If you’re thinking about selling your home in the colder months, you might be concerned that your garden and house won’t look as appealing as they would in spring or summer. You may be asking, “Will my home lose value if I sell it now?” The answer: Not necessarily – but presentation is key.
90% of Your Home’s Value Comes From Size and Location
It’s important to remember that 90% of a property’s value comes from its size and location. Whether you’re selling in autumn, winter, spring, or summer, these two factors remain consistent. Buyers prioritize the number of bedrooms, the space available, and proximity to schools, work, or amenities – and that doesn’t change with the seasons.
Presentation Does Affect Price – But You’re in Control
While size and location make up the majority of your home’s value, presentation plays a big role in how attractive it is to buyers. And yes, it can affect the price.
If your home is poorly presented – cluttered, run-down, or in need of obvious repairs – buyers will take notice. They’ll likely be turned off, not just because of the appearance, but because they’ll start worrying about the amount of work (and money) needed to get the property up to scratch. In fact, a home that’s not well-maintained can lead to lower offers or even scare off potential buyers altogether.
On the flip side, a well-presented home, even in autumn or winter, makes a great impression and can help you achieve the price you want. Buyers will be more inclined to make offers close to your asking price if they feel the home is move-in ready and doesn’t need a lot of work.
Tips to Present Your Home in Autumn and Winter
Even if your garden isn’t in full bloom, there are plenty of ways to make your home look its best and ensure you get top offers:
- Tidy Up the Garden: Even though plants and flowers may not be at their peak, a well-maintained garden still makes a big difference. Rake up leaves, trim any overgrown areas, and clear the pathways to keep the exterior looking neat and inviting.
- Maximise Light: With the shorter days, lighting becomes even more important. Open curtains, turn on warm lighting like lamps and make sure your home feels bright and welcoming. Don’t forget to use lighting in the garden as well. Think porch, path and even fairy lights to light up trees and fences. It can all make a huge difference to the feel of the property during colder months.
- Make it Cosy: Use the colder weather to your advantage by showcasing how warm and comfortable your home can be. Turn up the heating, light a fire if you have one, and create a snug, inviting atmosphere that buyers will love.
- Fix Any Maintenance Issues: If there are any minor repairs that need attention, take care of them before listing your home. Leaky taps, peeling paint, or outdated fixtures can give buyers the impression that the home hasn’t been well-cared for, which can lower their offer.
- Declutter and Clean: This is crucial no matter the season. A clean, well-organised home allows buyers to see its potential and helps them imagine themselves living in the space.
You Won’t Lose Money – But Presentation is Crucial
In our previous blog, we discussed how buyers are active year-round, with Boxing Day being Rightmove’s busiest day of the year. The reality is you won’t lose money just by listing in autumn or winter – but how you present your home can directly impact its value (as it would all year round!)
A well-presented home that’s clean, cosy, and in good condition will attract serious buyers, even in the colder months. On the other hand, a property that looks like a “fixer-upper” can struggle to sell or lead to lower offers as buyers factor in the costs of repairs and renovations.
So, if you’re ready to sell, don’t worry about the season – focus on presenting your home in the best possible way, and you’ll still get the price your home deserves. After all, it only takes one person to fall in love with your home, and that can happen any time of year!