A guide to selling your home this summer

The summer season brings warm weather, longer days, and the opportunity to attract buyers looking for their dream home. If you’re planning on selling your home this season, use this guide to showcase your property’s best features and secure a fruitful summer sale. 

Plan strategically 

Timing is important when selling your home, and summer offers plenty of great opportunities to time your sale just right. Be mindful of local housing market trends and make sure to check how much homes in your area have sold for recently. It may be beneficial to list earlier in the summer to capture buyers before they go on holiday, or you could wait until later in the season when the kids are off school – the answer might depend on your target demographic. Consult with your estate agent to determine the most advantageous time to get your home on the market for the best results.

Set the stage 

Nothing sells a home quite like a lasting first impression, so focus on your kerb appeal by maintaining a well-manicured front lawn, adding some fresh flowers, and a slick coat of paint where needed. You should also evaluate how your hallway looks and feels – are there shoes and coats on display? Is the welcome matt worn down? Could the tiles or carpet benefit from a thorough clean? Now is your chance to declutter and depersonalise your entrance, so guests feel an inviting atmosphere from the get-go. 

Set the right price 

Pricing your home appropriately is crucial, especially in a competitive market. Work with a trusted estate agent who has experience in your local market and can determine the right asking price. Only an industry professional can accurately assess your home, so don’t rely on guesswork when the stakes are this high. A competitive and reliable asking price will attract the right buyer for your home and increase the likelihood of receiving multiple offers.

Keep it cool 

The summer heat can be intense, so it’s important to keep your home cool and comfortable during viewings. Set the temperature at a refreshing level by opening windows to allow fresh air in, and consider using fans to create a retreat from the outdoor heat. This will not only make guests more comfortable in your home, but also showcases that your home is well-prepared for hot summer days.

Prepare to be flexible 

The hottest season often means buyers have busy schedules, so try to be flexible and accommodating with viewings wherever possible. This could mean making arrangements with work or asking a friend or family member to take care of your pets while visitors are coming in and out. A flexible approach allows serious buyers the opportunity to see your home and demonstrates your commitment to selling. 

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Today marked a historic moment as King Charles III delivered his first speech, outlining the government’s priorities for the upcoming year. Among the key announcements were significant reforms impacting the rental and property sectors. Let’s delve into the three major takeaways that should be on every letting agent and landlord’s radar.

 Renters (Reform) Bill: A Balancing Act

The speech reiterated the government’s commitment to the Renters (Reform) Bill, signalling a renewed focus on the rights of tenants and the concerns of landlords. A notable highlight is the pledge to abolish Section 21, commonly known as “no-fault evictions,” a commitment that has been in the spotlight since the Queen’s Speech in 2019.

However, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain. The King’s Speech provided no further clarity on the criteria and deadlines for the significant court process reforms required before Section 21 can be abolished. Letting agents and landlords should stay vigilant for updates, as these changes will reshape the dynamics of the rental market.

Leasehold Bill: A Path to Fairness

King Charles III emphasised the government’s dedication to making homeownership more accessible by introducing a Leasehold Bill. The proposed reforms aim to streamline the process of buying the leasehold of a property and alleviate the burden of “punitive” service charges.

Estate agents need to monitor the legislative landscape, anticipating reforms such as simplified procedures for leaseholders to purchase the freehold or extend their leasehold. The introduction of a cap on ground rent at 0.1% of the freehold value could transform the leasehold market, while changes to ownership requirements may lead to a future where all houses are sold as freehold.

Net Zero and Energy Efficiency: A Green Commitment

The government’s unwavering commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2025 is a pledge with broad implications, including significant changes in the property sector. King Charles III expressed the government’s desire to “safeguard energy independence” and invest in renewable energy sources.

For landlords and homeowners, the initial requirement to upgrade properties to an EPC C rating by 2025 on new tenancies, and 2028 for all tenancies, faced a revision in September 2023. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the relaxation of these targets, relieving landlords and homeowners from the original deadlines. However, the commitment to energy efficiency and the transition to renewable sources remains a focal point in the government’s agenda.

As we navigate through this new era under King Charles III, the landscape of the property market is set to undergo significant transformations. Letting agents and landlords must stay informed and adapt to these changes to ensure a smooth transition into a more tenant-friendly, fair, and sustainable future.

 

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