Is the festive season the right time to sell your home?

When it comes to Christmas selling, there is no single answer on if it is the right time to sell. Your estate agent will be able to advise whether your home could benefit from being on the market over the festive season, or whether it is worth waiting until the New Year. Here are our top tips if you decide to put your home on the market during the Christmas season.

Be Flexible

When selling your home you need to be prepared for viewings at a moment’s notice – and with a house full of visiting family, it may not be possible to show your home at its best. Cluttered homes are difficult for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in, as you tend to see the items as opposed to the space. If your schedule is flexible during the holiday season, this may benefit the sale of your property, as you have time to prepare your home for viewings.

Expect committed buyers

For those who do venture into the market over the holidays, you are more likely to find a buyer thanks to the reduced number of homes for sale. It is a perfect time to capture serious house hunters, as those committed to looking for properties over the festive period will be dedicated to moving, or may have been looking for a longer period of time.

Prepare for less demand before Christimas

Those who are house hunting are likely to be fewer as we approach Christmas, as many will take a pause in their search to celebrate the festivities, or plan to start their search after Christmas. But remember, the busiest time for property portals is Boxing Day. If you decide to market your home over Christmas then make sure your home is online before Boxing Day, as this could be a crucial day for potential buyers to spot your home.

Keep the decorations down in your marketing photos

While Christmas decorations add warmth and charm to your home, having decorations in your marketing photos will automatically date the property if it is still on the market in Janaury. It is perfectly acceptable for your decorations to be up when viewings are conducted, but for the sake of longevity, it is better to remove them for your photography.