If you have been putting off marketing your home, now is the time to take action. Two years on from the pandemic, life as we knew it has changed. Likewise, the requirements we have of our homes have changed too, leaving many of us questioning whether home really is ‘sweet home’ anymore.
Post-Covid baby boom
From March 2021 onwards, the UK saw a boost in the number of births – growing particularly on pre-Covid numbers towards the latter end of the year. As these babies now grow into toddlers, to use estate agent speak, rooms that could once have been called ‘comfortable’ have now become ‘cosy’ and ‘snug’. As your little ones become more adventurous and mobile, garden space might also become more of a priority. Could 2023 be the right time to upsize?
Dedicated space for home workers
Prior to 2020, working from home was often the exception rather than the rule. According to research from WISERD (Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data) those working from home shot from 5.7% of workers in Jan/Feb 2020 to 43.1% in April 2020. Post lockdown, Census 2021 poll results revealed that 85% of UK home workers would like to continue a hybrid approach of home and office working in future, with 78% of respondees claiming working from home gave them a better work life balance.
With homeworking looking like it’s here to stay, that makeshift office under the stairs has worn out its welcome. Is it time to begin looking for a home with space for your dream office, tucked away from the main flow of the home, with garden views and built-in storage?
Hybrid working – where can I commute from?
With the percentage of adults ‘hybrid working’ (working from home part of the week and commuting into the office for a few days a week) continuing to rise throughout the latter end of 2022 (According to research by the Office of National Statistics), consider how convenient your current commute is? Could it be time to reduce your time spent travelling by moving closer to work and transport links?
Eco-credentials and cost of living
It’s impossible to ignore the spike in the cost of living, leaving many of us questioning the eco credentials of our homes. With cost-of-living pressures looking set to stay for the foreseeable future, isn’t it time you chose a new home that is cost efficient to heat and run?
With fuel prices also on the increase, many of us are looking to trains and public transport as both an eco-conscious and cost-efficient means of travel to and from work. Homes with close proximity to mainline train stations are set to take on an added sparkle in 2023.
Why January?
Did you know that contrary to popular belief, January is actually one of the best times to sell your home?
While businesses and offices may be closed over the bank holidays, there is a significant spike in people searching for their dream home.
For those who have suffered from cabin fever over the Christmas period, one of the first searches they’ll type into their computer in the new year is ‘homes for sale in…’.
Serious sellers won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to capitalise on this market – particularly those looking to beat the competition that inevitably comes from other sellers in springtime.
Why be one of many when you can steal the limelight for your own home?
During the first days of January, there is often an imbalance in the number of homes listed for sale compared to the high number of buyers searching for homes. Listing your home early in the new year can put you at a true advantage, giving you the edge when it comes to your new year move.
Why Wainwrights?
At Wainwrights, we don’t just do things differently; we are different. In the same way that a house is not a just house, it’s a home, you are not just a client or a homeowner. You are an individual, with a story. And it’s your story that matters most to us. We want to ensure that our role in this chapter of your life is a positive and supportive one.
We’ve all heard that moving home is among the most stressful experiences in life, which is why we are dedicated to helping you love the experience of moving home.
How do we do this? Simple: by focusing entirely on you, not your property. By listening to you and by creating bold, beautiful and bespoke marketing to ensure you feel valued and important.
Every person is unique. Every home is unique. And a truly unique home needs truly unique marketing. From our photography to our descriptions, our personally attended viewings to our ‘always on hand’ attitude, if you are looking to start your next chapter, we’re here to expedite the process and keep the sailing smooth.
How can I get my home ‘market’ ready for new year?
Once you’ve made the decision to put your home up for sale, it can be like ripping off a plaster; you want to get it done in one swift move.
To speed up the process, here are our top tips for getting market-ready for the New Year:
1. Clear away Christmas clutter
Take down Christmas decorations, get your cardboard and empty glass bottles down to the recycling centre and clear away the festive debris. For viewings – first impressions count, and a clutter free home is a home that will impress buyers.
2. Cosy ambience
Ensure that viewers will never want to leave your cosy home on a chilly January day by setting the scene. Soft lamp lighting, softly scented candles and a roaring fire will win over even the frostiest of hearts.
3. Complete the to-do list
The last thing anybody wants to contend with after a busy Christmas is the prospect of a ‘doer upper’. Be sure to carry out any last-minute repairs that you have been putting off, from repainting scuffed walls to regrouting bathroom tiles or replacing dead light bulbs.
If you’re unsure about whether or not to market your home this January, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a friendly chat about how Wainwrights could help you find your dream home in 2023.
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