What a summer we’ve had so far – fingers crossed this gorgeous weather continues! With longer daylight hours and children on school holidays, summer is a great time to make some home improvements. So, we’ve outlined our five top tips to give your property a mini face-lift, ready for the traditionally busy autumn market.
1. De-clutter
The first, and perhaps the most beneficial tip, is to de-clutter and de-personalise your home as much as possible. This will not only help buyers envision themselves living there, as clear environments allow for clear minds, but also give you a head start when moving.
Top Tip: Spend a weekend categorising possessions into ‘keep or throw’ piles and take unwanted junk down to the local charity shop or tip. Store those in the ‘keep’ pile neatly and hide them out of sight for viewings.
2. Prune the garden
Gardens tend to take a back seat in winter, when no one wants to brave the cold to de-weed and mow the lawn. However, for buyers, a well-maintained garden can be incredibly important, so make sure yours is looking its best!
Top Tip: Start by pruning bushes and flower beds, de-weeding the grass and beds and then plant some bright flowers or a colourful creeper – it’ll look revitalised in no time!
3. Wash the windows
During the winter months we often leave the house as the sun comes up and return home once it is set. Dirty windows can easily go unnoticed in the winter, however when the sun is shining you’ll want them sparkling.
Top Tip: Give windows a ‘spring clean’ both inside and out to allow potential buyers to enjoy the views of your beautifully pruned garden.
4. Update the paintwork
A lick of paint can go a long way when your property is on the market. Scuffed, dirty walls and fixtures can make a property feel unwelcoming and can put a potential buyer off a property.
Top Tip: Assess the doors, window frames and garden gates and, where necessary, give them a fresh lick of paint. Inside, brighten walls and cover up any scuff marks, making sure to keep things neutral!
5. General maintenance
We all have those small maintenance jobs that need fixing and that we keep putting off. However, when your property is on the market first impressions count, and its these small issues that could be the deciding factor for a potential buyer.
Top tip: Make a list of things buyers will notice, like broken handles, and set aside a weekend to give your home some ‘tlc’. Fixing these small things will go a long way when your property is on the market.
Summer is a great time to get your property ready for an autumn sale, giving you enough time to complete by Christmas and start the new year in your new home. If you’re considering selling or letting your home, get in touch with one of our 27 offices across London.
Buying or renting a property this summer? Take a look at our variety of homes for sale and to let.
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