Get Market-Ready for September: Why Now Is the Time to Make Your Move

With the summer holidays drawing to a close, now is the ideal time to get your home market-ready ahead of the busy September selling season.

There’s encouraging news for buyers and sellers, too. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has confirmed that the Government is not planning any changes to Stamp Duty in the upcoming Budget — bringing some much-needed certainty to the property market. For anyone who has been holding off to see whether tax changes might affect their move, the message is clear: there are currently no planned changes to Stamp Duty, so there’s no reason to delay if you’re thinking of buying or selling.

September is traditionally one of the strongest months for the housing market, with buyers returning after the summer and looking to complete their moves before the end of the year. If you’re considering selling, this is the perfect window to prepare your property, arrange a valuation, and be ready to launch just as demand picks up.

With the market expected to hold steady and no Stamp Duty changes on the horizon, now could be exactly the right time to make your move.

Preparing Your Property for Market

Before launching your property to the market, presentation is everything. The better condition your home is in, the stronger the first impression it creates — and first impressions are what drive viewing requests.

In most cases, buyers decide whether to book a viewing based purely on the photos, floor plan, and video content — often before they’ve even read the full description. That’s why preparing your property properly beforehand can make a significant difference to both interest levels and, ultimately, the sale price.

First Impressions Start Outside

Kerb appeal matters. Buyers often form their first impression before they’ve even stepped through the door, so the outside of your home sets expectations for everything that follows.

• Clean exterior — Wash the windows, clean the front door, and make sure the entrance feels inviting.
• Tidy garden and entrance — Mow the lawn, trim hedges, weed the flower beds, and clear away any clutter.
• Repairs — Fix broken fences, gates, loose paving, or faulty exterior lighting.

Inside: Help Buyers Picture Themselves at Home

• Clean — A clean, fresh-smelling home instantly feels more appealing and well cared for.
• Declutter and depersonalise — Remove personal items such as family photos, excess furniture, and bold décor to help buyers imagine themselves living there.
• Create space — Clear worktops, tidy storage areas, and maximise the feeling of space and light.
• Neutralise — Simple, neutral tones broaden appeal and make rooms feel brighter and larger.
• Minor repairs — Fix small issues like dripping taps, squeaky doors, chipped paint, or cracked walls. Buyers notice the details.
• Finishing touches — Fresh flowers, neatly made beds, and good lighting can elevate the overall feel of every room.

Get Your Paperwork in Order

Preparation isn’t just about presentation — having your documentation ready can save weeks once a sale is agreed.

• Certificates — Gather key documents such as boiler service records, electrical certificates, FENSA certificates, and any building compliance paperwork.
• Property information — Locate your deeds, planning permissions, and building regulation sign-offs where applicable.
• Instruct a solicitor early — Appointing a solicitor in advance helps avoid delays once you've accepted an offer.

The Final Step

Once your property is presented at its absolute best, hand it over to us. We’ll take care of the professional marketing — including photography, floor plans, virtual tours, and video — ensuring your home is showcased in the strongest possible light.