If your 2026 plans include moving house, then getting your property on the market as soon as possible could be top of your New Year resolutions. Preparations should start now, even if you don’t plan to market your property in earnest until after Christmas is done and dusted.
Get your listing ready
It’s worth getting your listing ready for the traditional Boxing Day bounce in buyer interest. According to Rightmove, Boxing Day 2024 was the busiest day ever for both new property listings and traffic to the portal. This included a 20% increase in enquiries from potential buyers and 26% more properties listed for sale.
Declutter and clean
This is a basic of staging a property and should be as ruthless as ever. Deep cleaning and decluttering may feel like the last thing you want to do with all the other festive preparations on your list. However, it’s a must to maximise the potential of your home.
If you are already heading to the loft for your Christmas decorations, then take the opportunity to store items up there that you’ve decided you can’t part with but don’t need to be on show.
Stage your property without dating it
Property images should be taken before the Christmas decorations go up or your listing will quickly date. If you must have them up, then try to go minimal. Your beautiful Christmas tree and stunning table décor might wow your festive guests, but you should tone it down for the photos. It’s still worth highlighting how perfect your home is for get-togethers but make them a little less seasonal.
Pack away Christmas decorations ASAP
Tradition may dictate that you can have Christmas decorations up until early in the new year (January 5, to be precise), but it’s best to get them put away as soon as possible, ready for viewings. Prospective buyers will want to view each inch of your property and a tired Christmas tree and trinkets will get in their way.
Make it a cosy and calming retreat
Christmas might be over by the time buyers visit in earnest, but it will still be cold outside. Creating a calm and cosy retreat, with throws, cushions and warm lighting, will be a big draw for potential buyers. If the property is unoccupied, or you’re simply trying to control your energy costs, it’s time to crank up the heating so that viewers don’t question why it’s so cold.
Maximise natural light
Natural light will be a must for prospective buyers viewing during the day. You can boost dark spots with lamps and candles and bounce light with mirrors, but you should maximise the natural light that can enter your property. That means clean windows, open curtains and clear lines of sight.
Bring the outside in
In the middle of winter, the garden might be looking a little bare. Buyers will still look at your outdoor space – and it should be tidy, well-kept and attractive even if it’s not blooming. However, some indoor plants and a vase or two of fresh flowers will help to bring the outside in.
Price competitively
While staging is vital in today’s market, even the best properties won’t shift if they are priced incorrectly. Check your pricing against similar properties in your area to ensure it’s competitive. Your agent will be able to give more guidance, as well as further advice on staging.