If you’re thinking of moving, summer is a great time of the year to sell your home.
July and August are traditionally considered as the property market’s slowest months.
People’s minds are on other things like holidays and how to keep their children entertained during the holidays.
However, estate agents in Plymouth are reporting strong sales figures this summer.
The most recent Zoopla House Price Index, which measures the rise and fall of house prices across the UK, shows a 0.6% rise in the last 12 months.
And outside of London, homes are registering growth of 1% year-on-year.
Choosing the right estate agent to sell your home
Lang Town & Country is the best selling estate agent in Plymouth – for the fourth year running.
Statistics from Zoopla show that we sold 316 properties in 2022 – over 50 more than the next best selling agent in Plymouth.
If you are thinking about selling or buying a property, it’s crucial that you choose the right estate agent.
Paul Preen, Managing Director of Lang Town Country, says: “I think there’s been a lot of speculation in the press recently about the housing market, property prices and where the economy currently stands.
“It’s true there has been a lot of uncertainty this year, with rising interest rates, economic crisis and the cost of living.
“There are certainly people out there still looking to buy, and the sales figures that we’ve produced so far this year have been very positive and completely against the grain of what the media are telling us.
“In fact, the housing market is as buoyant as I’ve seen it for a number of years.”
What are the advantages of selling your home during summer?
Summer offers a number of unique seasonal benefits that can actually help you sell your home quicker.
Longer daylight hours offer more flexibility for viewings, helping to accommodate busy buyers who can only view properties after work or at weekends.
Summer is a popular time for families with children, who often prefer this time of year to move when school is out.
We’ve come up with five expert tips for selling your home during the summer months.
1. Enhance your home’s curb appeal
You can make a great first impression on potential buyers by sprucing up the exterior of your property. After all, a welcoming and well-maintained exterior is far more likely to attract potential buyers and encourage a quicker sale.
Holly Allen, property consultant at Lang Town & Country, says: “We really think that first impressions count, so my number one tip for selling your home through the summer is to boost your curb appeal.
“We know that first impressions count for potential buyers, so clear any debris or rubbish from the front garden, mow the lawn, trim hedges and plant beautiful flowers.
“You can also clean or paint your front and back door. It all helps to give off a really nice approachable feel to the property, welcoming buyers with that happy look.”
2. Always make sure your home is dressed properly
By that we mean moving furniture around to accentuate natural light, sprucing up your outdoor spaces and clearing away the clutter.
Not only will it look better for your marketing images, it will also give people a better idea of what it might be like to live there themselves.
Research by Zoopla suggests that home staging can even increase the value of your home by up to 10%. The same report also found that a staged home can sell up to three times faster.
Paul Preen, Managing Director at Lang Town & Country, says: “I would always recommend that when you put your property on the market, you dress it to make it look the best that you possibly can.
“I think it’s very, very important that when the photography and the video tour are done on the property, that the property looks absolutely fantastic – almost like a show home – to encourage the right people to come and view the property.
“Our expert team has lots of tips and advice about how to market and dress the property appropriately to help you get the best possible price in the shortest possible time.”
3. Clear away the clutter in your home
Declutter your living spaces and remove any personal items that might distract buyers.
A clutter-free environment will allow potential buyers to visualise their own belongings within the property.
Natalie Preen, administrator at Lang Town & Country, says: “Decluttering your property is crucial for getting it ready to go on to the market.
“So, that would mean clearing things away off the sides, extra things we have laying around in the bathroom, bedrooms, kitchens. Just to make it nice and tidy, ready for your property to go onto the internet to make the photos look fantastic.”
4. Keep your home cool and comfortable
During the summer months, it’s essential to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature for viewings. You can also use fans or create a pleasant ambiance with cool colors and refreshing scents.
And if you’re lucky enough to have air conditioning, make sure to keep it at a reasonable level to ensure potential buyers are comfortable as they explore your property.
5. Highlight the seasonal features of your property
Summer offers the perfect opportunity to show off the parts of your home which are particularly appealing during the warmer months.
A well-maintained garden and a stunning patio are real assets for potential buyers. Consider staging your outdoor areas with summer-themed accessories, such as colorful umbrellas or outdoor dining set-ups, to create a more attractive setting.
And if you’re lucky enough to have a swimming pool, make sure it’s clean and inviting!
How do I get in touch with Lang Town & Country?
If you’re thinking about selling your home, your first step should be to get it valued.
Please do contact us and we’ll be more than happy to offer advice and a free valuation of your home.
Plymouth Sales – 01752 256000 / Property@langtownandcountry.com
Plymstock Sales – 01752 456000 / Plymstockoffice@langtownandcountry.com
Waterside – 01752 200909 / Waterside@langtownandcountry.com
Lettings – 01752 201010 / enquiries@langtownandcountry.com
Land & New Homes – 01752 278499 / newhomes@langtownandcountry.com
