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Why now is a good time to put your home on the market - and why presentation makes all the difference
- Sue & Claire
- 25 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Many people assume that the only good time to sell a house is Spring or Summer. However that’s not necessarily the case.
Whatever the time of year, there will always be a certain number of people looking to move house, for example relocating because of work or family.
Not only that, but because of the long lead times involved in selling a house, people looking to move in the Spring of 2026 may well be on the lookout for a property now.
A quieter market – but serious buyers
In the UK right now, average house prices (outside of London at least), continue to show a modest upward trend – according to recent data, the average UK home price reached about £300k, with average prices in the Cotswolds currently running at around £447k which represents an annual increase of around 1.3%
In the Cotswolds, demand continues to hold steady, driven by the attraction of good transport links, good schools, and an attractive environment. Much of the demand for property in this area comes from people relocating from other parts of the UK and even from abroad (there is a lot of interest currently from US based buyers).
At the time of writing, it is true to say that there is a degree of uncertainty in the market due to the upcoming budget, and this is having a disproportionate effect on the market for larger homes.
However, if you are looking to sell your house within the next few months, this in itself is not necessarily a reason to wait.
What it does mean is that buyers in general will tend to be more cautious, and more picky. Houses that are poorly presented will tend to be overlooked in favour of properties that are in good condition and ready to move into with a minimum of work needed.
Boxing Day traffic surge: your opportunity
The post-Christmas period brings a well-documented window of opportunity. Rightmove recorded its busiest ever Boxing Day in December 2024, with:
26% more new listings compared to Boxing Day 2023. Rightmove+2Rightmove+2
20% more enquiries to estate agents on that day (the platform recorded highest ever visits and enquiries). Rightmove
Buyer demand jumped strongly between Christmas Day and Boxing Day — one dataset noted a 273% increase in enquiries in that period. Rightmove+1
What this means: If your home is well-presented and listed at the right time, you can tap into a wave of motivated viewers who are actively searching, often with a “new year, new home” mindset.
Less competition, more focus on your home
With some sellers holding off because of uncertainty or delaying their listing until January, your house has an opportunity to stand out from the competition. And while it is true that shorter days and the cooler weather bring certain challenges in terms of managing viewings, a house that’s well presented (warm, inviting, and well maintained) will definitely stand out.
The emotional pull of a cosy, well-presented home
Think about how you feel when you walk into a home on a crisp afternoon: natural light dwindling, the kettle going, a soft glow in the living room. It triggers a feeling of comfort and shelter which can be very appealing to potential buyers, and which you can use to your advantage.
In fact, our very own Claire recalls that she first viewed her current home in Bourton on the Water just before Christmas. Despite being on the smaller side, the house stood out because it was so cosy and inviting – the fire was lit, the lighting was soft and welcoming, and it was nicely presented. It seemed like it had great potential as a family home and indeed it has proved to be just that.
Presentation checklist for the season
Kerb appeal still counts: Even though the garden may not look its best at this time of year, viewers will still be interested in its potential, especially the front garden/approach to the house. Sweep up fallen leaves, make sure the area around the door or porch is clean and clear of weeds, and make sure the exterior is lit for late afternoon/evening viewings. A planter or subtle seasonal ornament can also add a nice touch.
Maximise light: Dark days can make houses feel gloomy especially north facing rooms so make sure curtains are open and blinds are pulled back, trim back any overgrown vegetation outside the windows, and make sure that you have plenty of good lighting (think in terms of lamps rather than “the big light”).
Temperature and aroma: Make sure the home feels comfortable and that all the rooms are heated to the same level (not cold but not overly hot or stuffy). Use a dehumidifier or even better open windows to let in fresh air and let out any smells. Avoid too much artificial scent such as candles or air fresherner which can be overpowering.
Declutter, declutter, declutter – whatever the time of year, this is critical for selling your home. Make sure that work surfaces are clear, that papers are put away, and that overly personal items are minimised, to leave rooms feeling spacious and calming.
Small seasonal touches: Maybe this is not the time to go overboard with your Christmas decorations, keep it simple and uncluttered. Perhaps add some seasonal touches such as a warm throw on the sofa, or a vase of winter foliage.
