New Year is the time when many of us make bold resolutions to improve our lives. Whether we decide to get a new job, buy a new car or move home, it often takes a couple of months to turn those early January dreams into action.
That might be why Rightmove claims that spring is the best time to sell a property. Drawing on five years of research into buyer numbers, the property portal has revealed that March is the busiest month for viewings, closely followed by April and May. Peak moving time for renters tends to happen later in the year, but both our Ilford estate agents and our estate agents in Wanstead regularly see applicant numbers rise in springtime.
So, if you are planning on staging your home to sell or rent, it’s advisable to get the ball rolling now.
How can I increase my property’s value?
A well-presented property attracts more attention and often commands a higher sale price (or rent). Our home staging tips and home improvement suggestions will not only improve the look of your property, but they should also help to increase its value.
This month, we have been busy gathering the latest advice from interior designers and property industry experts. We’ve been exploring decorating ideas to consider in 2024 and discovering the must-have features that buyers will be looking for this year.
Home decorating trends
Maximalism is an interior fashion that attracted a lot of attention last year. The hallmarks of this trend are strong, clashing patterns, gold detailing and eclectic design features, all carefully combined to create a visually exciting and expressive space.
However, when you are staging a house or apartment with a view to selling or renting, it’s advisable to tone things down a little. While it’s great to keep up to date with fashion, it’s also important to create a space that works for a range of different tastes.
‘Quiet luxury’ is something you may hear a lot about in the coming months, and it’s a style that should appeal to everyone. Vogue says this trend swaps flashy design motifs such as statement couches, fake fur throws and neon lights for a softer look. Expect to see textured fabrics, wooden furniture in rich, dark colours and quieter patterns for curtains and upholstery.
Follow Must-have indoor features
The ‘Zoom room’ has gained in popularity since 2020, and a home office space is still high on home buyers’ and renters’ wish lists.
If you don’t already work from home, you can showcase your property’s versatility by creating a space that can be used as an office. This could be your dining room, a small third bedroom or even a nook under the stairs big enough to take a desk and chair.
While an office room can increase a home’s value, permanently converting a bedroom for that purpose may actually reduce your property’s worth. It’s far better to keep the room as a dual-purpose space. Using specially designed furniture that folds up or packs away is an ideal solution, as it allows you to return the room to its original function when required.
There is a wealth of smart gadgets and appliances that also have the potential to make your property more attractive to buyers or renters. Consider installing features such as Ring doorbells, smart door locks, remotely operated security cameras, smart lighting systems and Nest thermostats. These handy tech systems allow householders to stay in control, whether they are at home or out and about.
Saving energy
We all suffered from ‘eye-wateringly’ high energy bills last year, and this year will be no different. The energy price cap rose by 5 per cent on 1st January, taking typical usage up to £1,928 per year.
That’s why home movers will be looking for energy efficient properties this year. Good insulation well-fitted windows and doors – in fact, anything that keeps draughts out and bills down – will be popular.
Buyers or renters who view your property will be looking for signs that you take energy saving seriously. So it’s advisable to replace old heating systems with ‘green’ heating solutions such as heat pumps or more energy-efficient boilers and radiators.
If you’ve made energy saving improvements, make sure that your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is updated. Currently, your EPC should rate no lower than an ‘E’ for a rental property (unless it is exempt).
Selling or letting in 2024?
If you want to make the most of your home sale or rental property in central and east London, it makes sense to consult an estate agent with deep local knowledge. Oakland Estates has offered an unrivalled service level to sellers, landlords, property buyers and tenants in this area for almost 30 years.
We’d love to be a part of your plans for 2024, so why not get in touch?
Give us a call at 0203 972 7341 or email info@oaklandestates.co.uk.
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