Preparing your waterside home for a spring/summer sale

Sam McCreadie, Associate Partner and part of our Waterside Department, looks at some top tips to get your waterside home ready for the market and highlights some waterside properties currently available with Stags.

Whether your house gazes over a sparkling estuary, rushing river, or the deep blue sea, perks like an amazing view and easy access to water activities (sailing, kayaking, surfing, swimming, etc.) will make your property an attractive catch.

Selling a waterfront property often taps into buyers’ desires for a unique lifestyle. The experienced team at Stags will make sure to tailor your marketing to emphasise the distinct advantages of living by the water, whether it is serene views, water-based activities, the tranquillity of the setting, or a vibrant coastal town location. Consulting with an estate agent experienced in waterside properties can provide valuable insights for a successful sale.

Top tips for selling a waterside home:

Enhance water views:

Emphasise the property’s unique features by ensuring that windows and outdoor spaces provide unobstructed views of the water.

Water access:

If the property has direct access, showcase the easy access to the water, whether it’s a private beach, a jetty, or a deck overlooking the waterfront.

Highlight outdoor living:

Create appealing outdoor spaces near the water, such as a seating area, fire pit, or picnic spot. Potential buyers will appreciate the lifestyle your waterfront property offers.

Showcase water activities:

If there are opportunities for water activities close by, emphasise these features in your marketing materials.

Use a drone to capture your location:

Drones can be a powerful tool in highlighting your property’s proximity to the waterfront. Rather than simply telling prospective buyers that your home is “just a stone’s throw from water” — show them with an aerial shot or a stunning video.

Getting the tide time right:

Taking images while the tide is high will emphasise the views and proximity to the water; but, if you want to show miles of sandy beaches nearby, low tide could be the better option. This will ultimately just depend on your location.

Holiday letting figures ready:

If it is just a single dwelling used as a holiday let, multiple units, or holiday complex, it is a good idea to have 3-5 years of income figures ready for the next potential buyer.

If you have one, speak to your holiday letting agent:

It is always a good idea to let your holiday letting agent know that you are intending on selling. Check your contract and make sure there are no hidden fees for selling your holiday home and that you can simply transfer over any future bookings to the new owner.

Local area and amenities:

Highlight neighbouring attractions, restaurants, and recreational activities that will make living in a waterside property even more appealing.

The little things:

Small, outstanding repairs are easy to overlook when you see them every day, but when a buyer comes to look at your property, these little repairs can make it appear quite weary. Look around each room in your house, write a list of quick fixes, and get them organised.

As spring approaches, there's a sense of anticipation in the air. Now is the ideal time to start planning your sale. Our waterside offices are holding a valuation week from 31^st March 2025. Contact one of our experts today to arrange your free, no-obligation market appraisal.

Whether you're considering buying, selling, or simply exploring your options, our dedicated waterside team stands ready to guide you every step of the way.

Some wonderful waterside properties currently on the market as of 10th March 2025: