Spring has always been perceived as one of the best times of the year to consider selling or letting a property.

There are a number of reasons for this assumption, many of which are not unfounded, for example:- the weather should be better than during the winter months, the days are getting longer, outside space and gardens are more picturesque, showing signs of life with some colourful blossoms beginning to appear, all in all, it is a time of the year that makes viewing an easier and more pleasant experience. One of the main reasons spring had always been considered a good time of the year to move is that from Easter onwards there is a long stretch of selling time before the summer holidays begin, so that other than the short Whitsun break, proposed buyers and tenants are available to view without any long holidays segmenting the marketing period.

It is also a convenient time to move, especially if you want to make improvements to your new home as there are the summer months ahead providing the daylight hours for works to proceed, the warmer temperatures for paint to dry and time to install new heating and hot water systems without the need to freeze. Hopefully by the time autumn is approaching the property is water tight, warm and ready to take on whatever winter has in store.

It is wise however to bear in mind that property sells and rents throughout the seasons and although the lighter hours and warmer temperatures bring out more people to look, it also attracts other sellers and landlords to market their properties too. This means that the added numbers of buyers and tenants often balances with the larger number of available properties, so prices do not always increase faster at this time of the year, although it may shorten the time frame to enable a transaction.

For those marketing a home this spring here are some tips to assist you when going through the viewing process.

• Ensure that the property is tidy, clean and smells good. Aroma can make all the difference – a light touch of perfume (slight fragrance – being the key), baking or coffee scents can make your property feel like home to those viewers who are wanting to make their lifestyle choice.
• Make sure that all window coverings are open, and if the day is warm enough open the windows to allow the fresh air to permeate the rooms, on the other hand, if the day is a little chilly, run the heating or put on your gas coal fireplace. What you are trying to achieve is a sense of comfort and the idea that your viewer could happily enjoy living in this home.
• Whilst many of us enjoy our pets and love having animals around there are those that don’t, so be mindful of this and remove your pets to a room or the garden whilst doing the viewing and take them from that space, prior to giving your prospective buyers or tenants access, when you need to show those areas of the property.
• It may sound obvious but ensure that gardens, patios, terraces and balconies are in good order, tidy and if possible planted in keeping with season, a few brightly coloured flowers is always cheerful to see and gives the impression that you care about your house or flat.
• Perhaps include some soft background music playing gently in the background, especially if you are showing off an audio/visual system and, if so, have some visuals on the televisions (ideally without sound) as this may assist in presenting your home to its best advantage.
• If the day is overcast remember to switch on the lights in every room, before the viewing if possible, so that you are giving the property its best chance of a sale or letting.

So, is spring the best time to dispose of your property – fact or fiction? In truth it is a good time of the year to market a property but it is not essential to catch the season. Homes sell and let throughout the year (even at Christmas) so don’t get too wrapped up in being ready for March or April or even May as a plethora of buyers and tenants flow through London all year.

Published London Property Magazine 2016