property for sale Archives

Spring is in the air! Magnolia trees are in bloom, tulips are coming up and selling your property is all about maximising curb appeal.

Read on to find tips for grabbing the attention of buyers and finalising that sale!

First impressions matter

Start every viewing on a positive note by keeping your drive, garden and front door in tip top condition. Spring bulbs can add welcoming colour.

Hide the clutter!

A tidy space will help a buyer imagine how their possesions might fit in. The space will look bigger if non-essential items are hidden away or even put in storage.

Have your garden ready for sunnier days

Now the weather's warming up, set up your garden with outdoor furniture so buyers can see how they can use the space once summer arrives. Remember though, if it's still chilly outside, do keep the heating on - a warm house will make your house more appealing.

Keep pets away

Not all potential buyers are animal lovers. Do keep pets out of the way for viewings. Even if buyers love your furry friend, they may be distracted and not focus on your house.

Focus on your home's best bits

Make sure the best room in the house is decorated and presented to perfection, whether that's a light-flooded kitchen or an office with a stunning view.

Has it ever occurred to you that our gardens are – potentially – the largest nature reserve in the country?

The total area of private gardens in the UK adds up to almost two million acres. This weekend is the Big Garden Birdwatch, running since 1979, and over half a million people will typically take part. It is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, and last year over 9 million birds were counted. Over the course of one hour, between 26 and 28 January, residents are asked to submit the birds they see in their gardens to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Guides are available online to help spot the different species you might encounter.

The stats are quite scary – over the past 50 years, the population of birds in the UK has dropped by 73 million. House sparrows top the list of birds spotted – 1,401,338 in 2023, but they have declined by 57% since 1979.

We can help by making our gardens better for wildlife, and there are so many ways we can do this, whether we have a small patio, a stretch of lawn or a mature plot full of shrubs and trees.

Bird tables, and sophisticated variations which are squirrel-proof, are increasingly popular.
We can put out water too, especially during hot and cold spells.
You will also attract butterflies and bees if you grow plants rich in nectar. Catmint is a magnet for bees and a buddleia bush in full bloom is heaven for butterflies.
Nettles are great for feeding the caterpillars of many types of butterfly.
Berry bushes bring in birds.
If you have a lawn, you could let part of it grow wild, and adding a wildflower mix will look stunning for both humans and wildlife.
Piles of leaves, logs or stones all help mini beasts find homes.

The RSPB website has all sorts of information on what different birds like to feast on.

Why not join in for an hour this weekend and enjoy recording your garden visitors?

They say you are most likely to fall in love, if you love yourself first! Your home is no different. The more love you show your home, the more other people will love it too.

The flowers are starting to pop up and so are V&H Homes sold boards, so why not be a part of this growing trend?

We give you four top tips on bringing back the love so your home sells!

If you don't have much time

Do the basics; a good clean and declutter. Create space by clearing worktops and stowing away any of the unnecessaries so that you optimise your rooms. This combined with making use of the vibrant colours of spring could really set you apart from the rest. Think about yellows, blues and greens to provide a truly refreshing feeling to your property.

Love at first sight!

Don’t forget the front of your home. This is most likely to greet your buyers initially online and during a physical viewing. A simple tidy-up to make your home look its best. Check the front door, does it need painting or cleaning? Are there any unsightly weeds in the garden or paving?

Have your paperwork ready

You don’t want to make a swift sale only to become delayed by paperwork. Start gathering it now, from gas certificates to warranties.

If you have a little more time

After you have cleaned, check grouting, mould and anything else that is a relatively cheap fix. This will spruce up your bathroom or kitchen and seduce buyers. Check everything from taps to toilet seats!

Need a hand selling your home this autumn?

1. PURCHASING PROPERTY IS BACK ON THE RADAR FOR 'SERIOUS' BUYERS

Prospective - and crucially, serious buyers - return revived from their summer holidays with property on their minds. With the market increasing in activity through to early December, many will be looking to capitalise on finding their new home in time for Christmas.

2. THE BALANCE OF BUYERS TO SELLERS IS IN YOUR FAVOUR

Although every market differs, autumn traditionally means that there are slightly more buyers than sellers. This equates to less competition from other people looking to sell their home. Making sure that your property is neatly presented is also a sure-fire way to achieving the top end of your asking price.

3. IT'S AN ESTATE AGENT'S DREAM TO MARKET A PROPERTY IN AUTUMN

Optimal autumnal weather makes showcasing your property a dream for agents. With stunning colours of the season complementing most interiors and exteriors, photographing and proactively marketing a client’s property is an absolute joy.

If you are looking for a new home to buy, it's extremely important that you ask the right questions and don't forget any of the nitty-gritty details! If you are a seller, it is useful for you to be aware of what questions may come up!

Here are some of the questions prospective buyers are likely to ask:

1. Is there any damp?

Damp issues can be very costly. If you spot damp on a house you should question the estate agent / seller, however if you decide to offer on the property (and it is accepted) a survey should be carried out so that you have the facts.

2. How old is the roof?

Replacing a roof is an expense that most people will understandably wish to avoid. Depending on the materials, roofs have a life expectancy of 15-20 years, so it's important to be aware of how much life they have left.

3. How much storage space is there?

Storage space is arguably one of the most valuable assets of a home. If the property lacks storage spaces, always consider if there is room for cupboards or shelves to be built in.

4. Do any trees have TPOs?

This is a particularly important question to ask if you are planning on extending a property. It may be difficult to get the planning permission you need if there are any trees with TPOs that could be damaged.

5. What's the area like?

Will the surrounding area fit in with your lifestyle? What are the neighbours like? It's always helpful to paint a wider picture of everything going on outside of the property.

6. How much will it cost to run the property?

Finding out council tax bands, costs for utility bills and general running costs will help you gain the best possible understanding of what your outgoings will be should you choose to buy.