The recent snowfall across the UK and plunging temperatures have brought with it closures to schools and work places as well as travel mayhem.

However vendors should not be too negative as those wishing to buy haven't stopped looking, although they should be realistic and accept that there might be fewer viewings.

Don't just shut up shop and wait for the January blues to disappear: there is still a market this winter - but sellers must remember to make the effort to ensure their property still looks and feels its best. National property firm Strutt & Parker gives its top tips for those wishing to sell up during the winter months.

James Mackenzie from Strutt & Parker's National County House Department advises: "We always preach that first impressions are extremely important when selling, so the outside of the home is a great place to begin. The snow filled garden will never look the same as it does in summer when flowers are in bloom, but it is still important to make sure it looks orderly. Tidying up hedges and garden furniture, and making sure pathways are clear and leaves are swept can prevent an outside space from looking sad."

If a buyer can't get into the home easily, the house won't sell. That means keeping kerbs and driveways free of ice and snow. Just like mowing the lawn in summer, you want to show your home has been maintained. If you're away frequently or live in an area subject to bad weather, it can pay to put some salt out or clear the drive regularly.

Cleaning windows helps to make the most of natural winter light. If left untended they can reveal grime and make it look like the home hasn't been well-tended. Having curtains and blinds cleaned and opening them as wide as possible during daytime viewings will help maximize sunlight. Cleaning all the lamps and built-in fixtures, and replacing the bulbs with higher wattage bulbs can also stop a home feeling dark and murky.

Mackenzie believes using the season to your advantage is the key to achieving a sale: "Bright and crisp frosty mornings with blue skies and roaring fires can make a home look and feel welcoming and cosy - it's just making sure you put in the effort. For empty properties, getting a plumber in and putting the heating on a timer for 11pm and 5am will help keep out the chill and stop the pipes freezing. The time period during winter is short and sharp and deals can go through quickly - often to the first bidder."