Homeowners hoping to sell this year are being advised to act swiftly, as research from the House Buyer Bureau reveals that most Britons prefer summer viewings over those later in the year.
Indeed, experts warned that more than 80 per cent of Britons are put off when doing a house viewing in the dark.
This preference for daylight viewings could significantly impact sales as autumn approaches.
Commenting on the data, property experts from St. Modwen Homes cautioned that 84 per cent of Britons say darkness "kills" viewings.
Consequently, properties listed during spring and summer months sell 12 days faster on average than those marketed in October and November.
With 54 per cent of buyers less likely to arrange evening viewings after the clocks change in October, the autumn market traditionally experiences a slowdown.
This forces many sellers to depend solely on weekend viewings, limiting their opportunities to attract potential buyers.
With just two months of summer remaining, property expert Alison MacLean from St. Modwen Homes has shared five essential tips to help sellers capitalise on the remaining weeks of lighter evenings.
Her advice focused on practical strategies that leverage natural light and seasonal advantages to create more appealing viewings and speed up sales.
The recommendations range from maximising indoor-outdoor living spaces to strategic timing of property viewings.
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|'Help set the scene for relaxing or entertaining on warm evenings'
Maximise the feel of indoor-outdoor living
"Sell that summer dream and show how your home can flow seamlessly from inside to out," Alison advised.
This can be easily achieved by opening patio doors during viewings, styling balconies or gardens as extra living spaces, and positioning outdoor furniture to give a sociable feel.
"Help set the scene for relaxing or entertaining on warm evenings," the expert concluded.
Showcase your home in the best light
Alison recommended taking a strategic approach to house-viewing slots.
"Take advantage of summer's golden hour [the last hour of daylight before sunset] by scheduling viewings in the early evenings after work, when natural light hits your garden just right and floods the rooms," she told sellers.
This simple trick makes for a "warm, inviting atmosphere", where a prospective buyer instantly feels at home.
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|Aim for golden-hour viewings, but avoid lunchtimes at all costs
Avoid midday summer slots
If you can't secure a viewing for golden hour, do what you can to avoid lunchtime...
The property guru explained: "It's well-known that Brits struggle in the summer heat. We're poorly prepped for anything above 25°C, and without air conditioning, midday temperatures on warm days will make your home feel stuffy, creating an unsettling mood within viewers."
Tap into seasonal colours and fabrics
"Styling is an essential part of engaging a homebuyer's imagination," Alison advised.
"Take advantage of the summer season and incorporate fresh colours like butter yellow and powder blue, light fabrics, and fresh flowers to liven up spaces."
Use mirrors to amplify light and space
Don't underestimate the power of a well-placed mirror, the expert told homeowners. They bounce natural light around your home and "instantly make rooms feel bigger and brighter".
This hack works wonders in cosier living areas, hallways, or north-facing spaces that don't get as much direct sunlight. It helps keep your home feeling light and open, even on cloudier summer days.
Alison concluded: "Golden hour isn’t just for Instagram – it can seal a sale. That warm evening light helps buyers picture themselves living there, which is half the battle.
"Combined with a few simple and easy touches, it can make your sale much faster and smoother."