by Rosie McLean 
The crudely made toilet roll angel that Lily proudly brought home from primary school might be your prize possession, but she’s 18 now. Similarly, the illuminated blow-up Santa that sits outside to welcome late-night visitors may have become something of a tradition in your household, but to others it might simply look garish.
If you are looking to sell your property during the Christmas period, you will have to rethink your Christmas decoration plans. Sadly, those prized personal possessions may need to stay in the loft – for this year at least.
Keep decorations simple and subtle
Prospective buyers are likely to want to see some signs of festive spirit, but they will also want to see your property’s features and space. If an eight-foot Christmas tree takes up valuable square footage and every surface is covered in Christmas-themed ornaments, then that won’t happen. It could be enough to lose you a potential offer.
Instead, keep decorations simple, subtle and tasteful to appeal to the broadest range of buyers-to-be. This may mean pruning your existing collection, which could be a useful decluttering process before you move. Or it might be about leaving most of them in the loft and investing in a couple of new key pieces instead.
Less is more when it comes to lighting
Exterior Christmas decorations can be a bit Marmite-like. Prospective buyers will either love or hate your flashing exterior lights and that inflatable Santa we mentioned earlier. When it comes to kerb appeal, they can be one of the biggest turn-offs of all. Once again keep it simple. A string of lights on a tree or bush can help your property look a little more inviting, especially if it’s leading up the path to your front door. But less is definitely more on this occasion. It’s time for the inflatable Santa to retire – for this Christmas at least.
Increase light (of the natural kind)
Making the most of your natural lighting is key at any point of the year when staging a property, but it’s even more important in the winter. Sprayed-on window decorations may show off your artistic flair, but they’ll minimise the natural light coming into the property when you want it most. They could also be another love or hate feature for your buyers. It’s simply not worth the risk. Keep windows and light sources clear, relocate Christmas trees if they are blocking light, for example, and put that spray can of fake snow away.
Provide a warm welcome
December viewings can be miserable. It can be cold, wet and slippery outside. To increase kerb appeal, make sure the exterior of your property is tidy and clear of hazards – such as fallen leaves. A welcoming light at your front door – and perhaps a wreath to add a festive touch – can be supplemented with a warm invite inside, perhaps with a Christmas-scented candle or two or some mulled wine brewing to cheer up tired and cold prospective buyers.
