We know what you’re thinking. It’s not even December yet, but you’re being asked to think about next year! Well, stay with us, as there’s good reason to use the end of 2024 to get ahead of the property market in 2025. And when it comes to selling a property, preparation is everything. With that in mind, read our five top tips on how to get ready for a New Year sale.
1. Don’t date it
It’s an obvious one, but you’d be surprised how many estate agents still take a property’s photography during the festive season – and then let it run (if the property doesn’t sell) well into the New Year. There are two problems with this. First of all, once the festivities fade, nobody wants to see Christmas decorations – or anything that resembles Christmas decorations – until Christmas 2025. If your estate agent sends out a photographer during the Christmas period (or on a snowy day, which also dates very quickly), then the chances are that you’re with the wrong estate agent.
2. Boxing day is a great day for …
… shopping. But it’s really not a good day to launch a property. It won’t take you long to discover Rightmove statistics that reveal how traffic to its website increases by as much as 70 per cent on Boxing Day. This may well be true. However, our team of Surrey estate agents disagree with the statement that Boxing Day is a good day to place your property on the market. The reality is, Christmas is the only period in which people share the same holiday time. As a result, homeowners are doing what everyone else is doing on Boxing Day, which is kicking back with family, friends and a glass of wine … or shopping online! Wait until everyone – including the children – is back in their routines and then launch your property. Our recommendation for an optimum launch day based on years of experience is 10 January.
3. Keep it cosy
Yes, Christmas tends to feel like a distant memory come 1 January (doesn’t the festive season have an unusual ability to warp time?!), but it’s still VERY cold. And when it’s cold, people buy into properties that showcase their potential for warmth. So, stock up on firewood if you have a fire, top up the kindling baskets and make sure that there are plenty of candles – preferably scented – burning on each and every viewing that your estate agent has arranged. Cosy, warm and inviting lighting is also a powerful tool when it comes to winning over prospective buyers. So, why not use the Christmas downtime to ensure that you maximise your property’s cosy appeal in readiness for your first New Year’s viewing.
4. Get your ducks in a row
It’s no secret that pretty much everything slows down in December as we head towards Christmas. Likewise, it’s no secret that everything goes full speed in the New Year as everybody wants to do the same things – seemingly all at the same time. And when it comes to selling a property there are some key things that you need to have in place. There’s choosing an estate agent, of course (and we hope you’ll choose us). And there’s also the solicitor, too. In order to avoid a situation whereby getting a solicitor in January is harder than it would have been in December due to a bottleneck effect, if you know you’re moving in January why not use December to get the legal aspects in place. It’s one less job to do in the New Year, it will be less competitive, and you’ll be able to hit the ground running in the first weeks of January.
5. In good elf
As already covered, Christmas is the only time that everyone is off at the same time. So, why not take advantage of the fact that you’re not going to get distracted by a work call, or an unwanted email, and use the time you do have to give your property a clean bill of health. After all, a healthy-looking property is a sellable property. Getting your garden in shape is a good start, which you can find out how to do by reading our gardening tips article.
“The festive season is undoubtedly a time to wind down and spend time with friends and family. But in the run up to the holidays – and even in those quieter periods during the break – there are things that you can do to ensure that you’re one step ahead in the New Year. We typically see enquiries increase by around 25 per cent in January, so homeowners that have planned ahead and who are ready to go at the beginning of the month will be in a much stronger position.”
Lewis Sutehall, Cobham Sales Director at Davies Property Partners
Need an estate agent to help you with your New Year move? Contact your local Davies Property Partners office to arrange a no obligation property valuation.
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Cobham
01932 588288 -
Claygate
01372 462323 -
Hinchley Wood
0208 3980265