Spring in the UK is often a time filled with optimism and possibility, and homes typically look their best in the sunshine, surrounded by tulips and cherry blossom. It’s for this reason that spring is traditionally one of the best times to sell your house and this year, according to Strutt & Parker, vendors could be on track to achieve an excellent result, as long as they play their cards right.
Through an extensive network of offices across the UK and a strong presence in Prime Central London, Strutt & Parker agents are able to use their own data to analyse how the markets are shaping up. And according to them, the signs are pointing to a busy period ahead. According to their National Country House Department, prospective buyers for country properties over £2.5m are up by over 20% year-on-year, with a strong viewing-to-offer ratio. Meanwhile Prime Central London has seen a flurry of deals agreed over the past month, resulting in a 36% year-on-year increase in the value of houses currently under offer, while the number of homes under offer is up 27%.
Cultivate curb appeal
Head of Kent region for Strutt & Parker, Edward Church, says curb appeal is still a crucial factor in generating interest: “You can’t change that vital first impression a buyer has of a house,” he explains. “You don’t have to spend thousands of pounds, but small changes can make a huge difference. Tidy up the exterior, prune the plants in the front garden and check the paintwork; if that all looks cared for then buyers will feel confident the interiors will be the same. Inside, a deep clean and a declutter around the house will help buyers see themselves in the property; the same goes for the garden,” he counsels.
“All this work is no good, of course, unless you have brilliant photography: we work with specialists who are able to bring a property to life through the pictures, which are an essential part of your marketing toolkit.”
Triscombe House looking resplendent in a drone shot. The Grade II listed home in Somerset is on sale with Strutt & Parker for £6m
Be strategic from the start
Sensitive pricing is crucial, points out Lulu Egerton, Senior Director at Strutt & Parker in Chelsea: “Opting for too high a figure risks missing that initial flurry of interest, and can cause a property to sit on the market for too long, whereas a realistic price attracts more interest from launch, and a wider pool of interested buyers,” she advises. “Choosing an agent with years of experience in their area and who has real-time information on comparables will help you arrive at the correct price to generate interest without selling yourself short.”
Prepare your paperwork and have a plan to move
Making sure you have all the necessary paperwork to hand before you go to the market is an excellent way of getting ahead of the competition, according to Isabel Clifton from Strutt & Parker in Exeter: “As soon as you decide to sell you should instruct a good solicitor and they will help you to prepare all the documents you’ll need in the coming weeks. These include your title documentation, any planning permissions, building regulation approvals, warranties, maps and so on.”
“Making yourself as proceedable as possible avoids delays that can cause buyers to lose interest and move on,” adds Isabel. “I’d recommend only going to the market when you have a plan in place for moving, in case you find a buyer keen to proceed – it could make the difference between them making that offer or not.”
Beadon Farm in Devon sits within 63 acres of land restored with an ecological purpose. On sale with Strutt & Parker for £4.4m
‘Best in Class’ sells
Product is key in discretionary markets, with best in class and well presented homes selling well. As such, it’s not uncommon for Strutt & Parker agents to work with downsizers and other discretionary sellers for months (if not years) in advance, to ensure they employ the best strategy for selling their home when the time is right.
The Old Rectory in Kilvington has exquisite and extensively planted grounds, including a kitchen garden. On sale with Strutt & Parker for £1.6m
Maximise the potential
A clever way to increase the value on a smaller home, or a property that requires work, say Strutt & Parker agents, is by securing planning permission before putting your home on the market, which gives the buyer reassurance, saving them a job as well as cash in the long run.
Embrace the open market
Experience has proved that listing a home on the open market is the best way to generate interest from multiple buyers, as well as uncovering previously unregistered buyers, explains Clare Reynolds, UK Head of Sales at Strutt & Parker: “Listing on the open market is often the best tactic, as buyers don’t register with agents but they will pounce when they spot what they’re looking for; having a property openly listed also signals intent to sell,” she adds.
Bespoke advice for selling your house
All these suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to getting the best sale for your property. Every single house is different, and Strutt & Parker has agents in London and across the country who have the skills to create the perfect strategy for you. Whether you’re selling this spring, or planning to sell later this year, get in touch with your local Strutt & Parker office at www.struttandparker.com to find out what ideas they have for your house sale.
