Deciding when you want to sell your house can be a difficult decision. Every homeowner is asking themselves the same question - is it better to sell now or wait?

The property experts at Martin & Co advise that you should list your home for sale when the maximum number of buyers are actively looking. Over the last five years, Google searches for "selling your home" have peaked by an average of 56% between mid December and January, showing that typically there is a surge of interest around Boxing Day.

Boxing Day was once renowned for crowds at high street shops, but everything has since moved online, including the housing market. When Christmas Day passes, interest in looking for a new home spikes as people look for a fresh start in the new year. 

The Boxing Day rush is not as commonly known as other events, such as Black Friday, but if you are considering selling your property, then winter is a great time to start the process. 

When do UK homeowners feel is the best time to sell?

Research conducted by Martin & Co concluded that 74% of UK homeowners were unaware of the Boxing Day rush, meaning that many vendors could be missing out on a potentially good time to sell.

When asked if they knew that winter was a good time to start the sales process, 71% said they were not.

When asked about when is the right time to sell, 65% of respondents said that they felt the right time would be when it's right for them and their families. A further 29% said they would sell when the market is busiest and they're likely to profit the most.

The property experts at Martin & Co reveal the six things you can do now to get your home ready for sale in the new year.

6 things to get your home ready for sale 

Getting a property 'For sale ready' can take longer than you think.

The sales process can be long, and you may experience setbacks, so it's best to be prepared and get things done in advance so you have the luxury of time to decide whether selling is right for you.

1. Home improvements

Preparing your home for sale is the first step in selling your home. Make a list of what needs fixing, replacing or tidying and begin to work through the curated list. Tackling an area at a time will make the process easier and less time consuming, such as solely focusing on the garden before working on the kitchen.

Simple and inexpensive home improvements can increase your property's value and make it more appealing to buyers, helping it sell faster and for a better price.

1. Find a good agent

Selling your home can be a stressful process, and having an estate agent will help streamline the process for yourself. They play a significant role in selling your home smoothly for the right price by providing invaluable legal advice; accurately valuing your home; advertising it effectively, and having the skills to negotiate on your behalf. 

1. Get a valuation

Arranging a property valuation is next on your to-do list. The valuator will inspect the property based on size and number of rooms, fixtures and fittings, and both the condition and age of the property. Your agent will then be able to tell you how much your home is worth and help scope the budget for your new home. 

1. Set the right asking price

To successfully sell your property, one of the most significant factors is the asking price. If the price is too high, you may struggle to attract buyers. In contrast, if the price is set too low, you will not receive the best value for your home. 

Finding the right price ensures that your home is competitive in the market, attracts serious buyers, and increases the chances of a successful and profitable sale.

1. Find a good solicitor

By having a conveyancing solicitor, you will not need to worry about the legal side of selling your home as they ensure everything is correct and that nothing goes wrong. A good solicitor can save you from problems such as hidden issues with the property or paperwork mistakes. 

Your conveyancer can also run property searches for your new home to confirm you receive no surprises, such as being in a high flood risk area.

1. Stage your house for photos and viewings

Staging your house when you're selling is advisable because it ensures your home looks its absolute best. It gives the viewer the best first impression of the property, whether that viewing is online or in person, and can sell a lifestyle to the viewer(s). Staging can often lead to quicker sales and potentially higher offers, so it's a valuable step in the selling process.

Martin & Co has helped thousands of homeowners throughout the UK with their move. To start your journey, get in touch with your local branch today.