Selling Your House in Winter: Tips

Blog home

Selling your house in winter: why this is a real opportunity in The Hague

Most homeowners wait until spring to put their property on the market. That is exactly why selling in winter can work in your favour: fewer homes are listed, so yours stands out more quickly to serious buyers. Winter is also the ideal season to show how well-insulated and energy-efficient a property is, something that is far less obvious in summer.

Why buyers are actively searching in winter

Around the festive season, many people make plans for the year ahead. Moving in together, starting a family, or finally finding a home that ticks every box are common reasons to start a serious search in January. Less welcome circumstances, such as a separation or a new job in another city, also create demand that continues year-round rather than stopping once autumn turns to winter.

The dark, cold evenings are ideal for browsing property listings from the sofa. Buyers often have more time and headspace in winter to compare homes at their own pace, and a visit to the furniture showrooms in December works for many people as extra inspiration to start looking seriously. 

Making the most of winter when selling your home

1. Choose bright, sunlit photographs

Photographs often decide within seconds whether a viewer clicks through to the rest of the listing. Plan the photoshoot for a clear day and, where possible, combine it with a few photographs taken in another season, so buyers get a complete picture of how the property and garden look throughout the year.

2. Create a warm, inviting atmosphere for viewings

Turn the heating up a notch before buyers arrive, switch the lights on (even during the day), and add warm touches such as a throw or candles. In winter especially, buyers are drawn to a home that feels instantly cosy.

3. Actively highlight the property's energy efficiency

Winter is the best time to show how a property performs on insulation and heating costs. Mention the energy label, any recent insulation improvements and, if known, an indication of energy costs. 

4. Highlight the quieter market

With less competing supply, your property receives more attention per viewing. That often means more serious buyers who, like you, would rather not wait until spring.

Not sure if now is the right time to sell?

Whether winter is the best time to sell depends on your property, the neighbourhood and your own plans. Our estate agents in The Hague know the local market well and are happy to think it through with you, free of obligation.

Frequently asked questions about selling a house in winter

Is winter a good time to sell my house?

Yes, winter can be a good time to sell because fewer homes are typically listed for sale. Your property stands out more quickly to the buyers who are actively searching, especially around the turn of the year, when many people are planning a new living situation.

Does selling a house in winter take longer than in spring?

Not necessarily. With the right presentation and pricing, a property can sell just as quickly in winter, or even faster.

How do I take good sale photographs when the weather is grey?

Plan the photoshoot for a clear day with as much daylight as possible, switch on the indoor lighting, and consider adding a few photographs taken in a sunnier season so buyers get a complete picture.

Should I adjust the asking price for the winter period?

Not automatically. The asking price is based on the property itself, its location and current market conditions in The Hague, not on the season alone. Our estate agents can advise you on this based on a valuation of your specific property.

What should I do before selling my house in winter?

Make sure the property is tidy, warm and well lit, gather relevant information on the energy label and any maintenance history, and get advice on a realistic asking price through a free, no-obligation valuation.

Thinking about selling your property, whether in winter or at any other time of year? Our estate agents in The Hague are happy to think it through with you, free of obligation. A free property valuation gives you an immediate sense of where your home stands in today's market.

Written by Dennis Hekking, Registered Estate Agent at Hekking NVM Makelaardij.