We’re now coming to the end of our fourth week in lockdown. The days are all blurring into one, you’ve completed Netflix and you’ve definitely considered shaving your head at some point “just to see what it looks like” (please don’t).
The weather has been absolutely beautiful this past week which is making it even harder to stay at home (but please do!) and has signalled that spring has definitely arrived. This is normally a time associated with change – brighter, lighter nights and warmer weather. And in the property calendar, it’s a time when many people decide it’s time for a change of address.
We normally see an influx of new houses coming to the market which in turn brings out a large number of buyers.
However, this year is clearly very different. The lockdown has brought the housing market to an almost grinding halt. Due to social distancing, there are virtually no new houses going up for sale and very few new sales are being agreed due to not being able to view.
With millions of households being advised to do their bit and stay at home, there will be many of us wanting to move after the lockdown is lifted.
Maybe you decided to move in with your other half for the lockdown and want to make it more permanent, or maybe you’re going to be part of the inevitable baby boom and your one-bed flat just doesn’t quite have the space, or maybe your home is too big for what you need and you want to downsize to something more manageable.
Whatever your situation, we are here to help.
Waiting until after the lockdown is lifted to put your house up for sale wouldn’t be the wisest decision. You want to get ahead of the market.
We already have weeks upon weeks worth of valuation appointments in our diaries for when the lockdown has ended. All of our valuers are experts in their local areas so if you’d like to book your FREE, no-obligation valuation get in touch with us today on 0161 443 4840 or fill out our form here.
To find your perfect buyer there are a few things you can do to make your home as attractive as possible. They might even help put the time in!
With many of us not having access to any outdoor space, a garden, terrace or balcony will be a top-selling point after the lockdown.
Freshly mowed lawns, weeded flower borders and a bright array of colours gives your buyer a sense of the place and helps them envisage themselves having a BBQ or just relaxing in the space.
Adding patio furniture and a few green touches to your terrace or balcony can also make all the difference.
Your kitchen is the main selling point. It’s the true heart of the home. So if you feel your cupboards or worktops are looking a little lacklustre or dated show them some love and upcycle them.
You don’t have to replace your entire kitchen – or even the cupboards themselves! You can give your kitchen a brand new feel using self-adhesive wrap. This can be ordered online or get a professional to do it for you (although you’ll have to wait until the restrictions are lifted).
You’d be surprised how much clutter can make large spaces feel cramped and smaller than they are. Take this time to declutter and make the most of your living spaces. Maybe try rearranging the furniture for a couple of days at a time to find the most practical as well as aesthetically pleasing arrangement for you.
Adding mirrors around the house can also help enhance smaller spaces. Try to place the mirror opposite a window to allow natural light to bounce and fill the room.
Adding a lick of paint can instantly transform the look and feel of a room.
With more people staying at home, little scuffs and scratches (or maybe your kids prefer the wall to their colouring books) are inevitable. A new coat of paint can really freshen up the place and it’s something the whole family can get involved in.
Pantone’s Colour of 2020 is ‘Classic Blue’ and it honestly couldn’t be more perfect. With all the chaos that we’re currently experiencing, escaping to a calm, serene, oasis of blue will no doubt help comfort in these strange times. How will you use it?
In our experience the less a buyer can do, the better. Most buyers want to enjoy their new home immediately, they are not looking for extra work and a property that is brightly and freshly decorated makes a big difference to how quick the house will sell but also on the price.
If you’re feeling brave enough or are looking to develop a new skill, it’s time to get cracking on all those little tasks you’ve been putting off. Not having enough time is no longer an excuse.
Repairing fences damaged by the winter, repairing holes in the driveway, or just putting a new house number or name up will add to the look and feel for any potential buyer.
These are just a handful of ideas to help get you started. If you would like advice about any alterations you might want to do before putting your house on the market, speak to one of our experts on 0161 443 4500. We are still open and will happily discuss any ideas you may have.
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