Shorter days, colder temperatures, and grey skies can make it challenging to present your home at its best in winter. But don’t fret, because creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere for winter home viewings is easier than you might think.
As a homeowner, you want potential buyers to feel warm and welcome from the moment they step through the door to your home. So, the team at Shinerocks has come up with 15 top tips (and a few unexpected tricks) to help your home stand out in the winter market, attracting buyers looking for a property in Purley, Croydon & Greater London.
First impressions matter! Make sure your entrance sets the tone. Consider adding a doormat with a welcoming winter design and a seasonal wreath on your front door. Keeping the pathway clear of snow, ice, or leaves is crucial for both safety and presentation. If you have an exterior porch light, a soft amber bulb can create a warm and charming glow.
There’s nothing worse than walking into a cold house during winter. Ensure your heating is on before viewings, creating a toasty environment, and if you have a log burner or open fire, make sure you light it! This warmth will encourage potential buyers to linger, helping them imagine themselves living there. A programmable thermostat is a great addition if you have multiple viewings, plus, it hints at energy efficiency. If you're looking to sell your property in Purley, Croydon & Greater London, this small touch can leave a lasting impact.
Every home can benefit from a dedicated cosy spot. Whether it’s a reading nook with a comfy chair, a crackling fireplace, or a thick, inviting rug, showcasing a designated ‘cosy corner’ makes the home feel like a sanctuary. Layering textures like throws, pillows, and knitted fabrics adds to this ambience, so potential buyers can envision themselves curling up in the space with a good book, a hot chocolate or a glass of wine.
Appealing to the senses is crucial for creating a homely feel. While fresh flowers work well all year round, using scent strategically can be just as powerful. Think cinnamon, cloves, and baked apples, or mulled wine on the stove during viewings. Alternatively, if it's safe to do so and it won't be left unattended, light a scented candle before viewings. It’s simple yet effective for creating an atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression. The right scents can transform any property for sale in Purley, Croydon & Greater London into an inviting, memorable home.
Natural light may be limited, but artificial lighting can work wonders in winter. Layer your lighting using floor lamps, table lamps, and soft wall lights. Ensure no room feels dim or shadowy, particularly during late afternoon and evening viewings. Opt for warm-toned lightbulbs to give off a more comfortable, intimate glow. Flameless candles (for safety) can be placed in fireplaces or on side tables to enhance the feeling of warmth.
If you are present during viewings, why not treat visitors to a little warmth on a cold day? Offering comforting drinks like hot chocolate can set you apart. This simple hospitality gesture will help make your property stick in buyers’ memories long after they’ve left. Not going to be present for viewings? Simply leave a tray of goodies on the kitchen worktop for your viewers.
Curtains and blinds should always be pulled wide open during daylight hours in winter to let in as much natural light as possible. As the sun sets, think about using heavier curtains with a warm pattern or rich colours for a snug feel. Window dressings can often change the entire feel of a room and enhance its cosiness.
Winter can bring mud and moisture indoors. Regularly clean the porch, hallway, and carpets to ensure potential buyers aren’t put off by grubbiness. Cleanliness enhances the ‘move-in-ready’ feel - always a strong selling point!
Seasonal touches can help create a strong emotional connection with viewers. Think fairy lights, understated garlands, or a simple bowl of pinecones. But, avoid anything too flashy or gaudy. Minimalistic but tasteful is key!
In winter, features like double glazing, insulation, and efficient heating systems become even more important to your viewers. Energy costs can be a big concern in winter, so demonstrating the energy-saving capabilities of your property in Purley, Croydon & Greater London is a smart move.
If you have a fireplace, make sure it’s clean and lit (or at least staged with logs and flameless candles). This feature can be a huge selling point and one that can add instant charm during winter home viewings. Modern or traditional, a fireplace makes any room more memorable.
In winter, swap lighter fabrics for more plush materials. Cushions, velvet throws, or faux fur blankets can elevate the look of a room - especially the sitting room and bedrooms, making them more appealing and cosy. Your aim? To make viewers feel tempted to sink into a comfy seat when they enter the room!
If you have a garden, decking, or patio area, stage it to show potential buyers how they might enjoy this space even in winter. Add an outdoor heater or a firepit, and string some lights up to showcase the area as an extension of your cosy interior.
Mirrors can reflect both natural and artificial light around a room, making the space feel bigger and brighter. Strategically placed mirrors can also enhance the wintery feel, reflecting twinkling lights or the glow of a flameless candle.
Finally, ensure that the safety of viewers is paramount in winter. Pathways should be clear of ice, well-lit, and safe for viewings during the darker evenings. Accessibility and safety are small details that can make a big difference to potential buyers.
Creating a cosy atmosphere during winter viewings helps prospective buyers see your property as their future home. At Shinerocks, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’d like more tips or to arrange a valuation, get in touch with us today on 020 8660 2010 or email enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk.
In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about winter home viewings
Focus on warmth, lighting, and small seasonal touches to create a welcoming atmosphere.
Yes, ensure your home is warm for visitors. A toasty temperature makes the home feel more inviting.
Use scents like cinnamon or baked goods to create a homely, memorable experience for buyers.
Minimal seasonal decor can be effective, but avoid clutter or over-the-top displays.
Show buyers how they can still enjoy outdoor spaces by staging areas with heaters or fire pits.
Absolutely. Good lighting makes spaces feel bigger, warmer, and more appealing, particularly in winter.
Use the form to send us your questions and we'll respond as quickly as possible.
You can also call us on 020 8660 2010, or email enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk.
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