1. Declutter 

The chances are you have collected plenty of unwanted items over the years – from clothes and shoes to defunct mobile phones and old paperwork. By decluttering now, you’ll not only save on moving boxes, but also make your home more appealing to viewers. 

 2. Spring clean 

Once floors, shelves, surfaces, and wardrobes are clear, pull out your furniture to dust and vacuum, hire a carpet cleaner, and make those bathrooms gleam. If you have pets, remove any tell-tale odours or hair from the carpets and sofas. 

3. Refresh your décor  

Neutral colours may seem boring, but they give viewers a blank canvas to adjust to their taste. As well as this, your home will also appear brighter and bigger. Pops of colour or designer wallpaper on a feature wall can add interest, but less is more. If your design scheme is already on point, just make sure you touch up any tired paintwork.  

4. Tackle the to-do list 

Leaky taps, cracked walls, chipped tiles, and loose fittings can give your home a neglected appearance. This could leave viewers wondering what other issues they may encounter once they move in. If necessary, hire a professional to complete any lingering projects.  

5. Assess the lighting 

Poor lighting can make the most charming room appear dark and uninviting. A few well-placed lamps can help – just remember to stock up on lightbulbs too. 

6. Prepare for viewings  

Help potential buyers imagine themselves in your home by paring back on personal items such as family photos, magazines, and toys. Get ready to stage your home too – think crisp prop towels for the bathroom, new linen and cushions for the bedrooms, and fresh flowers or houseplants. 

7. Boost kerb appeal 

We all know that first impressions count. If you have a front garden or drive, make sure it’s clear of debris and freshly weeded or mowed. Attend to any broken or missing roof tiles and damaged guttering, and think about cleaning windows and repainting the exterior. 

8. Consider storage options 

If you have a lot of furniture or treasured belongings, why not put some into storage? This will help you clear the decks and get your home ready for staging and viewings. It could also come in handy when you move. 

9. Research potential estate agents 

Now that you have given your home some TLC, it’s time to shortlist a few local estate agents. Pay attention to the marketing the agent provides for their current listings and follow your gut. While the big names may tempt you, don’t rule out smaller independents who may offer a more personal service. 

10. Get your home valued 

Before you make your final decision, it’s a good idea to invite a handful of agents to value your home in person. This is your chance to find an achievable price point for your property and get a feel for the people who will be representing it.  

Our team are always here for a no-obligation chat. Contact us today. 

A total of £28.8 billion was spent on chain-free purchases in the last 12 months. This is £8.7 billion, or 43% higher than the previous year and is reflected across every region, with increases in both the quantity and value of transactions. * 

It is easy to see the appeal of a chain-free purchase. The key benefit is that there is a much smaller chance of a sale being delayed or falling through. Statistics indicate that a chain-free transaction takes, on average, 60% less time to complete than when a property is in a chain. * 

The great news for sellers is that it seems homebuyers may be willing to pay a premium for a house that is not part of a chain.  

If you are thinking of selling your home, now is a great time to get a valuation. Book a valuation today. 

*Property Reporter 

On average, properties are spending just 33 days on the open market, compared to 2019 when the average time on the market stood at 67 days. As well as this, the huge decline in sale time means that 53% of property sales are now being agreed at a figure above the asking price, as buyers bid higher to secure their ideal home. * 

The large number of buyers continues to create a competitive market, ideal for sellers. Over 125,000 prospective homeowners took to the market in April to take advantage of the great seller’s market. *  

If you are looking for a quick sale of your property, start by booking a free property valuation here. 

*Rightmove 

A recent report examined how the private rental sector might develop in the years to come. *

The findings, based on a survey of 1,376 adults in rented accommodation, offer some interesting food for thought, for landlords who might be thinking about future-proofing their investments. 

One of the key insights from the report is that the private rented sector needs to adapt to an increasingly mature tenant population, with the age of tenants set to increase over the coming years. The report predicts: “The typical renter of the future will look different from today’s. We need to revisit our preconceptions about renting being the preserve of young, mobile households. Mature tenants have different needs and preferences.” *

Over a third of households in the private rented sector currently accommodate somebody aged 45 or over. The report shows that three in five tenants aged between 35 and 54, expect to be renting privately in 15 years’ time. By 2035, it is predicted that this demographic will make up at least half of rented households.  

For landlords, this means considering the priorities of more mature tenants. Longer tenancy agreements and unfurnished homes are typically preferred by mature renters, who will often opt for a ground-floor property near to local transport links and basic amenities, such as shops and health services. Established tenants are also more likely to look for pet-friendly accommodation and the freedom to make basic cosmetic changes, such as redecorating. 

If you are thinking of letting your property, contact us for a no-obligation valuation.  

*Social Market Foundation