Property insiders are predicting that a bumper crop of homes will come up for sale this spring, as a buyers’ market is set to create more choice than at any time since 2015, according to one major property portal. And competition could force many vendors to restrict price rises.
That obviously means that, if you’re planning on selling, you may have to work a little bit harder to secure a sale at the value you want. If you’re hoping to sell my house fast, now is the time to act strategically and ensure your property stands out from the competition.
At the same time, presentation and ‘staging’ of your home for viewers as they look round will become more important than ever. And that extends to your outdoor spaces as much as your indoor rooms.
There are many things you can do to present your garden well and add value to it, and therefore your property as a whole. And with more of us spending more time at home since the pandemic, we appreciate outdoor spaces more than ever. So this aspect of your property is something viewers will take a keen interest in.
It’s clearly worth doing all the obvious things like cutting the grass, weeding and fixing any damaged fencing, painting or treating fences and cutting back any overgrown trees or plants. Jet wash any patio areas or paths while you’re at it.
*Garden additions that attract buyers *
It’s worth thinking about what you could add to your garden to make it stand out. If you don’t already have decking, for example, consider getting a quote from a local composite decking installer. An area like this enhances property value in a competitive marketplace, while creating a functional outdoor space and upping your usable square footage.
Decking also provides a space for entertaining and relaxing with friends and family, for example with summer barbecues. Plus you can take your pick from a variety of styles and materials. Composite decking is a long-lasting, low-upkeep alternative to standard wood products, made from a blend of recycled wood fibres and plastic. What’s more, it shrugs off rotting, warping and splitting.
Another idea to consider is a fully insulated garden office. This could add up to 10% to your asking price, with the resulting benefit greater than the initial outlay. These stylish, modern structures enhance a place’s overall appeal, and create somewhere where you can stay toasty all year round. Plus there are the obvious benefits of having a dedicated workspace away from the main house and the savings in terms of commuting time and fares, plus a better work/life balance, all of which you can push to potential purchasers.
‘Staging’ your garden
You may have heard estate agents discuss ‘staging’ your home for viewers – and the same goes for outdoor areas. Show how your garden space can be used, for example by setting up outdoor tables and chairs on your decking or patio, and perhaps putting up a parasol.
Outdoor teak furniture can do a huge amount to help sell a home, and it’s not hard to see why. This versatile wood can be used for tables, chairs, benches and more, and can potentially last for decades, making it the perfect solution for all your open-air furnishing needs.
Always comfortable to the touch, teak has a natural elegance which sets off any outdoor space to perfection. And as well as being incredibly long-lasting, it’s durable enough to withstand the elements and won’t splinter, rot, crack or host insect infestations. At the same time, it’s seriously low-maintenance, requiring almost no upkeep.
Source it responsibly and, given its longevity, teak is also the sustainable choice.
