While some of us are still finishing off the leftover cheese, the UK housing market has already hit the ground running. If you’re thinking of selling, it’s a prime moment: now is the busiest time of year for property searches on Zoopla. Thousands of people are kicking off the new year with a resolution to find a new home.
And here’s the key: when buyers are viewing homes right now they’re not looking for sun-drenched patios or swimming pools.
We asked our network of expert estate agents how much they would market homes with certain features for in winter versus other times of the year. They based their valuations on an average 3-bed property with an asking price of £324,000.
And the results are telling: 'winter warmer' features could net you a serious premium during the colder months. A nearly-£20,000 kind of serious premium.
Here are the 5 features that add the most value to asking prices in winter.
1. A traditional wood-burning fireplace: +£4,568
Right now a woodburner represents the dream of cosy evenings and slow Sundays when it’s cold outside. In fact, 38% of homebuyers say they would be prepared to pay more for a home with a traditional fireplace.
Beyond the vibes, there’s a practical perk: a woodburner is thought to shave about 10% off heating bills, which is a neat selling point when energy costs are high.
This is why estate agents say a woodburner adds about 1.41% to your asking price. If you have one, make sure it’s lit for viewings. A roaring fire really can be the difference between a 'maybe' and an offer.
Pictured: 4-bed terraced house for sale in Probus, Cornwall: £450,000 guide price
2. Quality insulation: +£4,536
It may not be the most glamorous feature, but when energy bills are front of mind, a home that holds its warmth is a major selling point. With only 52% of UK homes achieving an EPC rating of C or higher, buyers are increasingly keen for future-proofing against high bills and low efficiency.
Showing your home is a fortress against the frost adds roughly 1.4% to your home’s market value, according to estate agents. It’s the house-selling equivalent of wearing a really sensible thermal vest.
3. Underfloor heating: +£3,985
Stepping onto a warm kitchen floor when it’s 2 degrees outside? As far as we’re concerned, there’s no greater luxury.
Underfloor heating is the hidden value-add that makes a home feel premium, and it’s surprisingly energy efficient. It's estimated to use about 12% less energy than traditional radiators because it operates at lower temperatures.
Our estate agents said that underfloor heating adds roughly 1.23% to your asking price in winter. Make sure it’s turned on an hour before viewers arrive - and stick to that ‘shoes off’ policy for full effect.
4. Other energy efficiency measures: +£3,402
High-spec double glazing and efficient boilers are the quiet heroes of the January market. Around 41% of buyers say they would be prepared to pay extra for a home with good energy efficiency, and estate agents reckon it adds 1.05% to your price tag.
In an era where new builds are saving owners nearly £1,000 a year on bills compared to older stock, showing that your property can keep up is vital for protecting your price. It gives buyers peace of mind that their home will be cost-effective to run through the rest of the winter.
5. An AGA-style range cooker: +£3,337
An AGA isn't just an oven, it's a lifestyle statement. It provides a literal heart to the home that homebuyers find incredibly hard to resist, and 26% say they would pay more for a house that has one.
Estate agents say that AGAs add roughly 1.03% to your home’s value. Plus, it gives you a great excuse to have some fresh brownies sitting on the counter, which is the oldest trick in the book for a reason.
Pictured: 4 bed detached house for sale in Whittington, Shropshire: offers in region of £365,000
The agent’s take
Claire Carter, Country House Associate Director at John D Wood & Co. said:
“The country housing market in particular has always had a natural rhythm with the seasons - not just in terms of features, but location too. It’s not necessarily the case that features add value, but they become more emotionally compelling - a roaring fire on a cold winter’s day or a glorious garden in summer can absolutely tip a buyer’s decision.
“The time of year matters hugely for presentation, for example, a house photographed in January looks completely different by May. When selling in winter, I always encourage my clients to light the fire and turn on the underfloor heating because nobody wants to feel chilly on a viewing. During summer, it is all about showing the house in its element with blooming gardens, blue skies, and sun-dappled terraces.
“Ultimately, selling a house is about capturing the imagination of buyers and helping them to imagine their life there, whatever the season.”
What could you sell for?
The research clearly demonstrates that homebuyers are swayed by the season, and in some cases, certain features can help sellers achieve more for their home. For the first time, we’ve put a hard figure on how much value these features add with the help of our estate agent partners.
But every home is different, so bear in mind that these are averages and estimates. If you’re thinking of selling, get bespoke advice from several local estate agents. They’ll be able to advise if your unique home might be more desirable and command a higher asking price during winter, spring, summer or autumn.
