The Benefits of Selling A Property in the Winter

The benefits of selling a property in the winter

It’s true that the spring and early summer are highly popular times of year in which to market a property for sale in the UK. After all, as temperatures dip and the nights draw in, it can seem hard to find the motivation to move. However, that’s not to say that there aren’t also significant benefits to selling during the coldest season. So if you’re considering listing a property with winter approaching (as Games of Thrones says, it’s coming …), here are some advantages you may not have appreciated:

• Reduced competition

Generally speaking, there are fewer homes on the market during the winter, so your property is more likely to stand out to buyers. Equally, while there may be fewer viewings, those who are looking for a new place during the cold weather are frequently more committed to buying, and less likely to be time-wasting ‘window shoppers’. Often, this can lead to stronger offers, so there is potentially a willingness to pay closer to your asking price than at other times of year. Equally, these buyers are often prepared to make quick decisions and are serious about moving. 

One buying agent told consumer giant Which?: “Some of the best deals I’ve done were in the winter.”

• New year momentum

As January unfolds, many of us are reassessing various areas of our lives and looking for a fresh start. Resolutions at this time of year can take many forms, one of which may be to move home. So there can be a definite post-festive momentum. Equally, many may use the Christmas break to start thinking about and planning their next move.

One major online property portal, for example, describes Boxing Day as the busiest day of the year for online traffic.

• Highlight energy efficiency

You may think your home may not be at its best in the cold and damp. In fact, the longer hours of darkness and chillier conditions are the ideal time to showcase how toasty and energy-efficient your home can be. If you have underfloor heating, for example, winter is the perfect opportunity to show it off. With rising energy bills, this can be a key selling point for today’s home viewers and purchasers.

So a well-lit, cosy home will be immensely appealing to viewers.

• Speedier transactions

In the coldest months, professionals such as mortgage brokers and conveyancers often have a lighter workload, which can frequently mean easier communication, brisker processing times and fewer delays as your transaction completes. Ultimately, this can lead to a hassle-free and, dare we say it, even enjoyable sale.

• You can actually move house in the spring

Especially if you work on your property sale from late winter onwards, your buyers (and in turn you) can move in spring or early summer. Clearly, that means you get to enjoy the whole of the warmest season in your new home. So bear in mind that selling in winter doesn’t necessarily mean moving then.

So, far from being something you have to do because you have no choice, selling in winter can be a strategic decision. Indeed, it could be the ideal time to list your property on the market – use it to your advantage.

Sell your home this winter with McGlashans Property Services

McGlashans is an independent, family-run estate agency which has worked in the prime central London property market for more than 30 years. Our highly personalised service is designed to suit individual requirements, plus we base our operation on an ethos of honesty, integrity and trust.

At the same time, we understand our market in depth, having worked in it for years. So ask us about sales, lettings and block management today – or book an expert valuation of your property to see how much your home could be worth. Finally, you’re welcome to get in touch with any questions you may have.