An article in the wonderful Yorkshire Post caught our eye last weekend – all around whether Christmas was a good time to sell your home.
“Of course not!” – we can almost hear you all cry. Everyone is busy with a to do list as long as your arm, and houses are decorated and packed to the rafters with presents, Christmas treats, cards and the odd sparkly reindeer. Plus, it’s the darkest time of the year, and it’s often wet, muddy, windy, cold or even icy. The thought of people traipsing in and out of your house and making it look its best might seem stressful.
Better to wait until Spring – that’s certainly the view most people give when thinking about putting their home on the market in winter. By then the weather has improved and everyone’s not obsessed with all things festive. So prevalent is this idea that some sellers who have their property on the market from earlier in the year even put a halt on their sale for a few weeks when it comes to December.
But, reading the article, that may not be the best idea. According to the website Rightmove, the traffic to its website increases from Boxing Day to hit a peak on 30th December. So maybe it’s not so much about New Year’s Resolutions any more – maybe it’s all about Twixmas planning! (yes, that is a real word… it’s that time between Christmas and New Year!). Certainly it’s the period when many people take some time off work, and life can slow down a little. So, when better to start dreaming of the future? (Also, the fact the house is bursting at the seams with people and presents and leftover tins of chocolate probably contributes as that’s guaranteed to make you feel like you need a bigger property!). There’s also family and friends taking trips to see loved ones and perhaps realising they want to relocate, so starting the search whilst they’re in the area.
But, of course, those looking will have a smaller range to peruse – not just because of those ‘holding off until the Spring’, but also due to the election and Brexit, which has led to some people putting their plans on hold. So, if you do put your property on the market, there’s less competition, which may lead to a quicker sale at a higher price.
Here at McCarthy’s, we’re busy with removals right the way through the year, so we know people move whatever the season – but there’s definitely a surge in Spring and summer. Maybe this year is the year for you to beat the rush! If you’re looking for a removals company to transport you within Yorkshire, the UK or even across the globe (who knows where Christmas dreaming may take you), we can help. With more than 50 years of experience we can help you get safely from A to B and settled in your new home with the minimum of hassle. And if we’ve inspired you to get your home on the market, don’t forget we have self storage centres in Leeds, Harrogate and Wakefield which are a great helping hand if you’re looking to declutter ahead of putting your home on the market. Might even free up some room for that giant inflatable Santa you’ve had your eye on!