Expert tips for selling your waterfront property

When is the best time to sell a waterfront property?

While Humfrey notes that the period from late May to late July is often a popular time for waterfront properties to come to market, there is no set formula. “Every year is different, and depending on the market dynamics can be less seasonal and remain busy right up until Christmas,” he says.

What is more important, he notes, is considering market insight alongside your personal circumstances. “My top tip to anyone thinking about selling is don’t hesitate in reaching out to agents early,” he adds. “Whether you’re thinking about selling this year or in five years’ time, we’re always more than happy to offer advice.”

Summer weather not only helps showcase the appeal of waterfront living but also provides ideal conditions for photography. Even if you are not planning to launch the property for several months, consider arranging photography while the sun is shining to capture the setting at its very best. If your property is in a tidal location, be mindful of tide times, as homes often look most appealing at high tide.

How can I present my waterfront property to attract buyers?

Waterfront living is all about embracing the natural surroundings, so make sure any photography and videography reflect this. Humfrey advises using both detailed shots and drone photography to demonstrate the property's setting and its relationship with the water.

Take the opportunity, too, to highlight any direct access to the water, whether that be a jetty, pontoon or slipway. “We recently had a seller who kindly put his boat out on the foreshore he owned for our videography, and it really helped set the scene,” he adds.

Every aspect of the presentation should be geared towards maximising the property's views. This might mean decluttering and removing excess furniture near windows to keep sightlines clear. A polished presentation, with any minor issues carefully addressed, ensures buyers remain focused on the scenery rather than distractions. 

This attention to detail should extend outside as well, where kerb appeal plays a vital role. “Coastal properties can be exposed to harsher environmental conditions than inland homes, such as seawater, strong winds and humidity, all of which can cause paint to fade, peel, or deteriorate more quickly,” says Georgie Veale, Joint Head of East Anglia at Knight Frank. “Keeping the exterior freshly painted and well maintained is essential to making an inviting impression.”

What should I prepare ahead of the sale of my waterfront property?

Having a clear understanding of your property's history, alongside all the relevant paperwork, can be invaluable when preparing for a sale. With waterfront properties, however, there are often additional complexities and questions that prospective buyers will want answered. For instance, do you own any of the foreshore? Do you have the right to moor a boat? What is the depth of the water directly adjacent to the property, and does it provide sufficient clearance? Having this information readily available can help make the sales process significantly smoother.

“Engaging with a solicitor early is really important, so that when terms are agreed with a buyer the process is as seamless as possible. Because of our extensive experience, we are well placed to provide no-obligation recommendations for solicitor firms if needed,” Humfrey says. “As with any sale, preparation is absolutely key.”