There’s something special about summer in York. The River Ouse sparkles, the parks burst into colour, and the city’s streets fill with life. It’s also one of the best times of year to sell your home.
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, relocating or simply ready for a change, summer offers a golden window to bring your property to market. But with more homes competing for buyers’ attention, how can you make yours stand out?
At Hunters York, led by Branch Manager Graham Walker, we’ve helped hundreds of sellers move successfully through all seasons — and we know exactly what works in a summer market. This guide is here to help you prepare, present and price your home in a way that gets results.
Why summer is a great time to sell in York
Let’s start with the good news: York’s property market is holding strong.
According to the latest figures, the average house price in York sits at approximately £340,000, with family homes in particular continuing to perform well. Demand remains high, especially in neighbourhoods offering outdoor space, schools, and easy access to the city centre.
Summer brings more motivated buyers to the table — people who want to move before the new school year or before Christmas. The lighter evenings also mean more flexibility for viewings, and gardens and kerb appeal are at their seasonal best.
But to make the most of these advantages, it’s important to prepare your home thoughtfully. Here’s how.
First impressions count: make the outside sing
Before a buyer even walks through the door, they’ve formed an opinion. That means your front garden, path, door and windows all matter.
Some easy but powerful improvements include:
- Mowing the lawn and edging paths
- Trimming hedges and pulling out weeds
- Repainting the front door or cleaning up existing paintwork
- Adding pots or hanging baskets with colourful flowers
- Cleaning your windows, doormats and house numbers
In York’s charming older streets, period details are a big selling point — but only if they’re clean and well maintained. A tidy front gives the impression of a cared-for home inside too.
Declutter and depersonalise
This tip is classic for a reason. When a buyer steps into your home, they want to imagine living there — not be reminded that someone else already does.
- Pack away personal photos, children’s artwork and collections
- Remove excess furniture to create a sense of space
- Clear kitchen worktops and window sills
- Organise cupboards (yes, viewers open them!)
- Store away pet items and bulky toys
You don’t have to make your home look like a show home — just aim for clean, fresh and calm.
Maximise natural light
York’s beautiful historic homes sometimes have smaller or lower windows — so let the light in wherever you can.
- Pull back curtains fully
- Use mirrors to bounce light around
- Replace heavy drapes with lighter fabrics
- Clean all windows inside and out
- Use lamps in darker corners
In summer, opening a window or two before a viewing can let in a breeze and keep the space feeling airy and comfortable.
Refresh key areas
You don’t need to renovate, but giving certain rooms a refresh can make a big impact.
- Kitchen: Make sure counters are clear, the sink is empty, and bins are out of sight. Consider replacing tired cupboard handles or adding a stylish light fitting.
- Bathroom: Fresh towels, spotless tiles and gleaming taps go a long way. A simple plant or candle adds a spa-like feel.
- Living room: Arrange furniture to show space and flow. Add a cushion or throw in a neutral, modern colour.
- Bedroom: Make beds neatly, remove clutter from nightstands, and add a lamp or plant.
Don’t underestimate the power of scent, either. A subtle air freshener, freshly baked bread or brewed coffee can create a warm and homely atmosphere.
Consider professional staging
Staging isn’t just for high-end homes. A few small investments — like a rug, mirror or artwork — can dramatically change how a room feels.
Ask us about our staging recommendations. We know what’s popular with York buyers right now, from modern minimalism to cosy country charm.
Price it right from the start
Overpricing is one of the biggest reasons homes stick on the market. In a competitive environment, the right price brings in the right buyers — and sometimes, multiple offers.
At Hunters York, we use in-depth market data, comparable properties and current buyer activity to recommend an asking price that gets attention without underselling.
We’ll always talk you through the reasoning, so you feel confident in your pricing strategy — not just hopeful.
Professional photography and marketing
Buyers start online. Great photos, floorplans and descriptions are no longer optional — they’re essential.
Here’s what we offer at Hunters York:
- Professional property photography
- Detailed floorplans
- Listings on all major property websites
- Targeted social media promotion
- Eye-catching window displays in our city-centre branch
- Buyer match alerts to our active applicant database
The goal? To make your home impossible to ignore.
Be flexible with viewings
Summer gives you longer daylight hours — and buyers are often keen to view after work or at weekends.
Try to accommodate as many viewing requests as possible. If you’re away, we’re happy to handle everything for you. Our accompanied viewing service means we can highlight the best features of your home and answer questions professionally on the spot.
Prepare for sale legally
One thing that often slows down a sale is the legal bit — especially when documents aren’t ready.
To keep things moving:
- Instruct a solicitor early
- Gather your title deeds and EPC
- Find warranties or guarantees (for boilers, windows etc.)
- Get ID and proof of address ready
We can recommend local conveyancers we’ve worked with before who are known for being efficient and communicative.
What types of homes are selling fastest in York right now?
Here’s what we’re seeing fly off the market this summer:
Period properties in Bishopthorpe, Clifton and Heworth
These character homes are always popular — especially when well-presented with modern kitchens and bathrooms.
Family semis in Acomb, Fulford and Rawcliffe
Good-sized gardens and school access make these properties top picks for growing families.
Apartments near York station or city centre
Perfect for commuters, professionals and first-time buyers — especially if they have parking or outside space.
New builds and energy-efficient homes
EPC ratings of A or B are increasingly sought after, especially among eco-conscious buyers and downsizers.
Who’s buying in York?
- Families: Moving for schools and space
- Commuters: Using fast rail links to Leeds or London
- Downsizers: Seeking low-maintenance living in a walkable city
- First-time buyers: Attracted by York’s mix of culture, green space and amenities
- Investors: Looking for buy-to-let properties with good yields and long-term growth
If you’re unsure who your property would appeal to, we can help identify your ideal buyer profile — and tailor our marketing accordingly.
Why choose Hunters York?
We’re not just another estate agent — we’re part of York’s fabric.
Branch Manager Graham Walker and the team have decades of experience in the local market. We’ve sold homes in every corner of the city — from city-centre apartments to countryside retreats — and we understand what makes each one unique.
Here’s what makes us different:
- We’re locally owned and community-focused
- We combine national marketing power with local insight
- We offer straightforward, honest advice (no pushy sales talk)
- We tailor our approach to your goals, not just the market
- We genuinely care about helping you move on the best terms
We’re here to listen, guide, and help you sell with confidence — at a pace that suits you.
Book your free property valuation
Thinking of selling your York home this summer? Let’s start with a chat.
Our free, no-obligation valuation includes:
- An expert visit from a senior member of our team
- Insight into similar properties and current buyer demand
- Advice on presentation and small changes that make a big difference
- A clear, realistic guide price — and strategy for launch
No pressure, no hard sell. Just friendly, expert advice from people who love what they do.
📍 Visit us
Hunters York
Apollo House
Eboracum Way
York
YO31 7RE
Call or contact us
01904 621026
📧 Email
york@hunters.com
Final thoughts
Selling your home in York this summer doesn’t have to be stressful — and you don’t need to do it alone.
With the right preparation, pricing and support, you can attract the right buyers and move on with confidence. Whether you’re still weighing up your options or ready to go, we’re here to help.
Let’s make your next chapter a brilliant one.
