How To Sell Your Home In Autumn

Published: 15/10/2018

A question we get asked a lot here at GW HQ is, “when is the best time to sell my house?"

While there is no specific answer to this question, and many factors and circumstances (including good old-fashioned luck) can come into play, there are definitely some times that are better than others when it comes to the property market.

Lately the question on all potential sellers’ lips is: “is autumn a good time to sell my house?” Autumn is an in-between season - unlike summer which is generally thought to be the worst time to sell a houseproperty listed.

No need to stress though, as the GW team is here to answer all your burning property questions and we have some good news - Autumn, by our accounts and experience of more than 30 years in the property field, is an EXCELLENT season to both buy and sell

Fall, as the Americans call it, really is a wonderful time of the year.

5 reasons why Autumn is a great time to sell

1. It’s beautiful

   The burnt colour scheme and falling leaves make for a gorgeous setting and could easily convince buyers than your home is their dream one, especially if you’ve got a nice garden or parks and forestry nearby. Be sure to mention all the wonderful green space in the area that your home’s new family could enjoy in the crispy months.

2. It’s cosy but not too cold

   The weather and ambience during the autumn months is perfect for presenting your home in a cosy manner, while buyers aren’t too frozen to come to viewings. If you really want to win over the buyer, light some autumn-themed candles in fragrant fall varieties such as pumpkin spice or ginger nut cookie. Fairylights and tasteful Halloween decorations (nothing too scary - think pumpkins more than monsters) can also create a lovely enticing atmosphere.

3. Half term

   Schools in the UK generally have one week off from October 22. Autumn half-term is usually a less busy time for parents, without any major holidays such as Christmas around the corner or endless summer activities getting in the way, so it’s likely that families may use this opportunity to view houses together, without the hectic academic schedule to think about.

4. Halloween

   The spookiest date of the year occurs during the Autumn months, with lots of parents out and about taking the little ones trick or treating. This gives potential buyers an opportunity to stumble across ‘for sale’ signs they may not have even noticed before. Make sure your sign is in a prominent position and the garden and front area is looking neat and tidy - and of course, buy good sweets!

5. A new home by Christmas

   If the conveyancing process is straightforward, there is a possibility that a buyer could be in their new home by Christmas. The average conveyancing process takes eight to 12 weeks, so if not by Christmas, they could be moved in early in the new year and before the school year starts, which is always a great selling point.

Tips for selling your house in Autumn

1. Falling leaves are awesome, but make sure they don’t distract from the features of your home, such as well-maintained garden and front porch area. Do a little tidying before any house viewings and certainly before taking photos for the listing.
2. Host viewings early, as it does get dark earlier during the Autumn months. Dimmed lighting is good, pitch black not so much! The same goes for your listing photos - try taking photos both early morning and late afternoon around sunset and see what turns out best - and whatever you do, avoid flash at all costs. This makes your photos look tacky and artificial. You want a warm and welcoming vibe.
3. Summer furniture, BBQs and blow up swimming pools aren’t a great look in October. Be sure that your house looks season-appropriate, to create the appearance of being well-kept all year round.
4. After a long, hot summer your front garden might be looking a little worse for wear. Prior to listing your home, it might be a good idea to get the watering schedule sorted and ask a gardener to come give you a helping hand for a day or two.
5. Make a list of all the things you love about your home during the Autumn months (the lighting in the afternoons, the misty mornings, the views from the living room, the local fruit and veg seller and his or her tasty pumpkin variety, how safe it is for kids trick or treating, etc.) and be sure to convey this to people viewing your property (or give it to the estate agent handling this on your behalf). Personal anecdotes and those ‘little things’ can really make a whole world of difference!

Why are we the best solicitors for you?

GWlegal are a property solicitors based in Liverpool, specialising in buying or selling, remortgage, declaration of trust, bridging and buy-to-let landlords.

If you have a legal matter you wish to discuss don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 0345 373 3737 email us hello@gw.legal with your question.

Who are GWlegal? We’re a national firm with local values.

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Content correct at time of publication.