January is a time of clarity, after shaking off the tinsel and pine needles, it’s the time to return to everyday life with intentions of improving it – which is why plans for moving often come into fruition at this time of year.

If you have some reservations about putting your house on the market so soon after Christmas, here are some reasons not to worry and why in fact, January could be the perfect time to sell…

New Year, new home

Buyers on the market at this time of year have a completely different mindset than usual. January can feel like a page turned for many people, with plans for a new life right in the margins. You’re less likely to run into time wasters and tyre kickers in the New Year. People looking for a home at this time are serious about their plans, and if your home happens to match their criteria; you’re in luck.

Boast your home’s best features

Smart buyers will look for a home in the winter. Not only to avoid the summer frenzy, but also because cold weather is far more revealing, and homes can potentially look their worst in the winter. However, this is a great window of opportunity for sellers. Your agent will be able to showcase the comforts of your home with staging so that your bright, warm and welcoming house contrasts against the dark and cold. A cosy refuge from the cold that holds up nicely in the Winter is bound to look even better when the weather cheers up, and this prospect is certain to draw in buyers. 

On the move

In the wake of the holiday season, January is known for being the busiest time of year when it comes to employee redistribution and staff changes. With many people working from home, a change of job may be the push needed for a change of working environment; instead of moving offices, people will be moving to new homes with better office space. 

Now is also the perfect time for first-time-buyers to take their first step onto the property ladder. After spending Christmas indoors with family or in a small apartment, a change in environment could be just the thing they need. 

Less competition

The winter months are a great time to put your house up for sale, particularly in January when the seasonal lull is still wearing off and fewer properties are on the market. You won’t need to fight for buyers’ attention, and the imbalance of supply and demand could be great news for sellers, as buyers know their options are fewer. It’s also easier to make your home stand out from a (smaller) crowd of homes on the market, and if yours has something special to offer, it won’t stay on the market for very long. 

The green element

EPC ratings are becoming increasingly important, and the cold weather will allow you to show off your home’s energy efficiency. Buyers are becoming more conscious about energy bills and individual environmental impact at the moment, and a cosy property with an impressive EPC rating has never been more attractive to buyers than right now. 

Ready to get your home on the market? Speak to our team of experts today to get started.

With the temperatures dropping and the nights looming longer, it’s understandable why most people abandon their gardens until spring rolls back around. This doesn’t need to be the case though, as there are plenty of ways to spruce up your outdoor space and squeeze some more enjoyment out of it during the winter months. There are plenty of benefits for doing so, and spending more time outdoors is integral to your health and happiness, especially when the dark nights approach so early. Here are some easy ways to give your garden a winter refresh:

Go evergreen

From box balls and topiaries to flowering shrubs; evergreens add structure to the garden year-round and come to the fore in winter. There are a myriad of beautiful evergreen shrubs to choose from, and many have the added advantage of strongly scented flowers for a touch of summer whenever you need it.

Decorate

If you prefer to enjoy your garden from behind a window, the dark and icy landscape could probably benefit from a touch of outdoor lighting. Invest in some solar-powered lights to illuminate your paths and beds, and create whimsical focal points that will contrast beautifully against the night.

For the daylight hours, wreaths, weather-resistant ornaments, and fresh planters can make all the difference when it comes to breathing some life back into your garden over the winter.

Do a little maintenance

In the thick of the snowy season, you probably won’t think to organise your garden shed or prune your woody plants. But as the holidays roll around, you can take advantage of having a little extra free time to take on those nagging maintenance tasks – and you’ll thank yourself come spring.

Welcome the wildlife

Despite the common misconception that our gardens are of no use in the winter, garden wildlife really needs your help over the cold months! In fact, the harsher the weather and the less food there is in the countryside, the more important our outdoor sanctuaries are for our furry and feathered friends. Make sure to clean out, disinfect, and replenish your feeders regularly, as squirrels and birds will become more reliant on them the further we delve into winter. Another great way to help is to provide a fresh source of water, as finding clean water to drink can be difficult for wildlife when the temperatures drop below zero.

Make things cosy

Whether you have a small patio, a balcony, or a patch of grass; there are plenty of opportunities to create a cosy outdoor spot that will come in handy any time you have guests over. If you’re working with a small space, create an intimate area by placing chairs and repurposed cushions around an outdoor heater or firepit to create the perfect spot for night-time gathering.

If your plans for entertaining guests fall on a rainy day, you could invest in some shelter and embellish with twinkling garden string lights to replace the view of the stars.

Curious how much your home is worth? Book a free valuation today to find out.