We’ve made a list of top tips and we’re checking it twice! Whether you’re buying or selling, a landlord or a tenant, here are our recommendations to help you make the most of your property during the festive season.
If you’re buying or selling your property:
Expect more interest in your property
Christmas can be a fantastic time to buy or sell a home. With less competition in the housing market in December, expect to receive more interest in your property if you put it up for sale in the winter.
Keep decorations to a minimum for viewings
If you’re selling this time of year, help your potential buyer feel at home in your home by keeping clutter and decorations to a minimum during viewings. You can still make your home feel welcoming by baking cinnamon rolls to fill your home with Christmas aromas, burning seasonally scented candles or displaying festively fragrant potpourri!
More free time to view a property
People will spend more time online during the holiday season, which means more time to look for their next house – making it a great time to put yours up for sale or arrange to view a property. Here at Ayers & Cruiks, your residential property will be featured on our website, social media and across the major property platforms to maximise its exposure to potential buyers – speak to our residential team to find out more.
Prepare your property
If you’re looking to move fast, it’s worth investing in a few simple home improvements, such as giving the walls and ceiling a fresh coat of paint in neutral tones to help attract buyers.
First impressions count
As winter approaches and the leaves have all but fallen, make sure you sweep the front path and access to the property to give a clean and fresh appeal, do the same to the rear garden. The first and last impression is important. The night is drawing in and getting darker earlier, you may know where you live but does your viewer? When you are expecting someone in the evening to view leave curtains open with lights on, it also helps if your door number is easily visible.
Act fast to secure your buyer
Buyers at this time of year can be more determined to find their next place to live – and quickly – so get ready to act fast to secure your buyer with a proactive agent by your side!
If you’re a landlord or tenant:
Safety first
Fairy lights are one of the most common causes of fires in the winter, so make sure they are all switched off and unplugged each time you or your tenant goes out. Also, ensure that all windows and doors are locked and keep valuables out of sight in the window, including Christmas presents.
Protect against the elements
If your property will be empty over winter, keep central heating on a minimum of 12 – 15°C. You could also turn off the water supply and drain the system down if it’s forecast to freeze.
Agree on decorations in your rental property
Landlords, considering letting your tenants decorate your rental property at Christmas to help it feel extra homely – just agree in advance what can and can’t be done to avoid any issues later.
Know what to do in an emergency
Make sure you and your tenants know what to do and who to contact should there be any emergencies over the festive period. Tenants should also know where the stopcock is and how to change the thermostat if necessary. If we manage your residential and commercial property, you can report a repair here.
Add value to your property
The Christmas break is the ideal time to get some DIY completed to add value to your property for selling or increase your rent, so set aside time to assess your property and make a list of improvements you can make – especially if your tenant is away for Christmas.
And finally…
Celebrate!
Enjoy the festive period and spend quality time with friends and family in a home that’s safe, warm and welcoming. After all, Christmas comes but once a year! Relax and recharge, ready for a prosperous 2020.
From all of us at Ayers & Cruiks, we wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
