How to Prepare Your Home for Open Homes - 'Winter in Christchurch' edition
- SharDavisNZ
- Jun 1
- 3 min read
Selling your home in winter might sound like a chilly challenge, but in Christchurch, it can actually be a smart move. With fewer homes on the market, yours has a better chance of standing out—if you prepare it right. Whether you're hoping to attract first-home buyers, upsizers, or investors, presenting your home in its best light (even on a grey day) can make all the difference.
Here’s how to get your Christchurch home warm, welcoming, and winter-ready for open homes.
🌬️ 1. Turn Up the Heat – Literally
There’s nothing worse than walking into a cold home on a winter's day. Before your open home, heat your property so it’s toasty and inviting. Aim to have the heating on at least 30 minutes beforehand—especially in larger or older homes.
Bonus tip: If you have a heat pump, wood burner, or underfloor heating, make sure it's on display and functioning well. Buyers love seeing efficient heating systems in Christchurch homes!
💡2. Let There Be Light
Winter in Christchurch means shorter days and softer light, so brighten things up wherever possible. Open all curtains and blinds—even if it’s overcast—and consider turning on soft lamps and ceiling lights in darker rooms.
A quick trick: Swap out any dim bulbs for warm white LED lights. They make a room feel cozy and well-lit without being harsh.
🛠️ 3. Fix Those Draughts
Cold air sneaking in under doors or through old windows isn’t just uncomfortable—it can signal poor insulation. Before your open home, check for draughts and seal up gaps with weather stripping or temporary seals. Even simple fixes can leave a strong impression on buyers.
🧼 4. Cleanliness Counts – Especially in Winter
Rain, mud, and winter boots can make entryways messy fast. Give paths, decks, and entry areas a solid clean. Inside, keep the floors spotless, especially near doorways. A good doormat is your friend!
And yes, those windows need cleaning too—inside and out. Clean windows let in more light and show off your views (even if they’re a little misty in winter).
🌸 5. Add Cozy Touches
Winter is the perfect excuse to play up the cozy factor. Think:
Soft throws on couches or beds
Cushions in warm, earthy tones
A few candles (unlit is fine—they’re just for atmosphere)
Maybe even some gentle music in the background
Make your home feel like a sanctuary from the cold—buyers will want to stay longer (and imagine themselves living there).
🌿 6. Don’t Forget the Garden
It’s easy to overlook the outdoors in winter, but tidy presentation still matters. Trim back overgrown shrubs, clear leaves, and make sure paths and steps are safe and clean. If your lawn’s looking a little sad, a quick mow and edge can work wonders.
Add a splash of life with a few potted plants near the entrance or on a patio—even in winter, hardy flowers like pansies or hellebores can add colour.
🐾 7. Manage Pets and Smells
With winter’s closed windows and damp weather, smells can linger. Make sure your home smells fresh—especially if you have pets. Air out the house in the morning, and consider a subtle air freshener or diffuser (stick to mild, natural scents like vanilla, citrus, or eucalyptus).
And if possible, take pets out during the open home. Not everyone’s a fan of furry friends when house-hunting.
📋 8. Highlight Winter-Friendly Features
If your home is especially warm or energy-efficient, let your agent know so they can highlight it during the open home. Features like:
Double glazing
Insulation
Efficient heating
North-facing living areas…are especially attractive to Christchurch buyers in winter.
You might even leave a little info sheet on the bench showing off your home’s winter-readiness!
Final Thoughts
Selling your home in winter doesn’t have to be hard—especially in Christchurch, where motivated buyers are still out and about. With the right preparation and a warm welcome, your property can shine no matter the season.
If you're getting ready to sell and want a hand with staging tips or a free home appraisal, feel free to reach out. We’re locals too—and we know how to make a Christchurch home shine, even in July!
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