Selling Your Home this Autumn: Our Tips to Help Your Sale

As the golden hues of autumn make the Surrey Hills and surrounding area look stunning, the property market experiences a shift. While summer may be seen as the peak season for home buyers, the autumn months can still offer plenty of opportunities if you prepare your home correctly. Whether it's the rich autumn light or the cosy appeal that this season brings, selling your home during this time can be very successful with the right approach. Here are some of our practical tips to ensure your home stands out and captures the attention of potential buyers.

1. Maximise Curb Appeal: First Impressions Count

The exterior of your property is the first thing buyers see, so making sure it looks inviting and well-maintained is crucial. Autumn’s falling leaves and shorter days mean you need to be mindful of the exterior’s appearance. Here’s how to improve curb appeal:

• Clear pathways and gutters: Sweep away fallen leaves and ensure gutters are free from debris. A well-maintained exterior shows buyers that the property is cared for.
• Maintain the garden: Even though flowers may not be blooming, a tidy lawn, trimmed hedges, and freshly planted autumn flowers, such as pansies or chrysanthemums, add a touch of vibrancy.
• Exterior lighting: As days get shorter, ensure your home is well-lit in the evenings. Replace any broken bulbs and consider adding lighting along pathways or front doors for a welcoming feel.

2. Create a Warm and Inviting Interior

Autumn’s cosy atmosphere can be used to your advantage. Potential buyers should feel comfortable and at home when they step inside. Here’s how to create a welcoming environment:

• Warm tones and textures: Use autumnal colours like burnt orange, deep reds or burgundies, and rich browns in your accessories, such as cushions, throws, or rugs. Even the smallest touches will add warmth and make the space feel inviting.
• Clean and declutter: Ensure that your home is tidy and uncluttered if you can. Dust off any cobwebs, clean the windows to maximise natural light and declutter to make rooms appear larger. A clutter-free space allows buyers to see their belongings in the home.
• Temperature control: Ensure the home is warm, but not too hot. You want visitors to feel comfortable, and not too hot!  Remember they may well be viewing the property in their coat/jacket too. If you have a fireplace, lighting it for viewings can add a lovely, homely touch.

3. Highlight Energy Efficiency

With energy costs still very much on buyers' minds, especially in colder months, showcase how your home performs in this area:

• Double glazing: If you have double-glazed windows, make sure they're clean and visible during viewings. They not only keep the home warm but also reduce noise.
• Boiler check: Ensure that your boiler is in good working condition. A recent service or installation is always a selling point.
• Draught proofing: Take care of any draughts around doors or windows. Simple fixes like adding draught excluders can make a big difference to the comfort and energy efficiency of the home.

4. Seasonal Styling: A Subtle Autumn Touch

Styling your home with subtle autumn décor can enhance its charm. Here are some tasteful ways to bring autumn into your home:

• Seasonal scents: Scent is a powerful tool when selling a home. Opt for subtle autumnal scents like cinnamon, pine, or pumpkin spice through candles or diffusers.
• Natural elements: Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements like pinecones, pumpkins, or even branches in decorative bowls or vases. Just be sure not to overdo it—minimalism is key.
• Fresh flowers: Even in autumn, fresh flowers can add life to any room. Consider autumnal bouquets with deep-coloured flowers to tie in with the season.

5. Focus on Key Rooms

While every room matters, some areas hold more weight with buyers. Focus on improving the following rooms:

• Kitchen: Autumn is a season for hearty meals, so your kitchen should feel functional and inviting. Clear the countertops, and ensure appliances are clean. Adding a fruit bowl or a few fresh herbs can give the kitchen a homely touch.
• Living room: This is where buyers will imagine themselves spending cosy evenings. Arrange the furniture to create a conversational area, light a few candles, and make the space feel relaxing.
• Bathrooms: Cleanliness is key here. Fresh towels, a sparkling sink, and a touch of greenery can create a spa-like feel.

6. Prepare for Viewings in Different Light

Autumn brings shorter days, meaning viewings may occur when natural light is limited. Ensure your home looks its best at all times of the day by:

• Maximising natural light: Keep curtains open if possible to allow as much daylight as possible.
• Artificial lighting: Use warm, soft lighting to create an inviting atmosphere. Avoid harsh, bright lights, and instead, opt for side lamps or soft overhead lighting to create ambience.

7. Timing is Everything

Autumn has a slower pace, but it’s important to time your sale just right. It is also worth considering putting your home on the market early in the season, before the winter market slowdown.

Selling your home in autumn can be a wonderful opportunity to showcase its homely and inviting nature. By focusing on the interior’s warmth, kerb appeal, and highlighting energy efficiency, your property can really stand out.

If you need further assistance or personalised advice, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to help you make your home-selling journey smooth and successful.