Thinking of putting your house on the market? You don't have to get knee-deep in DIY or install a fancy new kitchen to prepare your house for valuations and viewings.
From tidying up the garden and putting potted plants on the doorstep to what colours to paint your home, these expert home styling ideas will help you create a fantasy that will seduce potential buyers. Home stage your house right and you could sell quickly and, most importantly, for the best possible price.
Click or scroll through for tips that will sell your home fast!
The exterior of your property is probably the most important aspect to consider when preparing your home to sell. Buyers may take a 'drive-by' before they even arrange to view it.
Online estate agents Strike explains: "Kerb appeal is one of the key selling points for potential house buyers, as their minds can be made up in a matter of seconds". Jet wash the driveway, trim hedges, paint exterior window frames and front gates to make a smart first impression.
Pay special attention to the presentation of your front door – after all, this is the gateway to your home's interior and offers an instant impression of what lies behind it.
If your door is in good condition, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint and changing up the hardware. Alternatively, a brand new door could give the front of your house the facelift it needs. Remember to clean any door furniture and add a potted plant and doormat to the front step, for a lovely welcome.
Once you've perfected the front door, ensure it's illuminated in the right way. If you have a porch light, put in a new bulb and make sure it's working as it should be. Entrance lighting can do more than help you find the lock at night – it can also set the stage for what lies inside.
Forget harsh security lighting and think outside the box when it comes to illuminating your entrance. Consider hanging lanterns or statement wall-mounted pieces that also act as decorative elements.
Once a potential buyer steps through the front door, your entrance hall will offer them an instant impression of your home – an opinion that could be difficult to change once it's been made. So, it's essential to ensure your hallway is a light-filled and inviting space that really says 'home'.
Make sure the space is easy to manoeuvre around, and if possible, offers a line of sight to the garden. Mirrors can enhance the impression of space, while a clutter-free layout will set a relaxed tone.
Bert & May Crosses tiles available from Hyperion Tiles.
Make rooms seem bigger than they are where you can. Clear out unnecessary belongings and clutter, and keep furnishings to a minimum, so as not to overwhelm spaces.
Again, the right lighting and a few carefully positioned mirrors can enhance the impression of space, while a lick of paint and some houseplants will ensure your rooms feel light, fresh and inviting.
Midlake Grey tiles available from Porcelain Superstore.
Try not to impose personal taste onto buyers by keeping all décor as neutral as possible. Not only will this allow them to envisage making their mark on the property, it will also make the most of natural light and maximise space.
Researchers at sellhousefast.co.uk discovered that grey, off-white or beige are the most popular paint colours for walls. But don't be afraid to add the odd feature wall to accent your rooms.
Creating a focal point is a fantastic way to draw buyers’ eyes into a space and make your home memorable. Buyers prefer living rooms that aren’t dominated by a huge TV, so instead use furnishings and décor to do the job. A focal point can be a fireplace, or if you don't have one try a statement sofa, a well-placed mirror or wall art.
Walk into your living room and note the first thing you notice. What draws the eye? If it's something unattractive, remove it.
Art prints available from Desenio.
The general rule of thumb is to decorate neutrally; but a few subtle accent shades will help create interest and personality.
Inject colour temporarily using soft furnishings such as cushions or rugs and be sure they are complementary and consistent throughout each room. Remove any tatty throws and arrange cushions neatly on seating.
Get the balance right between clutter-free and sparse. Estate agent Liz Humphreys suggests "Declutter as much as possible, remove all small ornaments and personal items to show as much clear floor and surface space as you can."
In the kitchen remove the bin and but don't hide away generic items that help make the room look usable. Stylishly arranged chopping boards add warmth and texture, while potted herbs offer colour and fragrance.
Dulwich kitchen available from Naked Kitchens.
Decluttering is crucial but keeping surfaces well-styled will create visual interest without sentiment. Group accessories in odd numbers; candles, vases of flowers and coffee table books are objects that are attractive but will not seem personal to you, the vendor.
Continue the same formula with any shelves and bedside tables. The rule of three is always a good place to start.
As well as styling your surfaces, it's important to create a homely space that others can envision using. The dining room is a great place to do this, as it allows potential buyers to picture themselves hosting friends and family for gatherings and annual holidays.
Lay the table as if you were about to host a dinner party and if you don't have a designated dining room, ensure your home offers an obvious area for eating, even if it's the kitchen island.
Madison dining table available from Furniture And Choice.
When selling your home, it's important not to confuse potential buyers. Ensure your rooms clearly show their purpose. If your dining room usually doubles as your home office, consider removing your desk during viewings, to enable spaces to feel comfortable and not overused.
By assigning each room or zone with its own purpose, you can give buyers the impression that there's a space for every task.
A move-in ready home is attractive to buyers, so give any scuffed walls a lick of paint.
Woodwork can be subject to knocks and white gloss can yellow over time, so freshen up doors and skirting boards with a sand-down and fresh coat of paint to make them look cared for and as good as new. Why not go for a colour to make them stand out?
Upstate Blue satin paint from Annie Sloan.
Invest in cleaning tasks that can transform the look and feel of a room. A professional carpet clean has so many benefits; it will eradicate embedded dust, stains and discolouration as well as bacteria, which can all make your floor coverings look dull and lead to musty smells.
