As the winter months creep in, you would be forgiven for thinking that now wouldn’t be the best time to put your property on the market, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The winter months can be a great time to sell from your buy-to-let portfolio. There is less competition as people tend to hold off selling until the new year and if you have tenants in place, they will be less likely to move out at Christmas time, so your buyer will have the added benefit of instant income. We have put together this list of handy tips to give your property the best possible chance of selling during the festive period.
Maximise the lighting
The winter tends to be a very gloomy time of year, so it’s essential that you make the most of all the lighting in the property. Washing your windows and doing a deep clean will enhance the natural light and changing to high wattage bulbs inside will make the inside feel more welcoming. Having good lighting in your property during the winter will make it more appealing to potential buyers.
Give the property some TLC
Once you have decided to put your property on the market, you will need to make sure that it is in a fit state to be sold on and that any issues brought on by harsh weather conditions are taken care of. Make sure that all the gutters and pipes are clear from fallen leaves and debris and that the boiler is fully serviced so it doesn’t break while there’s cold weather. You want to assure any potential buyers that the possibility of any issues has been minimised.
…and a winter makeover
Simple cosmetic work on your property can improve its chances of selling, no matter what time of the year it is. A quick lick of paint and fresh grouting are cost-effective ways to make it look fresh and more appealing to buyers, not to mention it will be beneficial for any sitting tenants. If there’s a garden, it will also be a good idea to give that some special attention – mowing the lawn, removing weeds and planting some all-season plants and shrubbery will make your property look more inviting.
Make use of technology
Not only can using the latest technology in your property make it more modern, it can also make it more efficient. Smart meters are a great way to monitor the utility usage and they help you to make sure that tenants are not overspending on their gas and electric. This will make life easier for yourself and any future landlords who buy from you. High-speed broadband is also a desirable feature for both tenants and prospective buyers, so it might be worthwhile to find the best possible deal on fibre broadband.
Are you looking to sell your property during the festive period? Get a free valuation today!
