DESPITE spring and summer remaining the busiest times for the property market, contrary to popular belief, there are actually many good reasons to sell a home in the winter months.

Kevin Shaw, national sales director at property specialist Leaders, said: “Winter may typically be cold and dark, but the property market at this time of the year is remarkably bright.

“A good number of property sales are arranged and completed during the period between November and February and the market is certainly becoming less seasonal with every passing year.

“With relatively few distractions for buyers and less competition, winter is now an excellent time to put your home on the market.”

Kevin has identified three reasons that make winter the perfect time to sell:

1) Serious buyers with no distractions

Winter tends to attract only determined buyers, whereas those who are uncertain about buying may choose to look around properties in the warmer months. Only committed movers do so in winter. This means you can be confident viewers are serious about your home and have the ability to make an offer. There are also few distractions at this time of the year to disrupt moving plans.

2) Festive boom in online searches

Major property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla are incredibly busy over the Christmas and new year period. Last year, Rightmove recorded a surge in visitors from Boxing Day onwards, reaching a peak of almost three million on the first working day in January. People who get their property on the market in November and December are in pole position when it comes to taking advantage of this spike in buyer activity.

3) Less competition

Winter typically sees fewer properties on the market than spring and summer, but with serious buyers still searching it can actually be easier to agree a sale as there is less competition from rival sellers.

Kevin added: “Winter may be a great time to sell, but you still need to prepare your property in the right way to appeal to buyers.

“Aim to create a warm and cosy welcome and allow as much light in as possible.

“First impressions also count for plenty so don’t let the weather put you off a spot of gardening or DIY to the front of your home.

“Doing so will put you in a great position to achieve a quick sale at a great price.”

For more information and advice on selling your property, contact your local Leaders branch or visit leaders.co.uk