5 ways to prep your property for spring

Mr Nicholls says waiting for spring can be a good way for sellers to maximise the return on the sale of a property.

“We’re urging those who are thinking of selling to use the last weeks of winter to get their homes prepped for sale so they can hit the market from 1 September,” said Mr Nicholls.

Mr Nicholls’ top five areas in a property to improve during winter are:

1. Garage

As the garage is typically seen as a dumping ground of miscellaneous bulky items that may need to be tossed in council clean-ups, it is best to declutter the space, Mr Nicholls suggests.

“There is nothing worse than seeing cluttered space – no matter what room it’s in,” he says.

2. Garden

Any unmanaged trees should be trimmed back, and Mr Nicholls adds it will not hurt to consult with a garden centre to see what plants will bloom and add a bit of colour come 1 September.

3. Façade

Updating the façade of a property with a new coat of paint in the colder seasons than in warmer seasons is a smart strategy, according to Mr Nicholls. Why? Painting in warmer weather “only makes the paint sweat while drying”, he says.

4. Windows

Cleaning windows can seem like a simple task, but clean windows can greatly improve the look of a home.

“It also shows to potential buyers that the home has been well-maintained,” Mr Nicholls explains.

5. Gutters

Gutters may be filled with leaves from autumn, and is important not only for safety reasons, but Mr Nicholls says it can also improve the look of the roofing.
“Once you’ve finished the work, do your own inspection or invite a friend or family member to walk through your home to make sure no imperfections have been missed,” Mr Nicholls added.

“With the market slowing, keeping in mind that this will be very gradual, prices will still grow but at a lower rate year-on-year. 

“Now it is even more important to get your property presentation right ahead of sale, so you can reap the benefits.”