If selling your home is on the agenda for 2025, January is a great time to prepare. If you organise early, you can potentially get out ahead of the competition before the market picks up in spring.
Is January a good time for putting your house on the market? The first month on the calendar marks a fresh start after the festive season. Alongside plans to make new lifestyle choices, many New Year’s resolutions involve the home, making it a good time to start thinking about your property goals.
Why timing matters when it comes to a sale
The UK property market follows a predictable annual pattern which you can use to your advantage. From October to December, activity tends to slow as people focus on the holidays and avoid moving during winter weather. However, that the market picks up in the New Year as buyers re-enter the market. Demand typically grows in February and March. Spring is often a busy time for home sales, as many buyers aim to make a move before summer holidays.
The advantage of selling before spring
While spring is a popular time to sell, it also brings challenges. The market becomes saturated with listings, increasing competition. This can make it harder to secure your ideal asking price, as buyers have more options. As well as this, the cold weather can put off buyers – therefore, you’re likely to attract buyers who are serious about making an offer.
Selling early in the year can give your property a competitive edge. Putting your home on the market before the spring boost means your home will stand out to buyers who have serious intent, and you’re less likely to face delays caused by lengthy property chains.
How to prepare your home for sale in January
Starting preparations in January ensures your home is market-ready before competition heats up. Here are key steps to take:
Get started with conveyancing
Once you decide to sell, hire a conveyancing solicitor to handle the legal paperwork. This step can save valuable time, as your solicitor will begin preparing the documents you’ll need once you find a buyer.
In order to speed up the process, you should father the documents required to sell your home, including:
- Title deeds and other property-related documents.
- A valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), which is legally required when marketing your property.
- Forms like the property information form (TA6) and the fittings and contents form, which provide key details to potential buyers.
Completing these forms accurately and ahead of time reduces the risk of delays during the sale process.
Prepare your property
Take advantage of January’s quieter pace to get your home ready for viewings. It’s a good idea to declutter and remove unwanted items to make your home feel more spacious and move-in ready. It’s also an opportune time to freshen up your interiors by repainting walls, updating light fixtures and making small improvements to enhance your home’s appeal. Don’t forget about the outside of your home too by clearing leaves, tidying the garden, and ensuring that potential buyers feel that your home’s exterior is inviting.
Start the New Year strong
If a move is in your plans for this year, January is the perfect time to take action. By getting organised early, you can list your property before competition increases and position yourself for a smoother, faster sale. The sooner you prepare your home, the more likely you are to achieve your selling goals. If you have any questions about selling your home, reach out to your local Winkworth office who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
