August throws up a variety of unique issues that get in the way of the home selling process
The summer season may seem like a good a time as any to sell, but August can actually be one of the most stressful times to make the change.
This is due to a variety of issues, but children being out of school is a huge reason for the difficulty.
Kevin Barzegar, managing director of Kaybridge Residential, warned that the school holidays are one of the biggest factors at play when it comes to families struggling to sell.
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He explained: “The biggest mistake I see families making is failing to adapt their selling strategy to the reality of school holidays.
“They’re booking viewings without considering that their home is now full-time family central, with toys everywhere, noise levels through the roof and zero time to prepare properly.”
Sellers need to keep in mind the “lived-in” mayhem that accompanies having children at home full-time when it comes to property viewings.
Kevin adds: “I’ve walked into viewings where the TV is blaring, kids are running around, and there are toys scattered from the front door to the back garden.
“The sellers look frazzled, apologising every two minutes, and the buyers can barely concentrate on the property itself.”
Kevin provides his tactics for families who need to sell during school holidays:
Strategic timing
“Book viewings for early morning or early evening when children are naturally calmer. Avoid meal times, nap schedules, and the witching hour before bedtime.”
Establish viewing-day routines
“Have a plan for where the kids will be during viewings. Whether that’s a trip to the park, visiting grandparents, or setting up a quiet activity in one room, don’t wing it.”
Quick reset systems
“Develop a 15-minute reset routine you can do before any viewing. Focus on clearing surfaces, putting toys in designated bins, and opening windows for fresh air.”
Honest scheduling
“Don’t over-commit to multiple viewings in one day during holidays. Give yourself proper time between appointments to reset and recharge.”
Kevin said: “Selling during school holidays doesn’t have to be a nightmare, but it does require a different approach. You just need to be realistic about what ‘show-ready’ looks like when you have children at home full-time. You don’t need magazine-perfect staging – buyers understand that families live in homes.
“What matters is creating an environment where potential buyers can focus on the property’s strengths rather than being distracted by chaos. This might mean accepting that your child’s bedroom won’t look like a showroom, but making sure toys are contained rather than scattered everywhere.
“I always advise families to think about the buyer’s experience from arrival to departure. Small adjustments to timing and preparation can mean the difference between a successful sale and months on the market. A lot of buyers are families themselves, so they’re looking for a home where they can imagine their own family thriving, not a sterile showpiece.”