Spring in the step: Strutt & Parker's experts on how to get the most when selling your house

Spring is traditionally one of the best times to launch a property onto the market, with the weather improved, gardens in full colourful bloom and birds singing their hearts out. According to the experts at Strutt & Parker, sellers who play their cards right this spring could see very good results, although careful preparation is key.

Strutt & Parker’s National Country House Department is one of the most successful and trusted teams in the UK, with expert agents everywhere from Cornwall to Cumbria and up into the Highlands and islands of Scotland. Despite a cloudy economic backdrop, 2026 could still be a fine year for property sales. ‘Buyers and sellers have greater political clarity this year and many who waited on the sidelines last year are in a good position to transact in the months ahead,’ says Matt Henderson from Strutt & Parker’s Research Department.

Indeed, numbers of prospective buyers were up more than 20% year on year in February, and there was also a strong viewing-to-offer ratio. Strutt & Parker has already seen a number of significant country houses come to the market in the first three months of this year.

The demand is certainly there, but buyers are coming to the table more well-informed than ever, which means that sellers must position their property correctly to achieve the best sale possible.

Sensitive pricing is key, according to Oliver Custance Baker, head of the National Country House Department. ‘Too high a figure can cause the home to sit on the market, but a realistic price can attract more interest, helping to create competition, which is more likely to lead to competitive bidding,’ he says.

First impressions also very much count, adds Sarah Cull at Strutt & Parker’s Salisbury office.

‘Take a critical look at your house and remember that small changes can go a long way: a lick of paint, clean windows, a deep clean and a declutter will all help,’ she suggests. ‘Buyers begin their search online, so get your house looking smart and make sure the photographs show it in its best light.’

Another matter to get in hand is your paperwork. As soon as you decide to sell, instruct a good solicitor and ensure you have all the documents you’ll need, from title documentation to planning permissions, building regulation approvals, warranties and maps. Buyers often find this evidence of preparation reassuring. One change agents have seen over the past year is that buyers of larger properties are also asking for evidence of running costs.

Meanwhile, making yourself as proceedable as possible is a great way of getting ahead of the competition, points out Strutt & Parker head of eastern region Sharnie Rogers: ‘Delays can cause buyers to lose interest, so you may need a plan for relocating quickly should you find a buyer keen to proceed at pace.’

Properties that need work require a tactical approach, admits Mr Custance Baker. ‘Buyers remain sensitive to renovation costs and there’s still a preference to steer away from bigger projects,’ he says. Smart advice to sellers is to get ahead by putting any requisite planning permissions in place, or even costing out the project as reassurance.

Strutt & Parker agents have also been advising clients on the advantages of launching on the open market. ‘Experience says the open market is almost always the smartest choice, as it generates interest from multiple buyers, uncovers previously undeclared buyers and shows you’re a motivated seller,’ explains Mr Custance Baker. ‘Securing a good sale is really all about giving buyers confidence.’

If you are considering selling your house, this spring is an excellent time to proceed, with Strutt & Parker agents across the country ready to deliver insight-led and property-specific strategies to put their sellers ahead of the competition.

So whether you’re planning a spring launch or simply exploring your options, the team is on hand to help you to make the most of your property.

Please visit www.struttandparker.com or telephone 020–7591 2213