Understanding how seasonal features can swing house prices could be worth tens of thousands in your next move.
Turns out, ‘seasonal spend’ is a real thing: the price of a home changes at different times of the year based on its features.
In fact, nearly half of us (47%) admit we’ve paid more for a home because of seasonal features. On average, that extra 'seasonal spend' can add up to £27,000.
Why? Because when we're viewing houses in the summer, we're picturing garden parties and poolside relaxation. In the winter, it's all about cosy evenings by the fire. It's human nature to fall for a home when its best features are in full swing.
So how much is a south-facing garden or swimming pool worth in the summer? What does a log-burner add to the asking price in the winter?
We spoke to more than 100 estate agents to get the numbers, looking at the added value to the average 3-bed home worth £324,000.
Summer sizzlers: 6 property features that add value in the summer
When the sun's out, these features aren't just nice to have - they're deal-breakers for buyers and money-makers for sellers.
If a home boasts a mix of these summer features, you could be looking at an extra £22,000+ in the summer months.
Feature | Value added (%) | Valued added (£) |
Swimming pool | 1.82% | £5,897 |
South facing or sunny garden | 1.8% | £5,832 |
Outdoor entertainment space | 1.66% | £5,378 |
Air conditioning | 1.52% | £4,925 |
Balcony | 1.24% | £4,018 |
Hot tub | 0.87% | £2,819 |
1. Swimming pool: £5,897 added value
A swimming pool can splash an average of 1.82% onto a home’s asking price, which works out to an additional £5,897 for the typical 3-bed home.
If a pool is on your wishlist, it’s worth looking for a house that’s already got one. Installation can start from £2,500 for a basic above-ground model but it can run well into six figures for larger and more complex builds.
Don’t forget to factor in the running costs of heating, cleaning and maintaining the pool as well.
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2. South-facing or sunny garden: £5,832 added value
A sunny south-facing garden can add an average of 1.8% to a home's value in summer. For the average 3-bed house, that works out to £5,832.
It’s a deal-breaker for buyers because you can’t change the position of the house. A south-facing garden will always be a selling point, and selling in the summer shows it off to its full potential.
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3. Outdoor entertainment area: £5,378 added value
Think built-in barbecues, fire pits and pizza ovens: spaces for al-fresco entertaining can add around 1.66% to a home’s asking price during the summer.
With a new patio alone costing thousands and outdoor kitchens starting from about £8,000, it’s no wonder buyers are looking for houses with ready-made outdoor spaces.
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4. Air conditioning: £4,925 added value
Forget the fan and handle these summer heatwaves with ease when you have air conditioning. Homes with AC can see a breezy 1.52% uplift in asking price when the temperatures rise.
AC is surprisingly tricky to install in your home, with sophisticated systems that need both electrical work and plumbing. The cost and complexity of installing AC makes it a particularly attractive feature to house-hunters in the summer.
5. Balcony: £4,018 added value
3 bed flat for sale, John Smeaton Court, Manchester: £325,000
A balcony is a great bonus for any home, but especially in urban areas where outdoor space is harder to come by. A balcony can add 1.24% of value in summer, or £4,018 for the average home.
Fitting a balcony isn’t always easy or cheap either, as many homes don’t have the space or set-up to add one in. It makes balconies a unique selling point for those who are lucky enough to have one.
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6. Hot tub: £2,819 added value
Dreaming of relaxing in the hot tub after a long day? You’re not the only one - and that’s why our estate agents reckon hot tubs can add £2,819 or 0.87% to a home's value in the summer.
For buyers, the cost of installation can mean it’s worth hunting down a house that’s already got a hot tub. Prices vary widely, from £3,000 for inflatable models to £20,000+ for high-end permanent installations, plus running costs.
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Why are we all swayed by the seasons?
"It’s not necessarily that features add value, but they become more emotionally compelling,” says Claire Carter, Country House Associate Director at John D Wood & Co.
“A roaring fire on a cold winter’s day or a glorious garden in summer can absolutely tip a buyer’s decision."
