Q. When should I put my property up for sale?

At the earliest opportunity, and it is advisable that you speak to your preferred estate agent. They will be able to advise you on the best timeframe for selling your property, given the anticipated entry date, and will be well versed on dealing with buyers who are moving into new build properties. Allow yourself ample time to sell your existing property and bear in mind that the property market at this time may well be different from previous occasions when you may have sold property.

Q Are there any useful tips on preparing my home for sale?

Unless you keep your home looking like a new pin, with no outstanding work needed to be done either inside or out, then there are probably things you can do to make your house have additional appeal to prospective buyers.

• Firstly, spend a few weekends doing those outstanding jobs. You may not add a huge amount to the value of your home but it can certainly increase the speed of the sale and may sway the decision of any wavering buyers.
• Treat any serious problems or it is likely to adversely affect the sale of your property.
• Remember that first impressions go a long way, so take into consideration your front garden and entrance.
• Visit our show homes to get some pointers on good techniques for showing the interior of your property in the best possible light.
• One of the strong appeals of new build is that it is in walk-in condition, with little or no work requiring to be done once you move in. This trend is increasing and the majority of buyers today would prefer not to have to do any redecorating in their new home.
• If you have a strong colour scheme, you may wish to change to a more neutral palette of colours so you appeal to as many buyers as possible.
• If you plan to redecorate, bear in mind that ‘a job worth doing is worth doing well’.
• Obviously it goes without saying to make sure the house is clean from top to bottom including skirting, door handles, light switches and windows. Getting your carpets professionally cleaned may also help accelerate a sale.
• Look at your property with a ‘buyers eye’ and, where possible and practical, try to minimize clutter.