With summer in full swing, the UK continues to experience some of the hottest temperatures on record.
Sellers hoping to attract potential buyers during the hot and humid weather need to make sure their properties are ready to face these conditions.
The summer housing market is typically a busy one because families tend to use this time to prepare for the new school year and are eager to move before it commences.
The Office for National Statistics reveals that house prices have risen by 12.8% over the past year. With the average property now worth £283,000, £32,000 more than a year ago, sellers do not want to miss out on securing a sale.
To prevent the humidity and heat from deterring prospective buyers from visiting homes, sellers can put these measures in place.
Open doors and windows at specific times
A simple solution to cooling down the home is to open the windows, but what most are not aware of is the time of day that this is done can determine how much cooler the room gets.
Throughout most of the year, UK weather is comprised of rain and cooler temperature. For this reason, homes in the UK are built to keep heat in rather than deflecting it, and making the home cooler can be a bit of a mission, especially when temperatures are extremely hot.
A little-known fact is that windows heat the air inside the home. As a result, opening windows at the wrong time can allow warm air to circulate around the property.
By closing windows and blinds in the morning, sellers can shield their properties from direct sunlight and heat. When the weather starts to get cooler throughout the day, sellers should open the windows.
By keeping the windows closed during the morning and open when the temperature drops later in the daytime, sellers can avoid circulating warm air throughout their homes during property visits.
Purchase a fan or air conditioner
Air conditioning units help to make the home less humid as they extract the moisture from the room.
Keeping doors open can also help to let the air conditioning circulate around the home and keep all of the rooms nice and cool for property visits.
Fans circulate the air in the home, but these should be used correctly as they may cause hot air to circulate.
Depending on the size and different settings of the fan, some may be more effective than others. For larger rooms, sellers should opt for larger fans as they are more powerful than smaller ones.
Sellers should be mindful of how long they keep their fans and air conditioning on because excessive use can ramp up electric bills and a setting that is too cool could also put buyers off. Try to keep these devices on a timer and set a medium temperature that is not too overbearing for viewers.
Put plants inside the home
Houseplant staging is not only a great way to make the property look more attractive during a house visit, but research shows they can help alter the temperature indoors.
NASA’s earth science study reveals that the process of photosynthesis helps plants to alter the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Research shows that plants including palms, Chinese evergreen, and ficus benjamina have a cooling effect and are able to improve the humidity indoors.
Turn off lights and appliances
Lights that are not in use should be switched off as light bulbs have an impact on the temperature in the home.
The amount of heat a lightbulb gives off depends on the type. Statistics show that between 90% and 98% of the energy from incandescent bulbs is emitted as heat.
Electrical appliances also create additional heat when they are on. By switching these off when they are not in use, rooms can be kept cool.
All throughout the year our experienced estate agents are available to lend a helping hand. Here at Kings Group, we can help you to get the most from the sale of your home, whether it’s the height of summer of the depths of winter.
For more information on how we can assist you on your sales journey, please contact one of our branches in Essex, London or Hertfordshire today. We also offer a free and instant online valuation to give you an idea of how much your home could be worth on the current market.
