This summer could be an exception to the rule, with travel plans restricted, and a recent surge in housing demand following the reopening of the market in May. Furthermore, the announcement of a Stamp Duty Land Tax reduction for residential property purchases until 31st March 2021 will undoubtedly increase housing market activity.
House hunting is set to be a much higher priority this summer, and therefore NAEA Propertymark has gathered a few easy steps you can follow to show your home in its best light and appeal to the summertime buyer.
Freshen up on any new safety measures
Show house hunters that you’re serious about the sale by reading up on and adhering strictly to all new social distancing measures. Rearrange any cluttered furniture to prevent viewers from needing to touch too much and ensure social distancing measures are followed in line with Government and Propertymark advice, which includes vacating your property whilst viewings are taking place in order to minimise your contact with those not in your household.
Windows
While most people remember to spruce up their garden before a summertime house viewing, it’s easy to overlook the condition of your windows and let any maintenance on them slip through the net. Giving old wooden windows a thorough clean and a fresh lick of paint is a cheap and easy way to stop them looking cracked and show that the entire property has been well maintained.
Preen the garden
Summer is the perfect time to show off a well-groomed garden so be sure to dig out the gardening gloves you purchased at the start of lockdown and make sure the garden is tidied, mowed, and de-weeded. Cutting back any overgrown trees and decorating with plant pots will add extra colour to the garden. Make sure to set up any outdoor furniture, such as a BBQ and sun loungers, to give buyers a sense of how the space might look if it were their own.
Neutral décor
Potential buyers will never have identical taste in interior decoration to you, and they must be able to picture themselves living in the space. Anything over-personal such as bright cushions or wallpaper can make them feel like a guest in someone else’s home. Keep decoration simple and colours neutral to offer buyers a blank slate to add their own personality.
Eliminate pet smells
Pets leave an odour that their owners can become immune to over time, but it’s likely the buyer will pick up on this. Air out the property in advance of any viewings, and when following Government guidance to vacate your property whilst viewings are taking place, be sure to take any furry friends with.
Fix up faulty DIY
First impressions are crucial and can sway a buyers’ decision, so it’s essential to patch up any maintenance slips such as holes in walls, broken doorknobs, and cracked tiles. While it may be tempting to attempt DIY jobs yourself to cut costs, it can be worth spending a little extra on professional handiwork, now lockdown measures have eased, to help boost the value of your property.
Mark Hayward, Chief Executive, NAEA Propertymark comments: “With housing market activity picking back up this summer after a two-month hiatus, it’s more important than ever to go the extra mile and take every possible measure to help your property stand out. If you are looking to sell your home this summer, turn to your local NAEA Propertymark estate agent to guide you in the right direction and help you ensure all new safety measures are complied with, to increase your chances of a speedy sale.”
