Winter can be a challenging season to put your property on the market. Winter months bring darker days, cooler weather and fewer hours of warm sunshine. Any deciduous trees you may have will have lost their leaves, beautiful flowers will not be in bloom and the interior of your house may appear darker overall. As a result, advertising the property in winter can be unappealing, and prove slightly difficult. However, you can still make the most of selling in winter.

Even though winter is considered a slower period as bad weather discourages potential buyers from attending inspections and auctions, the shortfall in properties on the market may actually work in your favour. Since other sellers subscribe to the idea that winter is a bad time to sell, you have less competition, meaning real estate agents will spend more time with you, getting to know your wishes and hopefully finding the perfect buyer for your property. The increased availability of real estate agents may also enable you to have more property inspections to entice potential buyers to your home. Also, a potential buyer turning up to inspect your property on a freezing cold winter’s day usually indicates that they are motivated and willing to buy.

Selling your property in winter also gives potential buyers an opportunity to get a feel for the property and how comfortable or sustainable it is, particularly if you live in a harsh or cold climate. Potential buyers can check out whether the heating in the house is sufficient and whether it is properly insulated. It’s also a great opportunity to present the property in a different light. Heating and lighting can help show off how warm, cosy and inviting the home can be. Much of this ambience can also be re-created in photographs for listing. Alternatively, plan ahead and take photos of your property in spring or summer.

It’s absolutely possible to sell your property in winter – in fact, people look to buy properties at all times of the year. The most important thing for you to consider is not whether it is hot or cold outside, but rather your own personal circumstances and whether the market is in a good state. The end goal is always the highest sale price you can get.