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In light of the recent Autumn Budget, house prices have increased and are expected to continue rising throughout the next quarter. The market is currently very healthy, with more than 84,000 new properties being listed in the UK since the Budget, making now a fantastic time to think about putting yours on the market.
However, if you are looking to move in the new year, there are a number of things you can do now to make sure you are as prepared as possible.
Find out how much your home is worth
The most important thing to do before deciding whether to put your property on the market is to find out how much it’s worth, so you can begin planning your finances and onward move. Booking a free valuation with one of our experts is the best way to find out the most accurate price you can get for your property and to create an effective strategy to achieve your goals.
Repair any issues throughout your property
Before selling your home, doing a full sweep to ensure potential buyers are not put off by any glaring issues is key.
These repairs can be anything from making sure the exterior of your property is well maintained, such as replacing peeling paint, to fixing any cracks, holes and making sure doors and windows work as they should.
Perfectly present your property
Zoopla’s recent eye-tracking study revealed that people viewing a property spend a huge 54 per cent of their time looking at cosmetics and furnishings, rather than structure and features. With this in mind, it’s really important to show off your home in the best possible light and make it easier for prospective buyers to envisage themselves living there. Plants, mirrors and paintings were all things that people spent the most time admiring, so adding more of these to your decor is a good place to start.
Giving your house a fresh lick of paint is also an easy way to make the property look new and inviting. You should make sure there is no chipped wallpaper or cracked tiles throughout the home, to make sure it looks its best.
Having a garden can also be a rare luxury here in London, so if you are lucky enough to have one, keeping it well-maintained will help improve your kerb appeal and attract extra interest.
Consider quick wins to increase value
There are a number of quick, easy changes you can make in your home that could increase the value of your property.
You could consider improving the property’s central heating or its energy efficiency, upgrading the kitchen with stylish and professional appliances, or installing double-glazing windows. These quick wins make your property a more attractive option than others on the market.
Research from Oxford Economics showed buyers are willing to pay more for a property with a higher EPC rating, so it’s worth investing in these changes before listing it.
Understand the West Hampstead market
Understanding the local property market is also key when considering selling your home.
Rightmove’s latest figures show the average price in West Hampstead is £894,675. Although the majority of sales in the area were apartments, terraced and semi-detached properties fetched significantly more than the average.
Working with an agent who understands both the local and national market is essential to getting the most out of your moving journey. Get in touch with us to find out how we can help.
To learn more about selling your home with Paramount, visit our expert guide.
