Winter is the season when a home’s comfort really comes into its own. Buyers stepping in from a cold, dark afternoon notice warmth, soft lighting and a sense of calm more than at any other time of year, and a well presented house can leave a far stronger impression in November than it might on a bright day in June.
Most of what makes the difference costs very little. With a few thoughtful touches, you can show buyers exactly how good your home feels to live in when the weather turns.
A welcoming arrival
First impressions begin at the front gate, and in winter they are often formed in fading light. A clear, swept path, a working porch light and a tidy front door set the tone before anyone steps inside.
On the morning of a viewing, clear any fallen leaves, move bins out of sight and make sure external lights are working. If the front door could do with a refresh, polished door furniture or a fresh coat of paint is an afternoon’s work that makes a noticeable difference. Leaving a lamp visible through a front window as buyers arrive gives a lovely sense of a home that is lived in and cared for.
Layered, flattering light
Good lighting is one of the most effective ways to make rooms feel warm and spacious in winter. Rather than relying on a single ceiling light, use table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights to create pools of soft light at different heights. Rooms instantly feel larger, cosier and more inviting.
Switch lamps on before viewers arrive, whatever the time of day, and open curtains and blinds fully to make the most of natural light. Warm toned bulbs are the most flattering choice, and keeping bulbs consistent within each room gives a calm, polished finish. Clean windows and a mirror placed opposite a window will help bounce daylight further into the space.
Warmth that buyers can feel
There is no better way to show off a home in winter than letting buyers feel how comfortable it is. Have the heating on in good time so that every room is warm, including spare bedrooms and any rooms that are used less often, so that buyers see the whole house as usable and inviting.
If you have an open fire or wood burner, lighting it is a wonderful way to bring a room to life, and it gives buyers an instant picture of winter evenings in their new home. A throw on the sofa, cushions and a few well chosen soft furnishings add to that sense of comfort without cluttering the space.
It is also worth attending to any small issues such as draughty doors or a radiator that is slow to warm. Sorting these before viewings means buyers simply enjoy the warmth, and the property is in good shape for the survey stage too.
Fresh, light and airy
Homes are closed up more in winter, so a little attention to air quality goes a long way. Open the windows for a short while in the morning to let fresh air circulate, then close them and let the heating bring the rooms back up to temperature before viewers arrive.
Keeping on top of condensation helps rooms feel fresh and well cared for. Make sure kitchen and bathroom extractor fans are in use, wipe windows down in the morning if needed, and allow a little space between furniture and external walls.
When it comes to scent, subtle is best. Fresh laundry, clean surfaces, a vase of seasonal greenery or something baking in the oven are more appealing than strong air fresheners.
Showing every room at its best
Each room deserves a little thought about how it will look in winter light. Hallways are worth particular attention, as they are the first space buyers see from the cold. A clear hallway with coats and boots tidied away feels spacious and welcoming.
North facing rooms benefit most from extra lamps. Conservatories and garden rooms can look lovely presented simply as bright, uncluttered spaces, perhaps with a few plants and a comfortable chair to suggest a quiet spot for a winter morning. Outside, neatly edged lawns, cut back borders and a swept patio show buyers a well kept garden with plenty of potential, even before spring arrives.
Choosing the best time for viewings
Late morning and early afternoon viewings show most homes at their brightest, which is one reason weekends are particularly popular with winter buyers. If an evening viewing suits a buyer better, a warm, softly lit home can be just as appealing, and photographs from earlier in the year can help show off the garden.
Photography that shines
If your marketing photographs were taken earlier in the year, they will continue to show your home beautifully. If you are coming to market now, booking photography for a bright, clear day captures crisp winter light, which can look especially striking on period homes and properties with attractive surroundings.
Selling with Jackson Grundy
A warm, welcoming home makes a lasting impression on the motivated buyers who are out viewing in winter. If you are thinking about bringing your home to market, you can read more about how we approach selling, arrange a valuation, or speak to your local branch about launching this winter.
