If you’re considering selling a house in the summer, with the right approach, you can showcase your home to its full potential and ensure it stands out to buyers.
As experienced estate agents covering Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush, and Chiswick, we understand how the summer season can affect the property market in these unique areas. Below are our top tips specifically tailored to help you make the most of this season in West London.
Tips for selling a house in the summer
1. Declutter Your Home – A Key Tip for Selling a House in the Summer
One of the most effective tips for selling a house in the summer is to declutter.
During the summer months, natural light can highlight clutter, making rooms feel smaller and less inviting. Buyers will find it difficult to imagine themselves living in a space if it’s filled with personal belongings or excess furniture.
Rooms that are organised not only appear more spacious in person but also look more appealing in online photos and virtual tours, which are critical for getting attention from buyers searching in areas like Hammersmith and Chiswick.
You should also consider removing any overly personal artwork or decor that may distract from the home’s potential. The more buyers can envision the property as their own, the more likely you are to appeal to them and to secure a quick sale at a higher price.
For further tips on decluttering and organising, check out our previous blog post here featuring an interview with Esme, a professional decluttering expert who gives her top tips on how to declutter your home.
2. Focus on the Garden – A Must-Know Tip for Selling a House in the Summer
If you have a garden, now is the perfect time to focus on it. Gardens are often at their most beautiful during the summer months and this can significantly enhance your home’s appeal when selling a house in the summer. Whether you’re selling in Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush or Chiswick, a well-maintained garden will always catch the eye of potential buyers.
Regularly mow the lawn, trim hedges and remove weeds to maintain a neat, welcoming garden. Having a tidy, beautiful garden can often be the make or break to someone’s decision so do not ignore it.
Setting the stage with garden furniture can help buyers imagine themselves relaxing and enjoying the outdoor space. If your garden furniture is looking worn, consider replacing it or if your fences for example are worn too giving it a fresh coat of paint to make the space feel more inviting can make a huge difference.
Zoopla states that “If you’re selling in the summer, set up the garden so buyers can imagine themselves enjoying it.” This means creating an inviting space that buyers can see themselves using for relaxation, entertaining or family time.
Plant pots filled with bright, colourful flowers can also add vibrancy and character to your outdoor space, making it more appealing during viewings. Pops of colour can elevate the aesthetics of your property and can make your garden look vibrant and colourful.
In areas like Chiswick, where outdoor space is highly valued, a neat garden can make a significant difference in how quickly you sell your home.
Louise Jones, Sales Manager, Chiswick
3. Clean the Windows – Essential When Selling a House in the Summer
Dirty windows can stand out when the sun shines brightly through them. Clean windows allow more natural light into the home, which is important for creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. This is especially crucial in areas like Chiswick, where homes often have large windows or doors that lead to the garden.
If you don’t have time to clean the windows yourself, hiring a professional can really make a difference. Be sure to pay attention to large windows or bi-fold doors leading to the garden, as these can get dirty easily, particularly if you have pets or children.
A quick once-over of these spots before viewings can help make your home feel brighter and more spacious.
4. Tidy Up the Exterior – Top Tips When Selling a House in the Summer
The exterior of your property creates the first impression for buyers. An unkempt front garden or peeling paint can suggest the home needs work, while a well-maintained exterior can set the tone for a positive viewing experience when selling a house in the summer and show that you have cared for the home.
In areas like Hammersmith, Chiswick and Shepherd’s Bush, homes often feature charming Victorian or Edwardian facades. Repainting window frames and refreshing any masonry can give your property a well-maintained look, making it more appealing to potential buyers. If your home has a bay window or original sash windows, fresh paint can restore its charm.
Don’t forget to clean the front garden, pathway and front door. Buyers will notice these elements as they approach your property and it will leave a lasting impression when they leave the viewing too.
5. Light and airy – but not too hot
Take advantage of the long summer days. Open curtains and blinds to let the sun flood into your home, showcasing its best features. In areas like Chiswick, where homes are often filled with period features, natural light can really highlight these unique selling points.
However, be mindful of overheating. Some rooms in homes in West London, particularly those with large windows or conservatories, can get very hot during the summer months. Make sure there’s good airflow through the property to keep rooms comfortable during viewings. You don’t want potential buyers to feel uncomfortable due to heat.
First impressions are everything when selling a home, especially in the summer. Buyers are often drawn to homes that feel bright, airy and welcoming, so small touches like cleaning the windows or freshening up the exterior can make a huge difference.
John Horton, Owner and Director
6. Switch to lighter soft furnishings
Heavy fabrics can feel a little out of place in the warmer weather. Try swapping dark cushions, thick throws or heavy rugs for lighter materials instead. Soft cottons, airy linens and neutral tones work beautifully in summer, creating a fresher, more relaxed feel. These small seasonal touches can go a long way in helping your home feel more inviting.
7. Organise Storage and Wardrobes
Buyers often look beyond the surface, especially when it comes to storage.
Make sure all the wardrobes, cupboards and utility areas are neat and well-organised. Any overstuffed storage can suggest there’s not enough room, while tidy interiors imply the home is well-maintained and functional with plenty of space.
8. Use Neutral, Fresh Scents
Scent can have a powerful impact on how buyers feel in a space. For summer viewings, a light and subtle scent helps create a lasting impression that your home is fresh, well-kept and inviting. Think of freshly laundered linen, citrus or lavender. Avoid using strong scented candles or synthetic air fresheners, as it can feel overwhelming.
9. Finish Those Little Fixes
Before viewings begin, take time to look around the house and sort out any minor repairs you’ve been putting off. These could be wobbly door handles, scuffed skirting boards, chipped paint on fences or squeaky hinges.
While these steps might seem small, they might suggest that the property has been neglected to potential buyers. Instead by completing these quick fixes you can help present your home as well cared for and move-in ready.
10. Clear Out the Garage or Shed
Don’t overlook your garage or shed. While they might be considered ‘secondary’ spaces, they can play a big role in the success of a viewing. Buyers often look closely at storage options, and a clean, organised space can highlight just how much room there is for bikes, tools or garden equipment. It’s these practical extras that can help seal the deal.
Letting a property in the summer
If you’re renting out your property during the summer months, many of the same tips for selling a home can apply.
If your property has a garden and you’re aware that the current tenants are not particularly green-fingered it might be a worthwhile investment to employ a gardener to tidy up the garden. A neat, well-kept garden can make a huge difference in attracting prospective tenants, especially in areas like Hammersmith, Shepherd’s Bush, and Chiswick, where outdoor space is highly valued.
For landlords looking to let a property this summer, our team of expert lettings agents would be happy to share their knowledge and help you secure new tenants while avoiding void periods. You can contact our team here.
Selling a home in the summer – a good thing?
There might have previously been the connotation that selling a house in the summer was not a good idea as people typically disappear off on holiday or have the children home for school so might not have the time to focus on finding a home, historically many would put their search on pause – this is no longer the case for the majority.
The usual peaks and troughs in activity seen across the UK property market are increasingly smoothing out as buyers can now access so much from anywhere, and at any time, online.
Not only does this mean that vendors need to be very mindful of the digital marketing campaign undertaken by the selling agent representing their property, but that timing of a sale is less likely to be triggered by a change in season and more to do with personal plans.
If you’re considering selling a house in the summer, please do get in touch with our estate agents for a no obligation discussion.
