BUYContrary to popular belief, Easter is not always a good time to buy or sell property in SW London. Agents have long touted the double Bank Holiday as some sort of property market nirvana but between two and four weeks off school means the families of Battersea and Fulham often up sticks for an overdue holiday or busy themselves with other activities. When launching your property to market, you’ll want the biggest, most engaged audience possible – people who can commit to viewings within 48 hours and follow up their interest with an offer.
While Easter can be a good time to get your property noticed online - we see hit rates on the portals and on Aspire’s own website rise when families get together over the holiday - sellers should not expect too much until at least the Easter weekend is actually over. By waiting, you can capitalise on routines getting back to normal and buyers who are not pre-occupied.
“Easter is the perfect holiday time – poised for skiers to chase the last of the European snow and still cold enough to send many packing for some winter sun,” says Matthew Dabell. “Those who do stay in SW London devote their precious free time to family Easter egg hunts, celebratory lunches and eating their own bodyweight in chocolate, and rightly so. We have found that viewing properties isn’t always high on anyone’s agenda over the actual long Bank Holiday weekend. Fortunately, Easter is early this year so we will no doubt see activity pick up in April.”
A flood of new properties can often hit the market at Easter and some sellers are in the right frame of mind to proceed. “But there’s nothing more frustrating than seeing a house you love - and wanting to make an offer – for the owner to be unavailable for access and decisions,” concludes Matthew. “The message really is ‘don’t bank on the Bank Holidays’. Come and see us when the chocolate eggs have all gone and we will be able to really make the most of the spring market.”
