THE GREEN SHOOTS OF SPRING

Spring officially started last Sunday, and for once I picked the right week to have a couple of days off.  My new cycle helmet arrived on Monday, and as the mercury started rising, I have enjoyed a couple of sunny bike rides in the north Norfolk countryside, writes Clive Hedges.  In a week of yet more unremitting doom in the newspapers, the better weather at least is a reason to smile.

There is something about the sun on your back which lifts the mood.  Bright blue skies and warmer temperatures definitely bring optimism as we leave the cold, dark days of winter behind us.  It is one of the reasons that the property market has traditionally experienced a ‘spring bounce’, and we are seeing signs that this year’s rebound has begun already.

It might be more gradual than in other years, but there is a definite demand amongst buyers to view houses, even if the confidence to take it further is still a little brittle. 

Unlike recent years, there is a much better balance between supply and demand in 2026, with a decent supply of homes coming to market.  That means that prospective purchasers can look - and indeed are looking – at a greater number of properties before committing to a purchase.

For vendors, that means ensuring that your home looks at its very best, and as the sun starts to shine, that includes the garden, and in fact the whole exterior space.  It is the outside of the house that viewers see first, and which makes that all-important first impression.

So it’s time to get the lawn mower out (the grass should be dry enough after this week’s weather), to plant up some pots with colourful flowers, to clean the windows, and to ensure the garden furniture is looking spick and span.  Prospective buyers viewing a house in the sunshine want to envisage themselves enjoying the outside space, and you can help them do that by presenting it in the best possible light.

If you haven’t yet put your home on the market, this is an excellent time to do so, especially if it has an attractive garden or outside space.

As the weather improves, we can expect even more activity in the market.  Vendors know that sunshine makes their properties even more attractive, and buyers are motivated by thoughts of moving in time to enjoy the summer in a new home.