Keep Your Property Warm and Dry
Walking into a cold house does not create a good impression of what it would be like to live there (or how high your energy bills might be). On cold days, make sure your property is warm but not too warm. Set the heating to a comfortable, low level to avoid the space feeling cold or damp when prospective buyers walk in.
It may sound obvious, but do a quick sweep through to check for any damp laundry or wet shoes and coats before a viewing takes place. It’s easy to forget in the bustle of day-to-day life but can make a big difference to how warm and dry a house feels.
Light Up the Space
Lighting can have a big impact on our psychology. It has the power to make us feel tense or relaxed, energised or lethargic, positive or negative. During the winter months, when natural lighting is in short supply, understanding how your home’s lighting can affect visitors is important to getting the best outcome from your viewings.
Research has found that warmer tones, with a non-uniform light distribution (e.g., light from more than one source) promote relaxation, while bright, white, overhead lighting can make us feel tense and on edge. Swap out harsh white bulbs for warmer hues, and use freestanding or accent lamps instead of relying solely on overhead lighting. This creates a softer, more inviting glow that feels comforting on darker days.
If you have any dark or shadowy corners, adding house plants or subtle seasonal props with a little lighting can brighten these areas up, making the whole space feel more open.
Tidy Up Your Garden and Outdoor Spaces
Let’s face it, no one really wants to garden in winter. It’s cold, it’s damp and you can’t tell the difference between what’s a dormant plant and what needs to be pulled up (apologies if you are an avid gardener and this doesn’t apply to you – in which case, you can probably skip this point). However, making sure that outdoor areas look neat and tidy is essential to selling your property, even in winter.
Make sure your garden is well-maintained, with a decent end-of-season cutback and any remaining leaves raked up. Jet wash or sweep patios and pathways to remove any moss or dirt that may have built up over the year, particularly focusing on those ‘first impression’ areas like the driveway, front path and doorstep. Get rid of any rubbish or clearance that might be left over from the end of summer.
Packing away summer furniture and outdoor clutter can also help buyers see the garden as a blank canvas, allowing visitors to imagine how they might use the space come spring and summer. If you have outdoor lighting, make sure it’s turned on when viewings are taking place on dark evenings so that buyers can see the space as clearly as possible.
Let Fresh Air In, Keep Clutter Out
In winter, houses can get stuffy and damp, with closed windows and central heating running near-constantly increasing condensation levels. This can lead to potential mould or damp issues, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. To combat this, have a deep clean around the property, paying particular attention to areas like bathrooms and kitchens, especially sealant, grout and corners. Opening the windows for a short while before viewings can help freshen up the air inside, but remember to close them again before buyers arrive to keep your house warm.
Decluttering is especially important in winter, not just to maximise your home’s space but to avoid build-up of dust or damp. Replace any worn-out door mats, scruffy towels, or bathmats to create a clean, neutral space that buyers can project their own ideas onto. Ensure windowsills or bay areas are clear, and pull back blinds and curtains to let in as much light as possible.
Pay Attention to the Details
Scent, light, and sound all contribute to how a buyer perceives your property. Play some soft background music, such as classical or jazz, and consider adding a scented candle that you or your estate agent can light and extinguish before and after the viewing. Scents like vanilla, cinnamon, or freshly baked bread can create a warm, homely atmosphere that helps prospective buyers to imagine spending wintery days tucked up indoors in a home they love.
By engaging all the senses, you’ll evoke a much more powerful reaction in your prospective buyers, as well as enabling them to create stronger memories when weighing up your property afterwards (yes, this is backed by neuroscience).
Winter viewings may not be as easy as those in the bright, sunny days of spring and summer, but by following the steps above, you can create a warm, inviting space that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re looking to sell your property this winter, we can help. Our free Home Staging Consultation will get your property looking it’s very best for prospective buyers, thanks to the keen eye of our expert property sales consultants.
Urban Village Homes have decades of experience selling property in South London, whatever the season, and are dedicated to supporting you at every step. Call us on 0203 519 9121 to get started.