Daniel Copley, Consumer Expert at Zoopla adds: “While it's natural to be drawn to a stunning garden in summer or underfloor heating in winter, smart buyers should always compare the cost of making home improvements themselves, along with ongoing running costs."
Winter warmers: 5 features that add value when the temperature drops
When the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler, different property features take centre stage.
The features that add the most value during winter are all about home warmth and efficiency. Insulation and double glazing are high buyer priorities, and traditional fireplaces and underfloor heating can add thousands to a home’s value in winter.
Feature | Valued added (%) | Value added (£) |
Cozy traditional or wood-burning fire place | 1.41% | £4,568 |
Good insulation | 1.4% | £4,536 |
Underfloor heating | 1.23% | £3,985 |
Energy efficiency measures like double glazing | 1.05% | £3,402 |
Remember that lovely cottage from 'The Holiday' that Kate Winslet's character owns? It’s a prime example of a seasonal home: our agents reckon it could fetch nearly £30,000 more if sold in the winter rather than summer.
1. Wood-burning fireplace: £4,568 added value
Nothing says 'hygge' like a roaring fire. A traditional fireplace can add an average of 1.41% to a home's value in winter, or £4,568 for the average 3-bed home.
A fireplace is one feature that potentially adds more value in the right season than it costs to install. You’re looking at up to £2,500 to convert an existing fireplace, although a full fireplace installation could cost up to £5,000.
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2. Good insulation: £4,536 added value
It’s not the most exciting home feature on our list, but don’t underestimate the power of good insulation: it can boost a home’s value by an average of 1.4% in the colder months.
Winter weather puts warm homes and lower bills at the forefront of people’s minds, making energy efficiency a top winter feature for home buyers.
Insulation is a key factor in a home’s EPC rating, which rates a home based on how energy efficient it is. You can see EPC ratings on all properties for sale on Zoopla, helping you make an informed decision about a home’s energy credentials.
Energy Performance Certificates explained
3. Underfloor heating: £3,985 added value
Now we’re getting boujee. This sought-after feature can add around 1.23% to your home's value in winter, or a neat £3,985 for the average 3-bed property.
Underfloor heating fetches a premium because it can be pricey to install - then there’s the hassle of pulling up your floorboards. If you wanted to add underfloor heating yourself, you’re looking at £60 to £90 per square metre depending on the type of system.
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Don’t forget, underfloor heating is usually cheaper to install in new-build homes. It’s easier to add it as part of the construction process, which brings the price down compared to retrofitting an older home.
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4. Good energy efficiency measures: £3,402 added value
Property features that keep bills low are always hot property, but they become most appealing in the winter. Features like double glazing could add 1.05% or £3,402 to a home’s value in winter when comfort and efficiency is top of mind.
Improving an EPC rating comes with a cost, with the average 3-bed semi-detached home needing £61,500 of work to reach the energy standards that new builds are built to.
The true cost of upgrading an older home’s EPC rating
5. Aga-style range cooker: £3,337 added value
A classic range cooker can serve up an extra 1.03% in value when it's cold outside, perfect for warming the kitchen and cooking up a storm.
Prices for Aga-style range cookers vary significantly by model, fuel type and brand, but can range from £5,000 to £20,000+ for the appliance alone, plus installation.
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When is a good time to move?
Our take is that there’s no “right time” to move. You have to look at your reasons, weigh up the costs and make the decision that’s right for you.
When you’re selling your home, make sure you choose an estate agent with a strategy for your sale, whatever the season. They’ll pick up on any unique selling points that could influence your sale price throughout the year.
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Just tell us where you’re looking and we’ll put you in touch with a range of agents to suit your needs.
If you’re buying, use our filters to find features that matter to you. Compare different property features and decide on the ones that are most important.
And consider moving “out of season” for your favourite features to see if you can beat the price swing. If energy efficiency is top of your list for example, you might want to move in summer to avoid the seasonal uplift in winter.