Often, summer is a good time to sell. Properties listed between June and August typically go under offer on average 37 days faster than those listed at other times of the year, according to Winkworth data*. And summer sellers achieve a higher proportion of their asking price, too.
No doubt the longer days help to energise buyers. But how, specifically, can sellers make the most of this season and maximise their chance of a speedy sale?
Show off any outdoor space
Maybe it’s adding a table and chairs to your garden or simply sprucing up your front lawn. Whatever the job, invest some attention in your outdoor offerings – summer buyers can be particularly motivated by the idea of enjoying fresh air with their families.
If you’re not naturally green-fingered, don’t worry – here are some tips on creating a low-maintenance garden.
Keep your home cool
This is easier said than done, we know! But as much as possible, try to create a pleasant atmosphere in your home. For example:
- Put on fans or air conditioning
- Avoid using the oven, dishwasher or tumble dryer just before a viewing
- Add leafy plants to humidify the air and create a relaxing vibe
- Scent the air with sea salt, cool mint or other refreshing smells
If it’s an especially hot day, you might keep your curtains and blinds closed until just before viewings. Although this requires more organisation, it can help limit the temperature in your upstairs rooms.
Understand the market
Research your local area to see what’s selling. You might keep an eye on property websites and ask an experienced estate agent for insights into recent trends.
This can help set your expectations for how long it could take to sell your home. In terms of Winkworth network-wide data, three-bedroom properties tend to sell the fastest, going under offer 37% quicker than the summer average. At the other end of the scale, five-beds take the longest, at 55% slower than the average. Of course, this isn’t to say your property will necessarily conform to the pattern, but it can be useful to have a rough sense of timelines.
Researching the market can also help you decide on a realistic asking price – which leads to our next section…
Price it right the first time
Have you got a figure in mind? It’s worth enough careful consideration here.
In summer, 37% of Winkworth properties are sold without needing a price reduction. But for the properties that did need a reduction, the sale took twice as long and achieved only 97.5% of the asking price (a high percentage for the industry but lower than usual for Winkworth).
We recommend working closely with your estate agent to decide on a realistic asking price. While it’s tempting to go in relatively high, figuring you can drop down later, it’s often better to set the right price from the off. That way, you can make the most of the initial flurry of interest and ride this momentum.
Organise your paperwork
If you accept an offer on your home, you’ll want to be ready with the necessary documents. For instance, the:
- Property title deeds
- Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- Fittings and contents form
Here’s more information on what you need. Organising this paperwork now means you can avoid delays later on in the conveyancing process.
Final thoughts
Capitalising on the energetic summer market is all about presenting your home well and setting a realistic price. For expert advice on the details, get in touch with your local Winkworth office and talk to an experienced estate agent
