Shorter days, longer nights, and falling temperatures all work together to encourage us to wrap up warmly and stay indoors wherever possible. Venturing out on wet and windy evenings in the dark to view properties is way down on the list of things we want to do, but the promise of a cosy welcome might just be enough to tempt us.

What then happens to those vacant properties? Un-lived in, unloved and without any warmth, are these properties destined to have no viewings throughout winter?

No, of course not. But, whilst it is not practical to provide a hot cup of tea and a roaring fire to welcome your viewings when a vacant property, some things can be done to improve the viewing experience at an empty property and tips for maintaining it through the winter months.

• Preventative measures - one of the biggest threats to empty properties over winter is burst pipes; there are two main options to deal with this. A pipe will burst when the water within the pipe freezes and then thaws, causing an expansion within the pipe that can force a crack. As the water thaws, it will flood through that crack. It can create unimaginable damage, particularly because this usually happens in a vacant property, so the flooding can be left for days or even weeks before it is identified. You can either drain down the water system so that those pipes have no water sitting in them and, therefore, can not freeze, expand and then burst, or you can retain the temperature inside the property so that the water doesn't freeze.

• Warmth - where possible, if the property is on the market, try to keep it warm. It will not be welcoming to any viewers to enter a property, and it will be colder inside than outside. A viewing in these freezing temperatures will likely be very short, and there is less chance of positive feedback and high offers if the lasting impression is that it is a cold house.

• Regular checks - someone must visit the property at least once a week to pick up any junk mail and check that there are no security or maintenance issues. As mentioned earlier, if there is a leak or other problem, the damage caused will be magnified if it is not picked up on and left to linger.

• Let there be light - when you have a viewing appointment, get there a little early, open all curtains and blinds, and turn on all the lights.

• Get rid of the junk - there is nothing more off-putting for your viewers to clamber over a mountain of pizza shop leaflets and local free newspapers. Arriving at the property for the viewing appointment early allows you to gather up the junk mail and dispose of it before your viewers arrive.

If circumstances dictate that you must try to sell a property empty and through winter, all is not lost. You won't be able to create a cosy and welcoming sanctuary for your viewers against the inclement winter weather, but you can take some measures to improve the viewing experience and help prospective buyers envision themselves making your property their home.

If you would like help selling or renting your vacant property, contact our team of property experts today.