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If you’re looking to move house, selling your current home quickly can make a big difference.
The sooner your sale completes, the sooner you can secure your next property and use any equity from the sale as your deposit.
This can help strengthen your position when making an offer, especially if you’re entering a competitive market.
While there’s no guaranteed way to speed up a sale, how your home is presented and priced can have a big impact. Here’s what can help you get things moving sooner rather than later.
Price It Right from the Start
One of the most important things you can do is to price your home sensibly.
A common mistake is choosing the estate agent who gives you the highest valuation, but an overvalued home can quickly become stale on the market.
If it doesn’t attract interest in the first couple of weeks, potential buyers may start to wonder why.
Take a look at similar properties that have recently sold in your area and base your expectations on those, rather than what’s currently listed.
It’s the actual sale prices that matter most, not the asking prices. A well-priced property is more likely to attract serious interest early on.
Make a Great First Impression
First impressions matter, and the outside of your home is the first thing a buyer will see. A neat, tidy exterior sets the tone for the rest of the viewing.
Make sure your front garden or driveway is clean and clear. Mow the lawn, remove any clutter, and consider giving your front door a clean or fresh coat of paint.
A tidy entrance with a working doorbell and clean doormat gives the impression that the home has been well cared for.
Create a Clean, Bright and Spacious Interior
Once inside, buyers will notice how clean and bright your home feels.
Pull back curtains, open blinds, and switch on lights in darker areas. Replace any broken bulbs and keep the home comfortably warm during viewings.
Clutter can make even large rooms feel cramped. Put away anything that doesn’t need to be on display, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
A clean worktop or empty hallway helps show off the space available. If you’re storing items outside of cupboards, now is a good time to tidy or pack them away.
Neutral colours on the walls can make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves living in the space. A fresh coat of paint in key rooms can also help freshen things up without major expense.
Focus on Key Rooms
Buyers often pay the most attention to kitchens and bathrooms.
These don’t need to be brand new, but they should be clean and well-maintained. Wipe down surfaces, tidy inside cupboards, and put away personal items like toiletries or cleaning products.
Bedrooms should feel calm and organised. Make the beds with fresh bedding, and keep furniture to a minimum where possible to make the room feel larger.
Tidy and Neutralise Where You Can
Odours can be off-putting, so make sure your home is well-aired before any viewings.
This is especially important if you have pets or if anyone smokes. Avoid cooking strong-smelling meals just before people arrive.
Check that doors open and close properly, handles and latches are secure, and nothing feels like it needs urgent attention. If small jobs can be done quickly, it’s worth taking care of them.
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Make Viewings Feel Natural
You want potential buyers to feel comfortable as they walk around your home. Give them space to talk openly with each other and, if possible, allow them to explore at their own pace.
If it feels right to do the viewings yourself, that can often work well. You know your home better than anyone and can speak honestly about the space, sharing any quirks or helpful details.
Small reassurances, like how you fixed a minor issue or enjoyed the garden in summer, help make the experience feel more personal.
Final Touches That Can Make a Difference
Little things can go a long way. Clean windows inside and out, touch up scuffed paintwork, and trim any large indoor plants that block out light.
If you have a garden or garage, tidy these areas too. Buyers will often peek into sheds, so make sure everything looks organised.
You don’t need to spend a fortune, but a home that feels well cared for is likely to leave a better impression.
Buyers aren’t just looking at the space. They’re looking at how the property has been maintained.
Thinking Ahead to Your Next Move
If you’re selling because you’re ready to move into a new home, timing becomes even more important.
The quicker your sale progresses, the stronger your position can be when it comes to applying for a mortgage or making an offer on your next property.
Most buyers rely on the equity from their current home to form part or all of their next deposit. Knowing what you might be able to borrow alongside this can help you focus your property search.
Our mortgage advisors speak to home movers every day and can help you understand what your options are once your current sale is underway.
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or moving home, it’s always useful to get a clear picture of your budget before the next opportunity comes along.
