Is the festive season the right time to sell your home?

When it comes to Christmas selling, there is no single answer on if it is the right time to sell. Your estate agent will be able to advise whether your home could benefit from being on the market over the festive season, or whether it is worth waiting until the New Year. Here are our top tips if you decide to put your home on the market during the Christmas season.  

Be flexible

When selling your home you need to be prepared for viewings at a moment’s notice – and with a house full of visiting family, it may not be possible to show your home at its best. Cluttered homes are difficult for potential buyers to imagine themselves living in, as you tend to see the items as opposed to the space. If your schedule is flexible during the holiday season, this may benefit the sale of your property, as you have time to prepare your home for viewings. 

Expect committed buyers 

For those who do venture into the market over the holidays, you are more likely to find a buyer thanks to the reduced number of homes for sale. It is a perfect time to capture serious house hunters, as those committed to looking for properties over the festive period will be dedicated to moving, or may have been looking for a longer period of time. 

Prepare for less demand before Christimas

Those who are house hunting are likely to be fewer as we approach Christmas, as many will take a pause in their search to celebrate the festivities, or plan to start their search after Christmas. But remember, the busiest time for property portals is Boxing Day. If you decide to market your home over Christmas then make sure your home is online before Boxing Day, as this could be a crucial day for potential buyers to spot your home. 

Keep the decorations down in your marketing photos 

While Christmas decorations add warmth and charm to your home, having decorations in your marketing photos will automatically date the property if it is still on the market in Janaury. It is perfectly acceptable for your decorations to be up when viewings are conducted, but for the sake of longevity, it is better to remove them for your photography. 

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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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