Winter can often be a dark and dreary time and you might feel it’s more challenging to sell your home during the winter months. Real estate markets naturally fluctuate throughout the year; however, buyer demand is constant regardless of the season. Real estate can be sold successfully at any time of the year, including during Australia's winter.

If you plan on selling your home during the winter and want to know how to make it look its finest, some tricks and tips can make all the difference. You can easily prepare your home for viewings and photography with a few simple changes. Find out how you can prepare your home for a winter sale by reading on...

Lighting

Lighting can drastically alter the mood of a room. Natural and artificial light can make your home feel brighter and warmer, combating the darkness of the winter months. For photos or open for inspections, make sure the curtains or blinds are open to allow in as much natural light as possible. Turning on lamps and ceiling lights also brightens up the space on overcast days. It’s also a wise idea to remove any objects that obscure the light, for example, plants or other large objects on window sills. Keep the windows clean too so they let more light in.

Open the curtains or blinds to allow in as much natural light as possible

Heating

It’s worth thinking about heating at the same time as lighting because this also helps to make the place feel cosier. While buyers in summer want to imagine staying cool in the house, so turning on an air conditioner or opening the windows makes sense, in winter buyers want to imagine staying warm and comfortable in the home. Make sure your central heating is on in time for viewings or use the open fire if you have one. An open fire is excellent for creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Even when it’s very cold, try to find a happy medium between having the temperature too low and making it overwhelming. This will assist potential buyers to feel more comfortable as soon as they arrive.

Soft furnishings

Another way to prepare your home for a winter sale is to think about the soft furnishings you choose. Vibrant colours can brighten up the space and an abundance of soft furnishings also makes the place feel warm and cosy. This is perfect for offsetting the winter weather in Melbourne. Some great items to add to the space are cushions, rugs, blankets and throws, and tablecloths. Adding a rug is also a clever way to create distinctive areas in an open-plan space, making it easier for potential buyers to visualise. Aim to pick strong colours and soft textiles for the greatest impact.

Artwork

Artwork and ornaments are another way to add vibrancy and colour to the space and make it seem more inviting. If you can coordinate the colours of these pieces with the soft furnishings you use it’s possible to create a bright and warm space that’s appealing to winter buyers. Whether you prefer abstract or representational art, it’s a good idea to choose pieces that include rich and bright colours. Brightly coloured ornaments, vases, picture frames, and candles are also fantastic additions to the room.

Create a bright and warm space that’s appealing to winter buyers with artwork and soft furnishings

Guttering

The exterior of your home is just as relevant as the interior. A top tip before a winter house viewing is to have your gutters and drains professionally cleared. This means that if there’s a sudden storm or heavy rainfall your drains are better equipped to cope with it. Doing this avoids puddles of stormwater forming, which are both unsightly and can contribute to moisture getting into your home. Prospective buyers might be on the lookout for signs of dampness or moisture during the winter months. Clearing guttering both protects the property and makes a better impression on buyers.

Get ready for a winter sale

Selling your home during winter doesn’t have to be a struggle! By using a few clever tricks and ideas, you can make your home feel cosy and inviting, even on the chilliest of days. Creating a great atmosphere and a warm feel might just boost your chances of attracting the right buyer for your property. All it takes is a few simple additions and extra tasks to turn your home into a warm haven for buyers during the winter.

If you're looking for more tips on how to get your home ready for sale, get in contact with our team or complete the form below.