For many people, the idea of selling their home over the Christmas period sounds impractical, with festivities to arrange and family visits to organize.
However, buyers are still looking over the Christmas and New Year period and you may find that with fewer other properties available, you have a higher level of interest.
With people spending more time at home over the festive season, and the idea of a fresh start in the New Year, there are usually still potential buyers keen to view available properties.
In fact, in 2019, property portal Rightmove reported having over 21 million views on Boxing Day and 10 million on Christmas Day. By putting your property on the market in December, you will be able to take advantage of this surge in interest.
It is also the case that those who are dedicated enough to be looking in December and January are usually committed to going through with a purchase when they find the property they want. Estate agents agree that Christmas buyers are of a higher quality, with those prepared to come out to viewings at this time of year serious about buying and the viewing-to-sales ratio much higher than at other times of year.
Tips for putting your house on the market over Christmas
When choosing an estate agent, check that they will be listing your property on the major online property portals, as this is where many people will start their search, particularly over the Christmas period.
It’s fine to put up some decorations, but don’t overdo it. You don’t want to make your property seem cluttered or give buyers the idea that you are hiding anything. Let them see the space that you have and keep the decorations to a tasteful minimum.
If possible, have the estate agent take photos for marketing purposes before your decorations go up. This will allow buyers to see the property as it usually is and, should your property still be on the market in January, it doesn’t make it obvious that it has been up for sale for several weeks.
Try and arrange viewings during the day if possible, so that buyers can see around outside and also appreciate the light in the property. It is easy to make a home feel cosy in the winter, with a fire, candles and side lamps lit.
You need to think realistically about how you want to price your property. For a quicker sale, you should avoid overpricing. Check with estate agents to see what similar properties have sold for and make a decision on your asking price based on that.
If you want to move without delay, instruct a solicitor early. They will be able to guide you through the forms that you will need to complete, such as property information forms, and ensure that they have opened a file and dealt with issues such as verifying your identification, which is a standard legal requirement. As soon as you have a buyer lined up, your estate agent will be able to pass on your solicitor’s details and your solicitor will be able to send out the contract package straight away.
Your solicitor will also be able to give you a list of the items that will be needed, such as an Energy Performance Certificate. Even if you do not intend to market your property until January, your estate agent will appreciate the time to start preparing their marketing materials before the New Year’s rush, meaning you can get in ahead of the competition. Most agents allow you to put your home up for sale with a ‘Do not disturb’ function in place until January, so that potential buyers can see it online but not view it in person until you are ready.
If you would like to speak to one of our expert property lawyers, ring us on 0333 305 5189 or email us at info@lpropertylawyers.co.uk
