Homeowners could boost their property value by nearly £45,000 by spring cleaning, according to new research.
As the property market begins to heat up ahead of summer, the study shows that a thorough clean of both the home and garden can significantly increase a property's worth.
Research analysed housing market data from the past decade to identify how seasonal changes and property presentation affect house prices and sales.
Winter is typically the quietest period for house purchases, with an average of 75,874 transactions completed during these months.
This figure rises to 77,210 transactions in spring as the market begins to gain momentum. Summer then emerges as the busiest season, with an average of 87,460 property transactions taking place.
The research, by property maintenance experts HaMuch, suggested spring and summer are the best times to list a property for sale.
During these warmer months, the increased number of active buyers significantly improves sellers' chances of securing a sale.
The research also revealed property values follow a similar seasonal pattern to transaction volumes.
Over the past decade, house prices have typically fallen by 0.2 per cent during winter months. This trend reverses in spring, when prices climb by 1.1 per cent, on average.
The upward trajectory continues into summer, with prices rising by a further 1.7 per cent. This natural seasonal uplift means homeowners looking to sell can already expect better returns by timing their sales for the warmer months.
However, the findings suggested that homeowners can add even more value through targeted spring cleaning efforts.
A thorough deep clean of a property can add 2.8 per cent to its market value, equivalent to £7,506 based on the current average UK house price of £268,087.
Decluttering has an even greater impact, adding 3.9 per cent to a property's value, or approximately £10,455. The most significant boost comes from exterior maintenance, with a clean, tidy and decluttered garden potentially increasing value by 10 per cent, or £26,809.
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Combined, these spring cleaning efforts could add a total of £44,771 to a property's value for relatively little investment beyond time and effort.
This substantial increase requires nothing more than thorough cleaning and some dedicated work.
With the property market naturally gaining momentum in the coming months, sellers who invest time in presentation stand to benefit significantly. The research demonstrates that simple home improvements can yield impressive financial returns when selling.
As transaction levels increase heading into summer, a well-presented property could command a premium price in the competitive market.
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