Open fires and warm lighting inside and out will help sell a home during the dreary winter months, while a cold, dark house will send buyers running according to the Doncaster member of the UK’s largest network of estate agents.

Christmas is the season to be jolly, but it is also commonly seen as the low season for house sales.

So to help house sellers, Home Sale Network questioned its 740 members to find out what makes a house more appealing – but also, what turns buyers off – during the festive season and throughout the dreary winter months.

The survey revealed that, undoubtedly, creating a cosy atmosphere inside and outside your home is the key to attracting potential buyers during the winter months.

43% of estate agents reported that by keeping indoor lights lit, sellers will create an inviting scene, making their home more appealing to buyers who are driving past or viewing the house from the outside.

Having a roaring open fire in the hearth – preferably with logs – was singled out by 27% of estate agents as a popular way of boosting the appeal of a house during the winter, while installing outside lighting to brighten the garden and doorways followed at a close third (20%).

Surprisingly, only 2% of estate agents reported that a tasteful display of Christmas decorations would boost the appeal of a house, while a further 3% said that over-the-top Christmas decorations would actually deter potential buyers.

And, the greatest deterrent to buyers during the winter months? Overwhelmingly, 80% of respondents agreed that a cold, dark house is the biggest thing that will put people off.

The survey also indicated that other put-off’s, such as nasty winter weather smells – wet dogs and muddy boots (16%) for example, and the clutter of winter coats and boots (1%) are also a no-no for house hunters.

Scott Williams of Johnsons, the local Home Sale Network member in Doncaster said: “When selling, the key is to make your home appear comfortable and inviting to potential buyers, so they feel at home when they enter your house. And this practice applies no matter what time of year it is.

So in the winter, this means making sure your house is the right temperature, not too hot, or too cold. Similarly, Christmas decorations aren’t everyone’s taste, so keep it simple – it’s the same concept as keeping your décor neutral and providing a blank canvass for buyers to visualise it in their own way” he advised.

And according to the survey, don’t be surprised if a house hunter turns up at your door on Christmas day. Five per cent of estate agents reported that in the quest to find the perfect house, some relentless house hunters actually view houses on Christmas Day, even if they can only view them from the outside!

For further information contact Johnsons on 01302-322121.