubbly.
A Sellers’ Market
Over recent months we have seen a growing supply and demand imbalance. Rightmove recently reported its busiest ever start to a year, with demand up 12% and sales agreed up 9% year on year. According to Rightmove the current demand for properties is the highest it has been for a decade, pushing asking prices up. But new supply to the market has fallen. This means there are more people looking to buy than there are properties for sale.
The government’s ambitions to change “generation rent into generation buy” could drive this imbalance further. This has put sellers in a strong position in terms of pricing – In the East of England Rightmove reported a 2% uplift in property prices, with an average price of £371,366 – making it well a truly a sellers’ market – meaning now is the perfect time to sell.
Get an Expert Valuation
The property market has been the subject of all sorts of headlines over the past year with average house prices being on a bit of a rollercoaster. But until you speak to an expert, you won’t have a realistic picture of the local housing market and what you can expect to get for your property.
To speak to one of our property specialists about getting a Market Appraisal on your property contact us on 01603 619916.
Home Staging for Spring
After months of miserable weather, the slightest sign of sunshine gets us all excited about the spring and summer months – spending time in the garden, relaxing after work while the kids play. Help to sell that dream by making the most of your outdoor space. Make sure it’s neat and tidy, mow the lawn and add some potted plants.
It may seem pointless to change your accessories or your colour scheme when you’re selling your home, but it could make a big difference in attracting buyers. For the most part those people viewing your property will be able to look past your decor, but it doesn’t hurt to spruce things up and make your home seasonally attractive. Replacing heavy curtains with lighter fabrics, for example, or adding some bright or pastel-coloured cushions to your couch can make a big difference. Just as in the winter you want to make your home seem cosy and warm, in spring your go-to words should be light, bright, and clean.
And remember, if all else fails – add flowers!
