Thinking of Selling in 2027? What You Can Do Now
If you're thinking about moving next year, you don't need to wait until you're ready to put your home on the market before you start preparing.
In fact, getting a few things organised now can make the process much easier when the time comes.
You don't need to spend thousands renovating your home or turn it upside down. A little preparation can help you understand what your property is worth, identify any jobs worth doing and put you in a stronger position when you are ready to sell.
Start by understanding the market
Before deciding what your home might be worth in 2027, look at what is happening in your local area now. Which properties are selling? What are similar homes being marketed for? How long are they taking to sell? Are properties being reduced? Online property portals can give you a useful starting point, but remember that asking prices aren't the same as sold prices. A local estate agent can also give you a better idea of how your particular type of property is performing and what buyers are currently looking for. You don't necessarily need a formal valuation yet. Sometimes an informal conversation can be enough to give you a useful starting point.
Make a list of the jobs you've been putting off
Most homes have a list of small jobs that have been ignored because you've lived with them for years. A sticking door, tired sealant, loose fence panel, overgrown garden or scuffed paintwork might not seem important individually, but several small issues together can make a home feel less well maintained. Start making a list now and work through it gradually. That way you're not trying to complete twenty jobs in the final few weeks before putting your property on the market.
Don't automatically start renovating
One of the biggest mistakes sellers can make is spending money on improvements without considering whether they'll add value. You don't necessarily need a new kitchen, expensive bathroom or major landscaping project just because you're planning to sell. Before spending a significant amount, consider whether the improvement is likely to make a meaningful difference to buyers. Sometimes a deep clean, decluttering, fresh decoration and improving the garden can have a greater impact than an expensive refurbishment.
Start decluttering early
If you're thinking about moving, now is a good time to start getting rid of things you no longer need. Don't wait until the property is going on the market. Work through one room at a time, clear cupboards and loft spaces, and consider what you actually want to take with you to your next home. A more spacious-looking home is easier for buyers to appreciate, and you'll also have less to pack when you eventually move. It's a win either way.
Think about the garden
Gardens can be an important selling point, particularly during the spring and summer, but they are much easier to prepare when you're not working to a deadline. Cut back overgrown areas, repair fencing, tidy patios and remove anything that has seen better days. You don't need to create a show garden. The aim is simply to make the outside space feel usable, cared for and easy for a buyer to imagine themselves enjoying.
Get your paperwork together
This is one of the less exciting parts of selling, but getting your paperwork organised early can save time later. Depending on your property, you may need documents relating to extensions, alterations, guarantees, electrical work, windows, planning permissions, building regulations, leasehold information or other matters. If you've carried out work on the property, find out what paperwork you have and what might be missing. It's much easier to investigate something now than discover an issue after you've accepted an offer.
Think about your next move
Selling isn't just about your property. If you're buying another home, it's worth starting to think about what you need from your next property and what your budget might look like. If you need a mortgage, speaking to a broker early can help you understand your position before you start seriously viewing properties. Knowing roughly what you can afford can also make the eventual selling process much less stressful.
Don't become obsessed with what your neighbour's house is worth
It's natural to keep an eye on property prices, but try not to base your expectations entirely on what another house sold for. Two properties that look similar online can be very different in person. The condition, layout, garden, parking, position and amount of work required can all affect what buyers are prepared to pay. When the time comes, a valuation based on several comparable properties and current buyer demand will give you a much more useful indication.
Start thinking about when you actually want to move
If you're hoping to move during 2027, work backwards from when you'd ideally like to be in your new home. Do you need to sell before buying? Are there school dates or work commitments to consider? Do you want to avoid moving during the summer holidays? Would you prefer to be settled before Christmas? There isn't one perfect time to sell. The best timing is often the one that works with your circumstances and gives you enough time to prepare properly.
What should you do now?
You don't need to put your home on the market tomorrow. Instead, use the next few months to get yourself into a position where you could sell when the time is right. Start with the simple things:
- Understand what similar properties are selling for
- Get an idea of your home's current market value
- Make a list of repairs and small improvements
- Declutter gradually
- Tidy the garden
- Find your property paperwork
- Review your mortgage position
- Think about where you want to move to next
- Decide roughly when you'd like to move
Then, when you're ready, you'll be making decisions based on preparation rather than pressure.
If 2027 is the year you think you might move, there's no harm in starting the conversation now. A little preparation today can make the difference between feeling rushed when you decide to sell and feeling completely ready to go.
