12 Days of Christmas Selling: Your Seasonal Checklist

It’s not the 12 Days of Christmas you may remember – but it might just be the 12 days you need to get your home ready for market over the festive period. 

Whether you’re thinking of selling soon or are just looking for some home-maintenance pointers whilst you’re hanging around the house over the holidays, we’ve got you covered. Here are 12 days' worth of tasks for you to tick off this Christmas season.  

Get your interior ready for the holiday festivities 

Day 1: Check in with your appliances 

Your appliances can be a useful bargaining tool when negotiating a house sale – and interested buyers might make an offer that includes them. That’s why it’s a good time of year to check in. Look at the hoses on your washing machine and dishwasher and check for leaks. You might also give your oven a good scrub ahead of any viewings – it's likely had a workout if you’ve hosted this holiday season! 

Day 2: Give your boiler a once over 

A boiler can be a big expense for a homeowner. So, a boiler in good working order can be a real selling point when your home’s on the market. While it’s a good idea to check your central heating before the chillier months kick in, now we’re here, make sure everything’s ticking over as you’d expect. Regular maintenance and check-ins will save you money in the long run.  

Day 3: Press the test buttons on your detectors  

If you’ve installed a smoke alarm and CO2 detector, you might think your work is done. But it’s important for your safety and your home’s safety that you’re checking they work on a regular basis. If your detectors aren’t wired into the electrics, then a change in season is a great time to cover your ears and switch out the batteries. 

Day 4: Deep clean the bathroom 

What a winter treat! Well, not really, but it’s as good a time as any to soak your shower head to remove hard water build up and scrunch the shower curtains into a delicate cycle. Those finishing touches make all the difference when viewing a house. And you’ll be glad you did next time you step into a glistening shower on a chilly winter morning! 

Day 5: Get serious about mould prevention  

Whilst mould can indicate a more serious issue, it can be hard to keep on top of it in the colder, damper UK months. You can get ahead of potential spots by tidying up stuffed spaces, fitting vents in wardrobes, and investing in a dehumidifier. You might also take preventative steps like regulating room temperature, monitoring humidity, and drying clothes fully before putting them away. That way, your home will look sparkling and smell fresh for any viewings. 

Day 6: Do some draft-proofing 

If your windows and doors are shut and you’re still feeling the winter chill, there are a few steps you can take to make your home cosier and more appealing. Longer-term solutions include double and triple glazing. But in the shorter, more budget friendly term, block any gaps with draft excluders and self-adhesive tapes and sealant.  

Bundle up and give your home’s exterior some TLC 

Day 7: Give your gutters a clean 

It’s best to clean your gutters at the end of autumn or in early spring, but if it’s been over a year, the best time is now. This is because gutters can quickly gather debris like leaves and twigs. These blockages can cause you a headache later down the line – like damp and roof damage, which can be a real pain if they come up in a buyer’s survey. So, it’s better late than never with this maintenance tip. 

Day 8: Take some time to inspect your roof 

Scaling the roof isn’t a fun task unless you’re Santa, so once you’re up there, have a scan for loose, cracked, or missing tiles. Clumps of moss can also mean there’s moisture damage at play. You can also take a peek from the inside. But if you spot any red flags, the sooner you fix them up, the better to avoid more drastic issues that could impact your sale.  

Day 9: Install outdoor lighting 

We’re not just talking about stringing up Christmas lights. Avoid coming home to a dark driveway and fumbling for your keys in the dark by adding outdoor lighting. Plus, some well-placed, aesthetically pleasing lights won’t hurt your kerb appeal during winter viewings. 

Day 10: Clear your driveway and paths  

Sitting in A&E with a broken leg isn’t a very festive way to spend the holidays, for you or potential buyers. So, it makes sense to clear snow and ice from outside your home – it's easier to get rid of fresh, soft snow than it is to remove it when it’s packed down, so head out early if you’re planning to brave the cold and shovel and salt the ice and snow.  

Wrap up your selling to-do list with those final finishing touches 

Day 11: Know what your home’s worth  

Once you’ve put in all that work and ticked off a few home maintenance tasks, you’re sure to be wondering just what your home’s worth – and if you’ve added any value! Book a free, no obligation home valuation with your local Purplebricks estate agent to get the answers you’re after.  

Day 12: Scour the market for your selling options 

When you’re ready to sell your house, don’t just jump at the first offer you get from an estate agent – you might end up paying more in fees than you need to. Take a look at what a few local estate agents have to offer. Not to boast or anything, but we’re big on fair selling fees. That’s why, with Purplebricks, you only pay for what you need, and our selling packages start from free. Local estate agent included! That could really save you some cash over Christmas.