When it comes to deep-cleaning, a professional sofa and oven clean is well worth it too.
Make living spaces as open as possible. This might mean pulling a sofa away from a wall so buyers can walk around a space.
If a room is compact think about renting storage space to remove larger pieces and then rearrange key furniture to look and feel as spacious as possible.
Ferdinand corner sofa available from Arlo & Jacob.
Parking spaces are in high demand, so an organised garage that is clear and decluttered will make a valuable asset to your property.
Have a good clear out and add in some sturdy storage solutions to lift as many possessions off the floor as possible.
An outdoor space is often high on most buyers' wish lists, so making sure the garden is tidy and attractive should be a priority when preparing your house for viewings.
Even if your garden space is small, mow the lawn, clear leaves, tidy and weed beds, and clean or repaint decked areas. Declutter sheds and summer houses too.
Make sure your house smells clean and fresh by removing the bin, any pet food bowls or smelly shoes by the door. Make sure the laundry bin is empty, toilets are clean and the seats are down.
Then bring in sweet-smelling fruit for the kitchen, flowers for living areas and scented candles for the bathroom. It is said that the smell of freshly baked bread or roasted coffee aromas can conjure up the cosy feeling of home too.
Make it seem like you've recently had your bathroom or kitchen tiled by transforming old grout. Water stains, mildew and mould will make the most stylish tile jobs look grubby and old.
As well as chemical-based products you can clean tarnished grout with steam or a toothbrush, white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda plus plenty of elbow grease. A grout pen is also a handy tool to brighten stained borders.
Spirit Marine Blue Gloss Kitkat mosaic tiles available from Walls and Floors.
A new shower screen seal is an easy update that can instantly transform a bathroom to make it look cared for and new. Like grout, the plastic water seal can become discoloured and mouldy over time but it is budget-friendly to replace.
Alternatively, a new shower curtain can also inject a pop of colour and pattern to a plain bathroom or one in need of a re-do.
Crosswater bath screen available from Sanctuary Bathrooms.
Usually, children's bedrooms are a treasure trove of toys, colour and fun but when it comes to preparing the space for buyers to view a good clear-out is vital.
Pack and store away as many toys as possible using clever storage ideas, leaving just a few favourites for interest. Any toys stored under the bed should be kept out of sight.
Gingham Rouge Roman blinds available from Hillarys.
Sparklingly clean windows can make an impression.
Whether you go for some soapy water or glass cleaner, the spotless finish and increase in natural light flooding into rooms will be invaluable, and will make the most of any views.
Make your bedroom appealing by stealing some style tips from top hotels. Invest in new crisp white or subtle print bedding. Plump up pillows and cushions and layer with a throw to make the room inviting.
Buyers may want to look in fitted wardrobes so make sure these are cleared and orderly too!
Chateauneuf rattan bed available from French Bedroom.
Clinch the deal with an injection of air-purifying houseplants to make your home vibrant and fresh.
An aloe vera placed on a sunny windowsill in the kitchen or a lush fiddle-leaf fig tree in a dark hallway corner will add colour and character without being too personal.
Tired curtains and grubby blinds can make a room look dark, dirty and cluttered but without them, windows can look threadbare and unfinished. Wash down roller blinds, dust Venetians and vacuum heavy drapes.
As natural light is so valuable it might be time to think about a window dressing refresh before you open up your property; shutters are a neutral investment that prospective buyers can see as a huge asset.
San Jose Brilliant White shutter blinds available from Blinds 2go.
Wall art and gallery wall displays can add colour and personality without the need to repaint walls. Stick with just a few frames and choose a consistent theme such as florals or cityscapes.
Do not add any family photos, although special to you, buyers do not want reminders of who already lives in their possible future home. Go through the house and remove all personal photos where you can.
Art prints available from Desenio.
Ensure your home isn't too dark. Try to book viewings during daylight hours, open curtains and blinds fully and remove nets if you have them. Privacy blinds should be opened halfway if possible.
Also, keep your house at a comfortable temperature. If it’s too hot or too cold buyers might be quicker to leave and have negative associations.
White roller blinds available from English Blinds.
If you are selling your property during colder months, make it cosy with lamps, mirrors and soft furnishings.
Not only will this make the atmosphere inviting inside the house, but it will also add kerb appeal with a homely glow from outside.
Classic white bath suite? Instantly improve the look of your bathroom by displaying fresh fluffy towels. Robert Lancaster of Tielle Love Luxury says: "Beautiful white towels are timeless, always look stylish and will match any sort of décor or colour scheme. They're sure to transport your prospective buyers to their favourite luxury hotel".
Towels should be neatly arranged and folded and chosen to complement the room. It's worth investing in some new ones for display purposes only!
Buyers take notice of lighting, so some choice designs can elevate your interiors. Update old and unfashionable lighting with some showstopping statement pieces that will wow any potential new buyers. Stylish pendant lights and wall sconces help to finish off a room, but always call an electrican if any wiring is required.
Complete the look with upgraded light switches and sockets in metal or painted finishes. Buyers take attention to detail seriously and a well-finished property will stand out from others.