PEOPLE looking to sell their home this winter are being offered expert advice by the industry body for estate agents.

The housing market is renowned for being quieter in the colder months, says NAEA Propertymark, but there are many ways for vendors to improve their chances.

"It’s widely believed sellers should hold off from marketing their homes in the cooler months because ‘it’s a challenging time to sell’," said chief executive Mark Hayward. "However, with fewer properties on the market and growing demand from buyers, winter can be the perfect time to market your home and get a head start before the traditional New Year rush."

- First impressions count. Make sure your home looks well cared for from the outside, with windows and walls freshly washed, and paths cleared of slippery leaves and ice.

- Be flexible. With fewer daylight hours available for viewings, be as flexible as possible so prospective buyers can see your home when it’s convenient for them.

- Give a warm welcome. Making sure the house is warm and well lit can encourage potential buyers to stay longer and help them to envisage themselves living there. Consider garden lights or lighting the wood stove, but if your fireplace leaves a smoky smell in the room, hold off.

- Create a festive feel. Decorate for Christmas but don’t go overboard as an over-cluttered house can put buyers off. A few festive fairy lights, cinnamon-scented candles, a door wreath and a Christmas tree can enhance the homely feel.

- Tidy the garden. It’s worth spending a few hours trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, and removing fallen leaves and dead plants to make a tidy outdoor space. Viewings on dark winter nights fail to show the potential of your garden, so have photos available to show what the property looks like during warmer weather too.

- Lastly, if you are jetting off for a winter break, remember to leave the heating on low (at least 15°C) to prevent the pipes freezing. This will ensure there are no problems to be dealt with upon your return, before showing your home to prospective buyers.