Our resident waterside specialist, Robert King, Head of Thames & Tributaries, tells us how to prepare to make a splash on the sales market in 2019
 

If you have a property located on or near the water then you’ll know there are times when the location of your property truly comes into its own. Generally speaking, it’s when the sun is shining, the water is glistening, the wildlife is waking up, the leaves are on the trees and there are plenty of people messing about on the River. These are just some of the many reasons why people buy riverside properties that allow them to enjoy living in this unique way – I know, because for the past 16 years I’ve been one of them.

When is the right time?
My many years of selling riverside properties have shown that the best time to start marketing to serious buyers is from the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

This is when people begin venturing outside with friends and families to enjoy the warmer weather, having spent much of the long, dark winter months stuck inside. Towpath strolls, taking the boat out for its first dip, enjoying a drink on the Riverbank - all great activities to remind people of the huge appeal of riverside living.
 
This particular weekend is traditionally when many boats are taken off the marina hardstanding and launched on their first River adventure of the season. With the flurry of activity on the water, boat owners begin harbouring dreams of living a stone’s throw away from their beloved boats all year round.

Get your property looking ship-shape

With the leaves on the trees and springtime flowers shooting up over the next few weeks, now is the perfect time to get your garden up to scratch. Your outside space backing down to the water’s edge is equivalent to the all-important ‘kerb appeal’ for houses set on residential streets. It’s well-known that buyers make incredibly quick ‘snap’ decisions about a property based on first impressions:

• Make sure the winter debris in your garden is fully cleared, to maximise the appeal of your property setting.

• Ensure that all driftwood and other unwanted clutter is removed from any mooring you may have attached to your property.

• Consider setting up a table and chairs in your garden to help ‘sell the dream’ of long, lazy summer evenings spent by the River.

• Consider positioning attractive pots of flowers and shrubs in your garden close to the River, to attract the attention of boaters passing by.

…and finally of course, put up a prominent Thames & Tributaries’ ‘FOR SALE’ board close to the water to catch the attention of motivated buyers passing by!

I would be delighted to discuss any aspect of selling your riverside property with you. Our dedicated Thames & Tributaries department is here to offer a bespoke service and to provide specialist advice about this niche market.

Do get in touch to find out more.

Robert King: robertking@thamesandtributaries.co.uk or T: 020 8943 9777