5 Simple Tips to Make Your Home More Saleable

As much as 30% of a property's value lies within it's condition and the way it is presented for sale. In America they call it "Home Staging" and it's a big business. Property developers make millions of pounds a year doing it and now more and more UK home owners are getting onboard with how important it is to set their homes up to sell.

For Example: 30% of a £300,000 is £100,000 - It's a huge amount of money to lose

It Doesn't Have To Be Expensive To Add Value To Your Home.
When homeowners decide to sell, many immediately think they need a new kitchen, a luxury bathroom or an expensive extension. In reality, that's rarely what buyers are looking for.

A home that looks clean and feels well looked after can make all the difference. Most people decide how they feel about a property within seconds of viewing it online or within the first few minutes of walking through the front door.

Most buyers aren't out to buy bricks and mortar—they're out to buy a place to call home.

The Good News

Creating that feeling doesn't always require a large budget. Here are five simple improvements that can help make your home more appealing, attract more buyers and, in many cases, achieve a better sale price.

It's not about spending more it's about presenting better.

One of the biggest misconceptions in property is that achieving a higher sale price requires spending thousands of pounds. Often, the opposite is true. Homes that are clean, well presented, well maintained and realistically priced consistently attract more interest than homes that rely on expensive improvements but overlook the basics.

Buyers notice attention to detail:

  • They notice cleanliness.

  • They notice care.

And they often assume the rest of the property has been looked after just as well. SO here is our quick guide to setting your home up to sell without spending a fortune.

Declutter and Depersonalise

This is often the quickest and least expensive improvement you can make. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home—not feel like they're visiting yours. 

Top Tips:

  • Hire a local storage unit and remove excess furniture, family photographs, children's artwork and unnecessary ornaments - instantly your  room will feel larger and brighter.

  • Not sure what to keep and what to put in to storage - Speak to a local interior designer, they'll also help you with colours and future room arrangement too.

Quick Links to Local People Who Can Help:

Now that you're moving, you need to think of your property more as a product rather than a home. 

 Freshen Up with Paint

Few improvements offer a better return than a fresh coat of paint. Scuffed walls, bold colours and tired woodwork can make an otherwise well-maintained home feel neglected. 

Neutral shades such as warm whites, soft greys and light beige create a clean, modern feel and appeal to the widest range of buyers.

Quick Links to Local People Who Can Help:

It's amazing how much brighter and more welcoming a room can feel after a weekend with a paint roller.

Let the Light In

Cleanliness and natural light are tow of the biggest selling features any home can have.

  • Open curtains and blinds fully before every viewing.
  • Wash windows inside and out.
  • Replace dim light bulbs.
  • Trim bushes that block sunlight.
  • Add mirrors where appropriate to reflect light into darker areas.

Quick Links to Local People Who Can Help:

Bright homes feel larger, cleaner and more inviting.

Fix the Little Things

It's often the smallest problems that leave the biggest impression. For example:

  • A dripping tap.
  • A squeaky door.
  • Loose handles.
  • Cracked sealant.
  • Missing light bulbs.
  • Chipped paint.

None of these repairs are particularly expensive, but together they can suggest a property hasn't been properly cared for. 

Buyers inevitably begin asking themselves:

"If these obvious jobs haven't been done, what bigger problems might be hiding?"

Spend a day walking through your home as though you were viewing it for the first time and create a list of every small repair. You'll be surprised how much confidence those little fixes can inspire.

Quick Links to Local People Who Can Help:

Improve Your Kerb Appeal

First impressions start long before buyers reach your front door. The outside of your property sets expectations for everything they'll see inside.

Simple improvements can make an enormous difference:

  • Mow the lawn.

  • Weed flower beds.

  • Pressure wash driveways and patios.

  • Clean windows.

  • Repaint the front door if necessary.

  • Replace tired house numbers.

  • Add seasonal plants or hanging baskets.

  • Keep wheelie bins out of sight where possible.

Quick Links to Local People Who Can Help:

Remember—you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Need A Little Help?

Buyers rarely fall in love with expensive homes. They fall in love with homes that feel cared for, welcoming and ready to move into.

Sometimes, it's the smallest improvements that make the biggest difference.

If you are struggling to work out where to start and where to stop why not have a chat with your local property guide.