Selling your home in winter: how to capitalise on the season

It’s well-known that spring and summer are the best times to sell because not only is the market more active, homes generally look better during those seasons with flowers blooming and bright sunshine to add cheer and make rooms look lighter. 

However, whilst it can be a bit more of a challenge, selling in winter can also be a strategic advantage if approached correctly because the colder months offer unique opportunities to make your property stand out in a less crowded market. 

Here’s how to capitalise on the winter season to sell your home successfully:

1. Embrace the Season’s Charm

Winter brings a natural charm that can enhance the appeal of your home because cosy interiors can create an especially inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. To leverage this:

• Decorate Tastefully: If you’re staging your home, add warmth with décor smalls like burnt orange or red scatter cushions or colourful throws, hang fluffy blankets over the back of the sofa or fold them in a basket. Place seasonal flowers strategically to brighten a room or entrance hall.
  
  
• Showcase Cosy Features: Highlight features that make your home cosy during winter. A roaring fireplace or a cosy reading nook can be major selling points. Make sure these are showcased during showings. If your kitchen is attractive, bake biscuits just before a viewing and set the kitchen table in winter colours. And make sure the bedside lamps are on in the bedrooms.

2. Create a Warm and Inviting Atmosphere

When potential buyers walk into your home from the cold, it’s important they feel immediately welcomed and comfortable.

• Maintain a Comfortable Temperature: Ensure your home is warm and cosy during showings as a well-heated home can make a great impression.
  
  
• Offer Seasonal Refreshments: Small touches like offering hot cocoa, coffee, or tea can make potential buyers feel more at home and linger longer.

3. Optimise Curb Appeal

First impressions are crucial, even in winter. There may not be blooming flowers, but your property can still impress.

• Keep Paths Clear: Make sure all walkways, driveways, and entryways are neat and weed-free and that your lawn is mown, and bushes trimmed. If your front door needs a fresh coat of paint, perhaps opt for a bright, warm colour.
  
  
• Add Winter-Friendly Plants: Incorporate hardy plants that thrive in the winter, like evergreens or winterberry, to add colour and life to your exterior. If you don’t have time to do that, colourful pots with evergreen plants at your front door will add vibrant appeal.

4. Maximise Natural Light

Winter days are shorter, and natural light can be limited. Bright, well-lit homes feel more welcoming and spacious, so it’s essential to maximise the light in your home.

• Open Curtains and Blinds: Ensure all curtains and blinds are open during showings to let in as much natural light as possible.
  
  
• Use Artificial Lighting Strategically: Supplement natural light with well-placed artificial lighting. Use warm-toned bulbs to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

5. Highlight Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a top priority for most buyers these days, but especially in the winter. A home that is warm and energy-efficient will be very appealing.

Showcase energy saving/producing features by highlighting any features and systems that improve energy efficiency, produce energy and save money. If your home has a solar geyser or double glazing, make sure potential buyers know about it.

6. Price Competitively

Winter can be a slower season for real estate, so pricing your home competitively is essential to attract serious buyers.

And be open to negotiation. Buyers in the winter may be more motivated to close deals quickly, so being flexible with negotiations can lead to a faster sale.

7. Leverage Online Marketing

With fewer daylight hours and colder weather, many potential buyers will start their home search online, so an effective online presence that stands out from the competition is crucial.

• High-Quality Photos: Invest in professional photography to make your home look its best online. Bright, clear photos that highlight your home’s best features can attract more interest.
  
  
• Virtual Tours: Consider offering virtual tours. These allow potential buyers to explore your home from the comfort of their own, making it easier for them to picture themselves living there.

8. Work with a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent

An experienced and knowledgeable agent can be an invaluable asset. They will understand the nuances of seasonal marketing and can offer tailored advice.

• Local Market Knowledge: An agent with local market expertise can help you understand how winter affects the market in your area and devise strategies accordingly.
  
  
• Marketing Strategy: They can develop a targeted marketing strategy that emphasises your home’s strengths and appeals to winter buyers.

Selling your home in the winter may require a bit more effort in terms of presentation and marketing, but the season also offers unique advantages. 

With fewer homes on the market, serious buyers, and the potential to highlight your home’s winter-friendly features, you can turn the season into a selling point.