Want to know how to get your home ready for a September sale? In this article, we have outlined 10 useful steps you should take.
Is September a good time to sell?
The UK property market is known for being seasonally affected, with certain periods traditionally being busier or quieter than others.
Historically, September has always been a good time to sell, if not one of the best months of the year in which to sell a house.
During July and August we have seen people take a step back, pause for a holiday and reset. But in September the weather is usually fair, buyer focus is back after the summer break and autumnal colours can enhance the outside of a property in the garden and surrounding roads, which is especially noticeable on tree-lined roads of West London, and much of the garden is still in bloom. Further to these factors, it’s also possible for a transaction agreed in September to be completed before Christmas.
10 steps to getting your home ready to sell in September
1. Kerb Appeal
The first impression of your property can have a huge impact. It is often the case that an external image is used in online marketing and when buyers are viewing, that first ‘look’ can dictate the positivity of the rest of a viewing.
Cleaning the path, cleaning or redecorating your front door, trimming the hedge, cleaning window ledges, repainting where needed or even adding a new doormat, are all things to think about to boost the ‘kerb appeal’ of your house.
2. Declutter your home
It can be challenging for buyers to imagine themselves living in a place filled with other people’s belongings. Removing any clutter and items that aren’t used daily can help potential buyers envisage themselves living in a property.
It might be the case that removing items and placing them into storage is a good option – a small investment that could boost your sale price.
3. Complete Repairs and Touch Ups
Small improvements can make a big difference in how your home is perceived so if you have a DIY projects that need completing, it is worthwhile doing. These could be anything from fixing leaky taps and repairing broken tiles to touching up paintwork or tightening loose door handles.
4. Outside spaces
Whether you have a large garden, a modest one, a terrace or a balcony, outside space has never been more important.
As we head into the autumn some plants are beginning to lose their flowers and look less attractive than others. If you’re thinking about adding some new plants or potted plants to your outside space to spruce it up, look for evergreen plants.
If you’re looking to add some colour, head to your local garden centre and ask for specific advice on where you’re planting and what you’re hoping to achieve.
For smaller outside areas, making the space welcoming and useable is the key – whether that’s creating a seating area on a terrace or cleaning the glass on a balcony, small touches and attention to detail can make a big difference.
5. Windows
The main purpose of windows is to fill a property with natural light, dirty windows aren’t as effective as clean ones at filling a property with light and what’s more, they don’t look great when they’re dirty either!
We mention above the need to clean any glass that might feature on a balcony or terrace – dirt and streaks stand out on glass, so it’s a good idea to clean glass throughout the property. Similarly, mirrors and shower screens that are clean make a far better impression.
6. Natural Light
Make your home that much more appealing to potential buyers by letting natural light flood in.
Alongside cleaning windows, make sure to fully draw back the curtains and roll up the blinds to allow daylight to highlight every corner. By doing this, you create a bright and welcoming atmosphere that increases the overall perception of space and warmth.
7. Air out your home
Pleasant aromas evoke happy emotions so make sure to air out of your home. By doing this you eliminate unwanted smells, such as lingering smells from cooking, pets or damp areas, allowing fresh air to circulate and revitalise the space.
8. Organise Storage Spaces
Storage space is a key factor for buyers so make sure your closets, cupboards, and garages are tidy and well-organised. Consider removing excess items to showcase the full storage potential of your home.
9. Inspect the Roof and Gutters
Clogged or neglected gutters can deter potential buyers because they may signal a lack of regular maintenance and care, raising concerns about the overall condition of the property.
Cleaning out any gutters and downspouts can not only prevent potential water damage but also show buyers that the home has been well cared for, giving them greater confidence in their investment.
10. Spark imagination
A home is yours to live in and you often make it a very personal space but when it comes to selling, the key is to allow potential buyers the opportunity to imagine themselves living there. Where possible depersonalise your house, keep colours and design features neutral.
How much should you pay to get your house ready for sale?
How much you should pay to get your house ready for sale is dependent on the condition of the property, timelines and available funds. Usually, a very minimal financial outlay can boost your sale price, with each property being unique it’s best to explore this with your estate agent.
If you’re selling a well-loved family property there’s little point in renovating the entire home to ultra-modern standards as you won’t know if this is to a potential buyer’s tastes, and if you’re not going to enjoy the space yourself once it’s developed, there’s even less reason to consider spending thousands of pounds redoing a property, in many situations, you’re unlikely to make back the investment.
Some minor improvements or upgrades can cost just a few thousand pounds but have an impact on the agreed sale price that is 10 times that figure, this is because a buyer will often put a price on the inconvenience of having to have work done.
Selling your property in West London
If you’re thinking about selling your property this September and would like to learn more about the current market and the best strategy to adopt unique to your property and future plans, please get in touch with us.
