A property that looks bright and inviting during summer can feel very different once autumn arrives.
Days become shorter, temperatures are less predictable and balconies and gardens require different preparation. Buyers are still judging the same property, but the season changes how they experience it during photographs and viewings.
You cannot control the weather on viewing day. You can make sure the property is ready for it.
Make the Most of the Available Light
Natural light becomes more important as the days get shorter.
Open curtains and blinds fully and clean the windows before photographs and viewings. If possible, arrange appointments when the main rooms receive their best natural light.
Do not rely entirely on daylight either. Table lamps, floor lamps and other existing lights can brighten darker areas of the property.
Prepare for the Weather Before Buyers Arrive
Autumn temperatures can change quickly, so check the forecast before each viewing.
If the day is cold, heat the property early enough for it to feel comfortable when buyers arrive rather than switching the heating on at the last minute.
If the weather is still warm, make sure the property is properly ventilated before the viewing.
Don't Leave Outdoor Maintenance Until the Last Minute
Autumn weather can make last-minute garden work difficult.
For houses, mow the lawn, remove fallen leaves and complete necessary pruning while conditions are suitable rather than planning to do everything the evening before a viewing.
Balconies and terraces deserve the same attention. Remove dead summer plants and unnecessary items so buyers can see the available outdoor space.
If you want to add seasonal colour, chrysanthemums can be grown in garden beds or containers. Cyclamen can be used in pots in sheltered locations, while ornamental kale can be planted in containers or garden beds.
The aim is simply to make the outdoor area look maintained and ready to use.
Complete the Small Repairs Buyers Will Notice
Cracked tiles, broken door handles and chipped cupboards are small defects individually, but several together can make a property appear less well maintained than it really is.
Walk through each room with a notepad before the photography appointment and make a list of anything that needs attention.
Not every property needs renovation before being sold. Small, obvious defects are worth dealing with before buyers begin inspecting it.
Clean and Declutter Before the Photographs
For many buyers, the first viewing happens online.
Clean the property thoroughly and remove unnecessary clutter before the photographer arrives. Pay particular attention to the kitchen, bathrooms, living room and main bedroom.
Furniture should help buyers understand how a room can be used rather than make it difficult to see the available space.
Then check the finished photographs before the listing goes live. The first image needs to give someone a reason to open the listing, while the remaining photographs should give an accurate impression of the property.
Know What Buyers Will Compare Your Property With
Before marketing begins, look at similar properties currently available in the area. Compare their asking prices, condition, presentation and features with your own.
This does not tell you what those properties will eventually sell for. It tells you what alternatives a buyer will see when deciding which homes are worth viewing.
If your apartment is one of several properties a buyer is considering around the same price, its condition and presentation need to justify its position among those alternatives.
Autumn does not require completely different rules for selling a property. It simply makes certain details harder to ignore.
Prepare for shorter days and changing weather, complete the maintenance before you need to, and make sure the property is ready before the first photograph or viewing takes place.