It started with a pumpkin on stilts. Or so it seemed - in reality it was neighbour Paco, wrestling with his old ladder while trying to hang a lantern and accidentally giving the pumpkin a personality of its own. Lights were strung along the street and children practised their most dramatic "boo!" moments. What struck me that year wasn't just the decorations: it was how a simple Halloween stroll could completely change your view of a neighbourhood.

On such an evening you notice places you'd probably never spot by day:

A narrow lane with charming doorways, a little square with a lit bench, or a row of cottages with warm lights glowing behind the curtains. Potential buyers who come for the atmosphere sometimes linger; they wander down a street, peek into an authentic patio, and quietly ask themselves: "Could this be our house?" A short walk, a neighbour's smile, and suddenly that one property is on your radar — not because there was a sign, but because you felt life there.

This nocturnal discovery tour has something both tender and appealing:

You see how the neighbourhood breathes, how terraces invite you in the evening light and how a single lamp can make a home feel cosy. For owners and sellers, that's an opportunity: evening shots with atmospheric lighting often show what living there really feels like better than daytime photos alone. A well-framed image of a lit terrace or a snug window can arouse curiosity and tempt people to explore - just as I saw happen that night.

Practical tips for those who want to benefit from such cosy evenings:

Keep outdoor areas tidy and welcoming, place an atmospheric light by the front door, and ask your property manager or photographer to take a few evening shots. Those images perform well in listings and help potential buyers envision everyday life in your home.

And keep your door ajar if little vampires come knocking — some vampires want to live forever in your lovely house. 🎃