)
)
)
)
Even if you live in a hugely popular area where you’re confident your home will be snapped up, there are still lots of things you can do to get your house ready to sell and boost its value and appeal. First impressions count when people are valuing and viewing property, and sometimes even the simplest of improvements can do wonders for your asking price and the offers you receive.
1) Enhance kerb appeal
The very first impression of your home starts from the moment potential buyers see it from the street. An overgrown front garden, flaky window frames and weathered front door won’t inspire confidence that you’ve looked after your home properly. There are some simple fixes that can make a world of difference: Get your paint brushes out and freshen up areas like your windows and doors. Update hardware such as door handles and house numbers and buy some plants to add warmth and charm. Trim overgrown bushes or hedges; and clear away those unsightly weeds.
2) Declutter your space
A clutter-free home appears larger and allows buyers to envision their belongings in the space. They want to visualise setting up their own life within the space, and the more spacious your home appears, the better. You can use storage boxes or rent a storage unit to temporarily store excess items, including bulky furniture that could make rooms feel small. To show your home is well-maintained, organise your closets and keep surfaces like countertops and desks clear, aiming for a minimalist aesthetic. It might also be wise to take down some of your family photos and other heavily-personalised items to help potential buyers visualise themselves living there.
3) Redecorate with neutral tones
In order to present your home in the best light to potential buyers, refreshing rooms by painting them in neutral colours will allow people visiting your home to view it as more of a blank canvas they can bring their own style and taste to. A simple coat of paint can make a significant difference in the overall impression your home makes to visitors. Choosing warm neutrals like beige, taupe, or soft greys can make rooms feel cosy yet spacious.
4) Deep clean
Even if you think your home doesn’t need any redecorating, a serious scrub might be all that’s needed to give your home a huge lift, as you get rid of any unwanted dust, cobwebs and stains. By deep cleaning your carpets, the kitchen and bathroom, cleaning all your windows inside and out and making sure any skirting boards and shelves are gleaming, you will ensure that your home is in the best possible condition to be seen by potential buyers.
5) Do repairs
It’s easy to lose track of minor repairs like broken or burnt-out light bulbs, small cracks in the wall or a well-used shower curtain. Though they might seem insignificant, leaky taps and broken blinds are the kind of things that will stand out to potential buyers. Conduct a thorough walk-through as if you were the buyer, looking for squeaky doors, loose handles, or dripping faucets. Ensure all appliances are in working order and all electrical outlets and switches work properly. Address any signs of leaks or water damage to prevent buyers from fixating on small issues during viewings.
6) Temporarily relocate your pets
Few buyers want to take an excitable greeting from your dog while they’re looking around, and even animal lovers might find it distracting. See if a friend or family member can look after your furry friends to make viewings as calm as possible.
Some buyers may also have allergies, so removing pets during viewings can create a comfortable experience for all. Remember to also hide litter boxes, clean any hair from furniture and floors, and ensure that any pet-related odours are eliminated.
7) Give your viewers space
Whether you're showing buyers around yourself or with an estate agent, it's important to strike the right balance between being helpful and giving them space. Buyers want to imagine starting a new life in your home without feeling they're intruding. Be friendly and highlight your home's best features, but avoid hovering or overwhelming them with information. Allow them to explore at their own pace, stepping back or offering moments alone in each room. By giving them space while being available for questions, you help potential buyers feel comfortable and positively influence their viewing experience.
8) Maximise natural light
Bright and airy homes are much more appealing, so it’s important to maximise the light in your home. Remove any heavy, dark curtains that block light even when open, and pull blinds right up. Use light paint in any rooms that don’t get much sunlight, and cut back trees, vines or bushes that block any sun from coming in through windows. If you’re still struggling, try using high-wattage light bulbs with a warm temperature and place more light fixtures in particularly dark areas. You can also try strategically placing mirrors to reflect light and make rooms appear larger.
9) Tidy your garden
A tidy garden can be a huge selling point. A welcoming outside space can add real value to your home and allow prospective buyers to picture themselves relaxing on a sunny day or playing with their kids. Mow the lawn, pick up leaves, trim bushes, plant some flowers and refresh any worn garden furniture. Remember, you’re selling a lifestyle that extends beyond the walls of your home, so make your garden as appealing as possible.
A well-maintained garden can create a welcoming first impression for potential buyers, failing to keep your garden in check could reduce the offer someone is willing to make by 8.2% - equating to £23,000 based on current market values. Find out about other natural forces that can affect your house price in our article.
10) Get planning permission
It doesn’t usually cost much to obtain planning permission for something like an extension or loft conversion. Showing a potential buyer how they could enhance your home even further, and assuring them they’ll legally be able to, is a great way to sell the dream. This can be especially appealing to buyers with a growing family who might need extra bedrooms or more space in the future. By showing the property's potential for expansion, you're selling not just the home as it is but also its future possibilities, making it a valuable proposition.
)
)
Get a conveyancing quote for your house sale
Ready to sell your home? Let us take care of the legal process while you focus on preparing your property for the market.
Many people plan their move around a specific timeline, aiming to settle into their new home before an important event, such as Christmas. If you’re working towards a fixed deadline, our home moving timeline article can help you create a realistic and achievable plan.
If you’re after some information on the steps involved with the sale of your home, take a look at our helpful house selling guide. Or if you’re wondering what the fees associated with a sale are, you can read all about the cost of selling a house here.
)
)
)
)
)
)
