How to prepare your home to sell in spring

20 February 2023

Spring is always a popular time to list properties for sale, as we emerge from winter and garden spaces start to look their best. So with increased competition on the market, how do you make sure your property stands out from the crowd?

First impressions count

Never underestimate the importance of kerb appeal. You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression, and as the entrance to your home is both the first and last thing viewers will see, it needs to be as appealing as possible. A freshly painted front door with polished door furniture and clear numbering, reassuring buyers they’re in the right place, can really get your viewing off on the right foot. If your property is within a shared building, make sure it’s clean and presentable too. If you have your own entrance or front garden then adding some brightly coloured planters will add colour and interest. Make sure pathways are swept and weeded and any gates are in good working order.

Indoors

The Holy Trinity of preparing the inside of your home for sale is to declutter, depersonalise and deep clean! Buyers want to imagine themselves living there rather than seeing how you live there, so tuck personal nick-nacks and family photos out of sight, hide cleaning products and signs of domesticity – they don’t want to imagine themselves having to scrub the bathroom! You don’t need freshly baked bread or brewing coffee to create the right impression but clean, well-aired rooms are essential. Adding fresh flowers, a bowl of fruit or good quality scented candles can really help to set the scene.

Reception rooms and kitchens

Show buyers how they can use the space with areas clearly staged with living and dining furniture. Clear kitchen work surfaces of any clutter, just leaving the essentials like a kettle or toaster and some matching caddies. Be warned that if your appliances are integrated, buyers may well look inside your fridge or dishwasher so make sure there are no unpleasant aromas!

Bedrooms and bathrooms

Buyers want to see these as spaces of rest and relaxation so make the beds with clean, matching linen and tidy away any clothes or clutter. Double bedrooms should ideally be shown with a double bed, proving how the space can be utilised. For bathrooms, add fluffy matching towels and tidy away personal items like toothbrushes and cosmetics.

Storage spaces and garages

If buyers see these spaces full to breaking point with your stuff, they simply won’t see or appreciate the space that’s really on offer. It is often worth hiring a storage unit or boxing things up to store at a friend or family members house while your sale is ongoing. Make sure cupboard doors are in working order and that any shelving is properly fitted.

Gardens

A well-presented garden can be seen as really valuable extra space so make sure the grass is cut, hedges and trees are cut back to maximise the space and stage any patio or seating areas with garden furniture to show how they can be used. Again, as we’re not yet in full spring bloom, adding some brightly coloured planters can enhance the space and your photographs!