By Nikki Bowes, Head of Sales at Pilgrims Sales & Lettings
There’s something rather lovely about autumn. The evenings start to draw in, the children are back at school, the first pumpkin-spiced coffee mysteriously appears in everyone’s hands, and suddenly we’re all thinking about getting organised again.
For many homeowners, that also means thinking about moving.
September and October can be an important time in the property market, as buyers return from summer holidays, family routines settle back down and those who have been quietly scrolling through property portals all summer decide that this might finally be the year. Current regional market commentary suggests that buyer activity can pick up as we head into autumn, although purchasers remain discerning and value-conscious.
So, if you’re considering putting your home on the market this autumn, what can you do now to make sure it is looking its very best?
Start with a little family declutter
We know. Decluttering is nobody’s favourite job.Especially when you discover that the children have somehow accumulated 47 soft toys, three scooters and enough artwork to fill the Tate Modern.
But when selling, less really can be more. Buyers need to be able to picture themselves living in your home, so clearing worktops, hallways and floors can make rooms feel larger, lighter and more inviting.
You don’t have to make your home look like a show home. It should still feel like a home. Just perhaps a slightly tidier version of the home you normally inhabit!
A useful rule is to pack away anything you haven’t used for six months. If you haven’t opened that cupboard since the last general election, chances are you probably won’t miss what’s inside.
Let there be light!
Autumn brings beautiful golden light, but it also brings earlier sunsets.Make the most of every bit of natural light by cleaning windows, opening curtains and blinds fully and keeping window areas as uncluttered as possible. Then, as the afternoons get darker, turn on lamps before viewings so your home feels warm and welcoming rather than like the setting for a particularly gloomy detective drama.
If you have a fireplace, wood burner or cosy family room, make the most of it. Buyers aren't simply looking at square footage – they’re imagining Sunday mornings, Christmases, children growing up and evenings spent together.
That emotional connection can be incredibly powerful.
Don't forget the garden
Yes, summer may be winding down, but your garden still matters.Give lawns a final tidy, sweep paths and patios, trim anything that has become enthusiastic over the summer and add a few pots of seasonal colour. Even if the weather isn't perfect, buyers will want to see that the outside space is usable and cared for.
And if you have children, don’t panic if there’s evidence of family life. A football, swing or few toys are perfectly acceptable. A garden should look like somewhere people actually enjoy spending time.
Make those little jobs disappear
Every home has them.The dripping tap. The sticking door. The loose cupboard handle. The lightbulb that hasn't worked since approximately 2019.
Before photographs and viewings, take an afternoon to tackle those little jobs. They may seem insignificant, but small maintenance issues can distract buyers from the things you really want them to notice.
And if there’s something you know needs attention, be upfront about it. Good estate agency is about honest advice, not pretending that every house is perfect.
Think like a buyer
Before launching your property, walk through your home as though you’ve never seen it before.What do you notice when you walk through the front door?
Does the hallway feel welcoming? Is the kitchen clean and clear? Are bedrooms calm and comfortable? Does the home smell fresh? Is the outside space easy to imagine using?
Then ask someone you trust for their honest opinion – preferably someone who won't be too polite!
At Pilgrims, this is where having a genuinely local, independent and family-run team can make such a difference. We know that selling a property isn't simply about putting photographs online and waiting for the phone to ring. It's about understanding the people behind the move, the local market and what makes a particular home appeal to the right buyer.
Why local really does matter
At Pilgrims, we’re proud to be an independent family-run business. That means we can take a personal approach to every property and every client.We’re not simply interested in achieving a transaction and moving on to the next one. We want to build relationships, communicate properly and be there throughout what can be a very emotional process.
After all, behind every property is a family, a story and a reason for moving.
Perhaps you're upsizing because the children have taken over the house. Perhaps you're downsizing because they're finally leaving – although we're not promising they won't return with their washing! Perhaps you're moving closer to family, chasing a new adventure or simply ready for the next chapter.
Whatever the reason, having people who understand your local area and genuinely care about your move can make the whole process feel that little bit easier.
And finally… don't try to do everything at once
If you're thinking about selling this autumn, don't wait until the morning of the first viewing to discover that the garage needs clearing, the windows need cleaning and someone has drawn a dinosaur on the wall.Start now, tackle one room at a time and remember that your home doesn't need to be perfect.
It needs to feel loved, cared for and ready for someone else to imagine making their own memories there.
And if you're wondering whether now is the right time to sell, we'd be delighted to have a chat. A conversation with a local agent doesn't mean you're committing to anything – sometimes it's simply helpful to understand what your property could achieve and what buyers are looking for.
At Pilgrims, we’re here to offer honest, local advice, a friendly face and a little bit of reassurance along the way.
Because selling your home should be about more than bricks and mortar.
It’s about helping families move confidently into their next chapter.
Get in touch to see how we can help you this Autumn