How to Best Present Your Property Before Selling

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions really do matter. Buyers often make up their minds very quickly, so presenting your property at its best can make a significant difference to both the level of interest you receive and the price you ultimately achieve.

Start with the outside

The front of your property is the first thing a buyer sees, so it is worth making sure it looks inviting. Simple jobs such as cutting the lawn, trimming hedges, clearing pathways, cleaning windows and tidying the entrance can all help.

If the front door is looking tired, a fresh coat of paint can also make a surprisingly big difference.

Declutter, but don’t depersonalise completely

Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in your home. Removing excess furniture, paperwork and general clutter can make rooms feel larger and more appealing.

However, there is no need to strip the property of all personality. A home should still feel warm and lived in rather than completely empty or clinical.

Keep décor neutral

Bold colours and highly individual decorating choices can sometimes distract buyers from the property itself.

Neutral walls, clean finishes and simple furnishings tend to appeal to the widest possible audience and can also make rooms feel brighter and more spacious.

Let in as much light as possible

Natural light is a major selling point. Before photographs and viewings, open curtains and blinds fully, clean the windows and make sure darker rooms are well lit.

Mirrors can also help reflect light and create a greater sense of space.

Deal with small maintenance jobs

Minor issues can sometimes give buyers the impression that a property has not been well maintained.

Loose door handles, dripping taps, cracked sealant, blown light bulbs and damaged paintwork are all relatively inexpensive to put right but can have a noticeable impact on how a home is perceived.

Focus on the kitchen and bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most important rooms for many buyers.

You do not necessarily need to undertake an expensive renovation, but keeping surfaces clear, cleaning thoroughly and replacing worn silicone or grout can make these areas feel significantly fresher.

Make each room’s purpose clear

Buyers should immediately understand how each room can be used.

If a spare bedroom has gradually become a storage room, consider returning it to its intended use. Likewise, a study, dining room or second sitting room should be presented in a way that helps buyers appreciate the flexibility of the accommodation.

Don’t forget the garden

Outside space has become increasingly important to many buyers.

A neatly cut lawn, tidy borders, clean patio and well-arranged garden furniture can help buyers see the garden as an extension of the living accommodation.

Prepare properly for photography

Property photographs are often the first time a buyer encounters your home, particularly through portals such as Rightmove.

Before your photographer arrives, make beds, clear kitchen worktops, remove bins and toiletries, straighten cushions and towels and make sure every room is looking its best.

Good photography can be one of the most important factors in encouraging buyers to arrange a viewing.

Create the right atmosphere for viewings

Before a viewing, make sure the property is clean, tidy and comfortably warm. Open curtains, switch on lamps where necessary and ensure the home smells fresh.

Avoid overpowering fragrances. A clean, neutral and welcoming atmosphere is far more effective.

Presentation can influence value

The aim is not to make your home look like a show house. It is about making it easy for buyers to appreciate the space, condition and lifestyle your property offers.

Small improvements made before launching to the market can often result in stronger initial interest, better viewings and potentially a better selling price.

At ELR, we advise sellers on how best to prepare their property before going to market, from presentation and photography through to pricing and marketing strategy.

Thinking of selling? Contact ELR for a free, no-obligation market appraisal and advice on how to present your property to achieve the best possible result.