Keeping the home ready during the selling process
Living in your home while it’s on the market is a juggling act. Here are realistic habits to adopt:
Daily reset: Each morning, spend 5–10 minutes making the bed, opening the curtains, flinging open the windows to air the rooms, and giving each room a quick tidy.
Clutter basket: Keep a stylish basket near the front door or in a common area — pop in personal items, paperwork, shoes etc before viewings. Kids can have their own "clutter basket" for quick playroom or bedroom tidy ups.
Smell check: Avoid cooking heavily scented meals just before viewings. Air the home regularly; run fresh water in the sink to remove any stagnant odours.
Focus upkeep on important areas: If you only have time for one extra tidy-up, make it the hallway, living room and kitchen.
Final word
If you’re thinking of selling now, go ahead. But - if you are going to sell, don’t half-present your home.
You only have one chance to make a first impression, so make sure you put in the effort to show if off to it’s full advantage.
Once a house has been on Rightmove for a while you can get "buyer fatigue" so make sure it is well presented and that you are working with a good estate agent who will price it realistically and market it well.
Need some help getting your home market-ready?
If you are thinking that the idea of selling your home seems overwhelming, don’t worry, we can help.
We’ve been helping people across the Cotswolds make the most of their homes since 2015, and we love helping homeowners to get their house “market ready”.
The first step in staging your home for sale is to book a free, no obligation consultation with us in your home. This way we can get a sense of how the property currently looks and feels.
Following the consultation we will give you our key recommendations for how to go about preparing your home for sale.
Following this consultation, you can then decide if you would like us to help with some or all of the process, such as:
Decluttering
Reorganising your furniture to make better use of the space
Designing new styling and decor schemes where appropriate
Sourcing and supplying new accessories or decorative items
"Dressing" the rooms ready for the photos
If this sounds like something you would find it helpful, just get in touch to book a visit. We look forward to hearing from you!
New Leaves - Professional Organising and Home Staging
Tel Claire on +44 7720887205
Tel Sue on +44
Instagram @newleavesinteriors
Occupied Home Staging: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can I stage my home while still living in it?
A: Absolutely. It’s about creating a clean, welcoming space buyers can imagine themselves living in — without turning your life upside down. With the right systems, you can live comfortably while keeping things tidy for viewings.
Q: What’s the difference between staging an empty home and an occupied one?
A: Empty homes are staged using hired furniture to show scale and style. Occupied staging works with what you already have — rearranging, refining, and sometimes adding small touches to elevate the space without making it feel artificial.
Q: Where do I start with staging?
A: Decluttering is your first move. Clear off surfaces, pack away personal items, and store anything you don’t need day-to-day. Buyers want to see the space, not your belongings.
Q: Do I need to stage every room?
A: Yes — every room should have a clear purpose. Leaving some rooms cluttered or disorganised can make your home seem smaller than it is and will detract from the overall effect.
Q: Is home staging worth it?
A: Absolutely! All the evidence suggests that homes that have been staged for sale will tend to sell more quickly and for a higher price than those that haven't.
Q: How can I prepare for last-minute viewings?
A: Keep a simple checklist handy. Open curtains, wipe surfaces, fluff cushions, empty bins, and stash clutter in a basket or car boot. Quick wins make a big difference.
Q: What should I remove from the house?
A: Oversized furniture, exercise gear, or piles of paperwork can make rooms feel cramped. If possible store them away to open up the space.
Q: Should I remove all personal items?
A: Not everything — just enough to create a neutral canvas. Tone down family photos and bold décor, but leave in a few accessories and flowers to keep things warm and homely.
Q: How do I keep it all up without stress?
A: Once the major declutter is done, set up easy routines. You’ll find it much easier to stay “viewing-ready” without feeling like you’re in a showroom.
Q: This is overwhelming - can you help?
A: Yes of course we can - just get in touch to book your free consultation.
Sue and Claire have been helping people across the Cotswolds transform their homes and properties since 2015. Whether staging to sell, or organising to live, we can help.
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