Homeowners who have been thinking about putting their property on the market should not hesitate to get in touch with Sherwood estate agents, as autumn is one of the best times of the year to sell your home. 

Here are five reasons why:

1) New drive to move after summer break

Most people spend the summer either on their holidays, looking after their kids on the school break or enjoying lazy afternoons in the sunshine. Therefore, searching for properties is not high on their agenda, as they just want to make the most of the sunshine. 

However, when it gets to September, the days begin to shorten, the children are back at school, and real life sets in again, many people have an increased drive to take action. After the rest during the summer, they may have more energy and enthusiasm for their property search. 

2) Move before the end of the year

Selling your property in autumn can also make for a faster selling process, as homebuyers tend to want to move before the end of the year. 

People might want to get the keys before the New Year so they can start January in a lovely home and with a fresh clean slate. Most also want to move in before Christmas, in order to be able to hang up some decorations and enjoy the festivities in their new property.

Therefore, many buyers will want to exchange before mid-December, so they can settle in before Christmas Day, meaning they will be more serious in their offers and make more decisive choices. 

Instead of dipping their toes into the market, they will want to secure a deal and get the ball rolling on legalities as soon as possible, which means they will have their finances in order and not waste time. 

3) Homebuyers have had all year to study the market

Nine months into the year, people have had enough time to research the market, study patterns, and understand the value of properties in the area. 

This means buyers are less likely to offer a silly price, and could be more willing to increase their price if they think it is worth it and they want to move before winter. 

Therefore, sellers may find that selling in autumn means they will receive offers close to, or even above, their asking price. 

4) Stability in prices

This time of year often presents a stability in house prices, particularly in advance of the Autumn Budget, which is typically at the end of October. 

What’s more, the Bank of England base rate recently dropped to four per cent after a reduction of 0.25 per cent in August. This means homebuyers are likely to find better mortgage offers available, making it more affordable for them to buy. 

There are also no major holidays in autumn, so buyers and sellers will not be distracted; lawyers, estate agents and conveyancers will not be on breaks; and the sales process can be smooth and swift. 

According to the Home Owners’ Alliance, October sales are often fast, averaging just 62 days over the last seven years. 

This could be the result of more determined buyers and the urgency to move, as well as there being fewer properties on the market, which makes those that are stand out. 

5) Homebuyers are attracted to cosy houses

Autumn is also a time most of us want to come in out of the cold and snuggle up in the house, which means properties that are made to look cosy will appeal to homebuyers. 

Light your log burner or fireplace, turn on mood lighting, warm up your house with soft furnishings, and light seasonal fragrances, as these will all make your property more attractive to the public. 

Once buyers see how cosy and comfortable your home can be, they will start to picture their Christmas and other special occasions in the house, making a sale a sure bet.