Counting down to Christmas: Why now is the time to get ready to sell
It’s not just high street sales that start on Boxing Day. Millions of potential buyers begin their property search the minute the sun goes down on Christmas Day. Last year Rightmove reported their busiest ever Boxing Day.
If you’re planning a move in 2026, why not instruct us by Friday 5th December and let us position your home in front of the highest number of possible buyers on Boxing Day.
Follow the top tips below to maximise your home’s potential in the busy new year market – and leave it to us to get you sold by the spring:
Make sure your property is priced correctly: Don’t be seduced into instructing the agent that gives you the highest valuation. An unrealistically high asking price is off-putting to buyers and can lead to a property being stuck on the market and eventually selling for less than if it had been correctly priced in the first place. We know our local market conditions and don’t over-value to gain instructions.
As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make the best first impression: It doesn’t matter how much time and money you’ve spent sprucing up the interiors, if the outside of your property looks unloved, potential buyers may not give it a second glance. Clean and sweep the path or drive, polish, or even repaint the front door and check that the doorbell is working.
Stand-out online images: A third of potential buyers decide whether to book a viewing within seconds of seeing the online photos. At Michael Graham, our team of in-house professional photographers are first class. They are experts at staging homes to sell and will make sure your house and garden is presented at its best.
Get cleaning: Your home is your most valuable asset so if you’re time poor, invest in a professional cleaning service and book a one off deep clean to ensure that every room is immaculate. Potential buyers like to check water pressure so make sure sinks, baths and taps are sparkling.
Have a clear out: Clutter can be distracting and make your home feel smaller than it is. A top tip for staging a house to sell is to declutter and clear surfaces to create the impression of space. Avoid ramming things into cupboards, potential buyers will be looking inside.
Redecorate not refit: Repainting walls and cupboards is a perfect, low-cost refresh. Choose a neutral palette to appeal to the widest possible audience.
Maximise the potential of outside space: You want buyers to see it as an extension of the inside space. Remove or set aside trampolines or slides and sweep away leaves. If you don’t have much outside space, pre-empt any concerns and make sure your property details mention proximity to parks or green spaces.
Appeal to the senses: Most home buyers admit to trusting their gut feeling on a viewing. Brewing coffee may feel contrived, but comforting smells evoke positive emotions. Equally true is that bad smells put buyers off. You could be immune to the smell of your dog or cat litter tray, so open windows and light scented candles.
Sell the lifestyle as well as the home: Buyers want a home study, so if you don’t have a home office, create one. Stage a spare bedroom as a home office with a sofa bed to show it as a flexible space.
Hygge: Hygge is a word in Danish and Norwegian that describes a cosy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality. This is how you want your buyer to feel, so turn on the heating or light the log burner so that buyers can leave with a warm and fuzzy feeling which translates into an offer.
Top Tips for Boxing Day Buyers:
Look under budget: If you widen your search criteria to include homes 10-15% under your top budget, you will be able to increase your offer if the seller of your dream home has multiple offers on the table.
Compromise: You may have a firm idea of location, but if something doesn’t turn up in the first three months then consider looking further afield.
Flexibility on moving in date: Flexibility on completion of up to six months encourages the seller to accept your offer over a higher offer.
Get your finances in order: Do everything in your power to make yourself an attractive buyer. Have documentation proving that you have the funds to make good on your offer. Packages and requirements for mortgages can change on a weekly basis so keep in regular contact with your bank.
Get in touch
If you’re looking to move this spring, let us help you get started. Contact your local office today and book an accurate in-person valuation with one of our local experts.
