The average number of prospective buyers registering with estate agent branches in the UK is up 10 per cent from December 2016, according to the National Association of Estate Agents. With this pool of house hunters expanding and market confidence growing, what better way to launch your house onto the market this spring than with Strutt & Parker’s National Open House Day on Saturday 13 May?

A buyer can walk through the door on a viewing and take just 30 seconds to decide if they like the house. For those houses with instant kerb appeal, holding an Open House Day is a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on this. Jake Civardi, Partner at Strutt & Parker, Winchester explains: “If a prospective buyer instantly likes your house, but knows there are six other couples also walking around commenting on how beautiful the property is, this competitive edge might naturally encourage them to put in an offer sooner. Similarly, if a buyer likes a house before our National Open House Day starts, it is not uncommon for an early offer to be secured in order to take it offline so as not to risk losing it.”

Leading estate agency Strutt & Parker has held successful Open House events across its national network of offices biannually for eight years. It allows buyers who register with them the chance to view any property on their books - on the same day – between 11am and 3pm.

Since 2009, the quantity of properties taking part has soared by 28% and the number of viewers on the day has increased by 41%. “Its success is down to a few key elements”, says Jake. “No fixed appointment times create a unique harmony of flexibility, convenience and excitement. Choice is also a huge draw for buyers. We have had some incredible stories of people just being curious about a house and not seriously considering buying, but going on to make an offer after viewing it on Open House Day.”

Although 90% of searches start online, nothing replaces the value of seeing a property in real life. Open House Days are a useful marketing tool to get more people through the door. Strutt & Parker’s next event will be held on Saturday 13 May, perfectly timed to reach spring buyers. “Gardens will be in bloom and the sun bathes houses in natural light, so all that’s left is for sellers to prepare their homes for viewings – spring cleaning starts now!”

One of our many properties taking part is White Cottage in the village of Oakley, situated a few miles from brilliant road connections to both London and Winchester. This property has recently been reduced to a current guide price of £1,240,000. As villages go, Oakley is particularly well catered for with facilities. There is a primary school, doctors, dentist, hairdressers, butcher and chemist, along with a good shop, post office and two pubs. There is also an award winning farm shop nearby which is definitely worth a visit.

If you are selling your house and want to take part in Strutt & Parker’s National Open House Day, contact your local Strutt & Parker office on 01962 869999 or visit struttandparker.com/openday.