A Guide to Selling Your Home This Winter 2026

Selling your home during the colder months might not be the first option that springs to mind, but winter can actually be a brilliant time to move. With fewer properties on the market and motivated buyers actively searching, your home could stand out beautifully — especially when presented and marketed correctly.

Below, we share expert advice on what to expect from the winter property market, how to get your home sale-ready, and why selling now could work in your favour.

Is Selling in Winter a Good Idea?

Many assume winter slows the market down, but official statistics tell a different story. Tens of thousands of homes are sold every winter, and some of the busiest months for online property searches fall between late December and February. Motivated buyers are still out there — and with fewer competing listings, they could be more focused on your home.

Why Winter Can Be a Smart Choice

There are several advantages to selling during the season:

Less competition – fewer sellers list, so your home gets more attention.
More motivated buyers – viewers braving the cold tend to be serious about moving.
Peak online traffic – darker evenings mean more time spent browsing listings.
Spring advantage – sell now and be ready to move into your new home as spring arrives.

Of course, there are challenges too. Shorter daylight hours and unpredictable weather can make scheduling viewings tricky, and holiday periods may cause slight delays — but with preparation and flexibility, these hurdles are manageable.

Preparing Your Home for Sale

Winter brings unique opportunities to make your property feel warm, welcoming, and inviting to buyers. Small touches can make a big impact:

Boost lighting and open all blinds/curtains
Add cosy blankets and soft furnishings
Ensure heating is on and working efficiently
Use candles or seasonal scents to enhance the atmosphere
Keep entranceways and outdoor paths clear and tidy
Address basic maintenance issues early — leaks, drafts, damp patches, or faulty boilers are more noticeable during winter.

Practical Tips for Winter Viewings

To make the best impression:

Prioritise daytime viewings where possible
Warm every room — including bathrooms and seldom-used spaces
Clear paths, driveways, or ice outside
Keep receipts or guarantees for recent works or appliance services
Be ready to answer questions about heating costs and insulation

Many buyers are more conscious of heating bills and running costs this time of year, so transparency can make your home more appealing.

Plan Ahead to Keep the Move Smooth

Winter can bring minor delays, so it helps to have your team in place early:

Instruct your conveyancer promptly
Get your mortgage agreement in principle
Seek valuations from reputable estate agents
Create a realistic budget
Decide preferred dates for viewings and completion

With fewer overall transactions, some legal companies may even progress cases more quickly.

Is Now the Right Time for You?

Selling in winter isn’t for everyone, and Grey & Co believes in honest guidance. If we don't think selling now is right for you, we’ll say so. But if you're looking for a quieter market, motivated buyers, and less competition — winter could be your window of opportunity.

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