Spruce up your Chichester home for a spring sale

People looking to buy homes in Chichester and in the surrounding areas will be pleasantly surprised during the spring season, as this cathedral city blooms at this time of year - as do local residents’ gardens.

Spring is also the most popular time to sell a property, as buyers ramp up the number of viewings they undertake in hope of completing before high summer or, if you’re a family, before the start of a new school year in September.

There are some top tips and tricks to get your home looking its finest this spring, designed to entice interest and achieve the best possible offer.

Put some spring into your front step
First impressions certainly count and not only will any exterior image likely be the lead on a property listing, but it’s the first thing potential buyers will see when they view your home. Consider revitalising your front of house, including your door, garden gate, driveway and any lawn - this will ensure your façade looks well-maintained and not in need of immediate improvements. A quick lick of paint, some pots of colourful spring plants, a new welcome mat and speedy jet wash might be all you need.

Realise your garden’s potential
Even though the great British weather never fails to shock with wintry showers and gales at any time of year, you should still remove any signs of the colder months from your rear garden. Sweeping away leaves and debris is a given but you also need to clear away any junk that’s accumulated over the winter.

When thinking about gardening, don’t think about your interests but those of the people who will likely live there after you. Extravagant flower beds are not for everyone and research suggests that easy-to-maintain gardens are preferred. So keep it simple and seek help from local garden centres in and around Chichester to create an attractive but low maintenance garden.

Emphasise summer suitability 
A lot of buyers will be dreaming of long summer evenings, al fresco dining and BBQs while watching their children play - and you need to sell that dream to them with a bit of home staging!

Uncover your garden furniture, give it a spring clean and dress it with cushions and lanterns. If you have an awning attached to the side of the house that will stay after the sale, roll it out a little to show the benefit, and open any patio or bifold doors to bring the outside in.

Inside, the candle-lit cosy corners that we were drawn to in the winter need to be replaced by light, bright and airy spaces suitable for warmer months. Replace chunky blankets and throws with lightweight linens; swap festive fragrances for spring scents; and ditch the Christmas poinsettia in favour of a colourful floral posey. You may even want to strategically place a stylish glass jug of lemonade on the side before photos are taken or viewings start.

No two people will have the same taste but with a small investment in some key spring accessories, sellers can still help buyers imagine what a lovely place the property will be in the summer. There are several independent furniture and homewares retailers in Chichester who could help.

Add the Chichester touch
It’s likely that potential buyers of your property are moving to Chichester from outside the area, so as well as selling your home, you need to sell the location. 
There are so many great things to do for people of any age with varied interests, especially in the warmer months from outdoor activities and stately home tours to art festivals, museums and leisure complexes.

Help people uncover the wonders of West Sussex by placing leaflets on your hallway sideboard or pinning postcards to your noticeboard. Consider displaying some framed artwork of the local area or photos of you enjoying local experiences, such as sailing, walking or cycling.

For a personalised approach to selling your Chichester home during spring, contact the friendly sales team at White & Brooks.