We all know that most properties look their best during the warmer sunnier months of the year and that this is the most popular time of the year to market and buy properties. There is however, an argument that if you like how a property presents itself in winter, you will love it even more in spring and summer.
The business of buying houses is therefore not just limited to the warmer months as some good deals and business can be achieved if you know what to look out for!
Off-market properties
The supply or choice of properties is often more constrained in winter. However there are always ‘off market’ properties where more proactive selling agents who know their vendor clients could be interested in selling. Furthermore, in the less seasonal months there are fewer buyers and as a result less competition, leaving you with every opportunity to negotiate a deal.
Saving time and money on your purchase
During winter months, banks, solicitors, surveyors and property estate agents have lighter workloads than in the busier summer months, which will leave you with quicker turnaround and faster closing times. It can also be quite challenging to find removal companies who are free to move you on your ideal dates than in the busy months, not to mention paying a premium for removals than you would in winter. You might even find moving companies willing to move you at a discounted price.
Picture Perfect
A picture speaks a thousand words. This is true as property pictures on online portals play a pivotal part in deciding whether to actually view a house or not. Pictures taken in winter will give you a good indication as to what to expect or what to look out for when seeing the property in person. If a house looks good in winter it is going to look even better in summer!
Reality checks
Astute buyers will appreciate that a house will look and feel different in Winter. As a potential buyer you will be faced with realities when seeing how a property is affected by the harsh condition of winter. Issues that will affect your decision making or negotiation of the final price could be anything from dark rooms, slippery driveways, mould on walls or overlooked gardens.
Consider the garden
Not only do properties look at their best in the sunnier months, so do the gardens. We all dream of a quintessential English garden in full bloom with delightfully scented flowers, lush freshly mowed grass and alfresco dining. But what does that same garden look like in winter? There are a few things to look out for when viewing your property. Does the garden have a stream and will there be a risk of flooding? Is it a South facing or North facing garden with very little sunlight? Are you faced with overlooking neighbours now that the trees are bare?
For those who are brave enough to pull on a winter coat and get out there to house hunt, wintertime provides a great opportunity to get a clear picture of the actual state of the house and the potential it could offer during summer months. It’s also the perfect time to bag yourself some serious homebuying bargains.
For more information about searching and buying ‘off-market’ properties in Winter, call Premier Property Search 01962 793100 or contact enquiries@premier-propertysearch.co.uk.
