First Impressions Count

Most buyers will make up their minds about a property within the first few minutes of arriving, which is why first impressions really do matter. Think about how your home looks from the kerb. Does the front door need a fresh coat of paint? Are the windows clean and sparkling? Is the garden tidy and welcoming?

Simple steps like mowing the lawn, trimming back hedges, removing weeds, and sweeping the driveway or path can instantly improve kerb appeal. If you live in a flat, make sure the entrance lobby or hallway is neat and well-lit. A tidy, well-maintained exterior sets a positive tone for the rest of the viewing.

Declutter and Depersonalise

One of the most effective ways to make your home appealing to buyers is to declutter. A space that feels overcrowded with furniture, possessions or personal items can seem smaller than it really is and harder for buyers to picture themselves living in.

Start by removing excess furniture, clear surfaces, and reduce personal decorations like family photos or quirky collections. This doesn’t mean your home needs to look completely empty—on the contrary, a few tasteful touches like a vase of fresh flowers or a neatly arranged bookshelf can add warmth. The goal is to create a clean, neutral canvas.

If possible, pack away anything you won’t need in the coming weeks and place it in storage. It’ll also give you a head start on moving.

Deep Clean Every Room

Cleanliness makes a huge difference in how your home is perceived. Buyers often assume that a clean home is a well-maintained one. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as well as often-overlooked places like skirting boards, light switches, door handles, and extractor fans.

Consider steam-cleaning carpets and curtains, polishing mirrors and windows, and using a mild air freshener or neutral fragrance to make your home smell pleasant and inviting.

If the job feels overwhelming, hiring a professional cleaning service can be a worthwhile investment.

Make Minor Repairs

That dripping tap, broken door handle or squeaky floorboard may seem like small annoyances, but they can give buyers the impression that your home hasn’t been properly cared for. Before putting your property on the market, take time to walk through each room and make a note of anything that’s broken or looking a little tired.

Common fixes include:

• Replacing cracked tiles
• Touching up chipped paint
• Re-grouting bathrooms
• Replacing blown light bulbs
• Fixing loose cupboard doors or drawer handles

These quick wins can make a big difference and help prevent buyers from mentally deducting repair costs from their offer.

Freshen Up the Décor

Not every home needs redecorating before selling, but a few strategic updates can have a big impact. If your walls are painted in bold or dark colours, consider repainting them in light, neutral tones. This makes rooms feel brighter and more spacious and helps buyers imagine how they might use the space themselves.

You don’t need to undertake a full renovation, but small updates—such as changing dated light fittings, swapping old curtains for simple blinds, or replacing worn rugs—can give your home a more modern feel.

Don’t forget the lighting either. Natural light is a major selling point, so keep windows unobstructed and use mirrors to reflect light into darker corners. For evening viewings, make sure all bulbs are working and rooms are well-lit.

Stage Key Areas

Once your home is clean, decluttered, and refreshed, take a step back and consider how each space is used. You may want to stage certain rooms to help buyers see their potential. For example:

• Dining rooms should have a set table and clear surfaces.
• Bedrooms should look cosy and uncluttered.
• Spare rooms can be dressed as a guest bedroom or home office.

The goal of staging isn’t to disguise flaws but to highlight the best features of your home and show buyers how they might enjoy living there.

Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

On the day of viewings, give your home a final once-over. Open windows to air out rooms, turn on soft lighting, and make sure the temperature is comfortable. If you have pets, consider having them stay elsewhere during the viewing to avoid distractions or allergies.

Little details like fresh flowers, the smell of baked bread or a lit candle can all contribute to a positive atmosphere—just don’t go overboard. Aim for clean, simple, and welcoming.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your home for sale is an investment in time and energy, but it can pay off significantly in terms of a quicker sale and stronger offers. Buyers are more likely to fall in love with a property that looks well-maintained, fresh, and easy to move into.

By focusing on cleanliness, presentation, and minor fixes, you’re not only showing your home at its best—you’re also helping potential buyers feel confident and inspired to make it their own.