As the festive season lights up our streets, it’s tempting to deck your halls with boughs of holly—and perhaps an inflatable Santa or two. But if your home is on the market this Christmas, those holiday touches could be working against you.

For the estimated 100,000 households selling their homes this Christmas, the advice from property experts is simple: keep your decorations subtle or, better yet, put them away entirely. Why? Because selling a home is all about helping buyers imagine themselves living there, and over-the-top holiday cheer can get in the way.

Why Decorations Can Hurt Your Sale

Holiday decorations are undeniably fun, but they can clash with the goal of selling your home. Buyers need to envision their own furniture, decor, and lives in the space—and a blinking, inflatable snowman in the garden or a room full of tinsel makes that harder.

The key to a successful sale is creating a neutral canvas, and excessive holiday decorations can feel like visual clutter. “Not everyone shares your taste or sense of humour. A blank canvas works best for attracting potential buyers.”

A GetAgent survey found that 24% of buyers are deterred from viewing homes with excessive outdoor Christmas lights. It’s not just about taste; these displays can distract from the home’s best features.

Expert Tips for Selling During the Festive Season

If you’re determined to keep the holiday spirit alive while selling your home, here’s how to strike the right balance:

• Go Minimalist with Decor: Stick to simple, classic touches like white fairy lights or a small, tastefully decorated tree. Avoid gaudy or flashing lights, especially on the exterior.
• Use Subtle Seasonal Scents: Instead of freshly baked bread, try festive scents like cinnamon or mulled wine. They’ll add warmth without overwhelming the senses.
• Avoid Holiday Photos: Don’t have your home photographed with decorations in place. Listings with tinsel and wreaths will feel outdated come January, making your property seem stale.
• Declutter and De-Decorate Early: Keep spaces as open as possible, and take decorations down promptly after the holidays. Leaving them up too long could signal to buyers that other areas of the home, like maintenance, might also be neglected.

Why Selling Over Christmas Can Be an Advantage

While it may seem counterintuitive, listing your home during the holiday season can work in your favour. Here’s why:

• Serious Buyers Only: Buyers willing to view homes over Christmas are often motivated and ready to move.
• Less Competition: Fewer homes are listed during this time, giving your property a better chance to stand out.
• High Online Traffic: Property sites like Rightmove see a dramatic spike in traffic between Christmas and New Year. Last year, there were 51 million visits to Rightmove in just a few days after Boxing Day.

Our Advice: Keep It Simple

At JW Woods, we know that selling your home is a big decision—and timing can be everything. While the festive season offers unique opportunities, it’s important to present your home in the best possible light.

Our top advice? Keep it simple. Minimalist decor, a tidy and neutral space, and a focus on your home’s best features will make it easier for buyers to fall in love with your property. And remember, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Let’s make this holiday season one to remember—for all the right reasons. 🎄

Sourced from The Mail