Getting your home ready to sell
20 March 2024
If you’re a homeowner and dreaming of beginning a new chapter in a brand-new home, then now could be the perfect time to make your move. With some simple improvements, your home will have a better chance of selling quickly, even more important if you’ve already spotted your dream property!
According to research by Rightmove, over the past five years, March has proved to be the best month to sell a home. Maybe it has to do with the prospect of brighter, longer days on the horizon and outdoor space being high up on people’s wish lists, or possibly it’s the appeal of a fresh start after the darkness of winter – either way, there’s no denying that spring is the optimum time to put your home on the market.
So, how do you make the most of the spring window to realise your new-build dream sooner rather than later? In this article, we share our top tips on how to get your home ready to sell.
In this section:
• Make the most of your outside space
• Clean out the gutters
• Freshen up inside and out
• Make an entrance
• Start decluttering in your loft
• Upgrade kitchens and bathrooms
• Test appliances and home alarms
• Explore the benefits of buying new
Make the most of your outside space
With the sun making an appearance and the daffodils and the crocuses starting to bloom, the garden suddenly seems more welcoming. Now is the time to prepare your outside space for growing produce and flowers, by clearing away debris, checking soil and making sure your plants from the previous year are trimmed and ready to blossom once more. If you have a patio, inspect the surface for wear or damage and clean up any patio furniture that has been in storage for autumn and winter before using again.
If you don’t have a garden, a herb garden on a balcony will instantly make your space feel fresher for spring, while one or two pots of colour at your front door will add instant kerb appeal.
Clean out the gutters
It’s not the most fun job, but with longer and drier days, spring is a great time to ensure the gutters of your home are clean. Clogged gutters can cause damage to your home when the water does not flow away efficiently, so it’s important to safely use a ladder to position yourself against the roof to remove any built-up debris, such as leaves and twigs.
Once you have finished cleaning, it’s a good idea to use a hose to flush out the gutters, and this is also a great way to spot any holes in the system and any repairs that are needed. You could hire a professional to help with any part of this task if required.
Freshen up inside and out
The exterior of homes can suffer throughout winter, with plummeting temperatures and high levels of rain making facades look slightly worn out by the time spring arrives. Cleaning windows, pressure washing outdoors and – if your budget runs to it – giving the doors and exterior walls a new coat of paint always helps to make properties shine and stand out in the fresh sunlight. You might also want to tick some of the items off our spring home maintenance checklist.
Inside, introducing brighter hues through a new coat of paint and/or a few inexpensive accessories such as cushions and light shades can help to boost moods for springtime.
Make an entrance
First impressions count, so take stock of your front door and hallway and decide whether they could benefit from a new lease of life. A lick of paint can make a real difference to tired-looking front doors and will encourage home buyers to explore within. Light and airy is best for hallways – consider hanging a mirror or statement light to brighten things up and hide shoes in attractive storage.
Start decluttering in your loft
The loft is a common space in the house where items can be stored and then subsequently forgotten about. A spring clean is essential to help manage clutter in the home, and the loft is an ideal place to start. Clearing away old items will help breathe new life into your home and storage spaces, and create the clean lines that house hunters fall in love with.
Upgrade kitchens and bathrooms
There’s a well-known saying that kitchens and bedrooms sell houses, so if you’re contemplating moving this spring it’s a good idea to make sure yours are up to scratch.
You don’t need to spend a fortune either – a deep clean works wonders while decluttering countertops and organising cupboard and drawer contents will create a sense of space. If you do want to invest in a bit of an upgrade however, painting the tiling and/or cupboard doors – or simply swapping old cupboard door handles for new – are simple ways to make your kitchen look brighter.
In bathrooms, remove any limescale or mould and spend some time regrouting tiles or resealing bath, sink and shower edges if necessary.
Test appliances and home alarms
When completing a spring reset around the house, your essential electrical devices should be checked as part of this, to confirm that they are in working order. Don’t forget to check batteries in all smoke alarms and look for leaks in any appliances. You may need to call a professional to carry out a repair, but it is always best to be prepared in case of an emergency.
Explore the benefits of buying new
Once your home is ready for viewings and you start exploring the current market, it’s worth taking a moment to research the range of benefits available when buying a new home. The obvious advantage is that you can look forward to a clean, bright living space that’s uniquely yours, with no need to decorate unless you want to. But did you know that buying a new-build home can save you money as well?
At Places for People, we design and build low-carbon homes that are as stylish as they are sustainable. Our efficient heating systems and energy-saving technology mean you’ll use less energy and spend less on utility bills while you bask in a warm, welcoming space that benefits from an exquisite finish throughout.
What’s more, we offer a range of ways to buy that could make your dream new home more affordable than you think, from Shared Ownership and Shared Equity to our Mortgage Contribution and Stamp Duty/LBTT Contribution schemes. As an existing homeowner, you might want to consider Part Exchange or Easy Move – both designed to take the hassle out of selling, so you can enjoy a smooth move to your new pad.
If you’re in the process of getting your home ready to sell, why not browse our developments? When you’re ready to make your move, our expert team will be here to offer you all the support and guidance you need.