Kensington modular double chaise in grey, £2,699 (bridgman.co.uk)
Ask any seasoned seller and they’ll tell you – timing matters. But while we all know to aim for the spring bounce or beat the Christmas lull, new research from Zoopla suggests that when it comes to listing your home, the season might be worth more than you think. In fact, some properties could fetch over £20,000 more simply by playing to the weather.
According to the study, which surveyed over 100 estate agents across the UK, summer is prime time for properties with outdoor appeal. Features such as a south-facing garden, swimming pool, or al fresco entertaining space come into their own under blue skies – with valuations rising accordingly.
Homes with balconies, air conditioning and hot tubs also see their value peak during the warmer months, while houses that tick all the summer lifestyle boxes – garden, pool, entertaining space, cooling – could be worth over £22,000 more if sold now rather than in, say, November.
Half of homeowners admit they were swayed by a property’s seasonal features
Top: RHS Hampton Court by Garden House Design. Bottom: Kensington oval dining table with 8 dining armchairs, £5,499 Bridgman
This, says Zoopla, is driven not only by estate agents’ market predictions, but by buyer behaviour. Nearly half of homeowners admit they were swayed by a property’s seasonal features at the time of purchase. For those who bought in spring or summer, a lush garden or a tempting terrace held powerful appeal, with 65 per cent admitting they paid more for those elements. And the average uplift? A not insignificant £27,000. It’s no surprise then that timing your listing can be a strategic move – particularly if you’ve invested in garden design, a pool or an outdoor kitchen.
Of course, the pattern flips in winter. Cosy features like a wood-burning fireplace, an Agastyle cooker or underfloor heating take centre stage, with agents noting similar bumps in perceived value when the temperature drops. But right now, with long evenings and garden party season in full swing, it’s the outdoors that does the heavy lifting.
For sellers, the takeaway is simple: think about your home’s seasonal strengths and plan accordingly. Got a sunny balcony and views? Now’s your moment.
Tucked-away courtyard perfect for evening drinks? Sell while the daylight’s still on your side. For buyers, the inverse applies. If you’ve got your eye on a winter-ready bolthole with a roaring fi re and acres of insulation, summer might be your window for a smart deal. Likewise, if you’re house-hunting in August, be aware of how the season might be influencing your judgement – and your budget.
Ultimately, whether you’re selling a sprawling family home in Hampstead or a compact pied-àterre in the City, knowing when to go to market could make a serious difference to your bottom line. And while we can’t control the weather, we can make the most of it.
