Do these SIMPLE things to sell your home fast without spending a fortune

PROPERTY experts have shared their low-cost tips for people to get their homes ready for sale, from refreshing grout, changing lightbulbs and simple decluttering, to adding house plants, weeding the drive and painting the front door. They say these small tips can make a big difference for minimal spend.

Tim Simmons, Sales & Marketing Director at property developer, Regency Living, says: “You don’t need to spend thousands on renovations. Simple, practical tweaks under £50 can instantly enhance your home’s appeal and help it sell quicker.”

Simmons says bathrooms are especially powerful when it comes to the perception of prospective buyers: “Bathrooms are deal-makers or deal-breakers. They don’t need to be high-end, just clean, bright, and looked after.

“Meanwhile, mouldy grout can drag down the appearance of an otherwise clean bathroom, something that a grout pen or resealing kit from a local DIY store can fix quickly.”

He adds: “A few well-placed houseplants, real or good-quality faux, bring life to empty corners and create a calming effect. Plants signal care and attention and  help buyers emotionally connect with a space, but also give your home a bit of character.”

Meanwhile, Michelle Lawson, Director at Fareham-based Lawson Financial, said the outside of the property matters most: "First impressions last so the most important thing is to make sure your property looks appealing externally. Take some time weeding, sweeping, clean the windows and making the outside look fresh, which makes would-be buyers want to see more.

"Inside the property, stage it. In other words, tidy, de-clutter, clean and ensure there is a pleasant aroma. Fix and paint where necessary, fill holes or cover them with a picture and do that later!

“Also be sure to make important things work such as lighting, extractor fans, all the things buyers may test. And if the property is cramped, put toys into a car for example, out of sight and out of mind."

Justin Moy, Managing Director at Chelmsford-based EHF Mortgages, also reinforced the importance of decluttering: "Take the opportunity to de-clutter your home, putting non-essential items into storage. This should make your home feel larger and brighter.

"Having things in storage means it is also easier to keep your home clean whilst you have regular, and often last-minute, viewings. Most storage centres will have an introductory offer for discounted storage space also."

Kundan Bhaduri, Landlord at London-based The Kushman Group, says removing photos and political memorabilia can also be a small but important thing to do: “Remove personal photographs, religious items, and political memorabilia because buyers need to envision their own lives rather than judge your lifestyle choices.”

“Also, professional carpet cleaning can remove pet odours and traffic stains that could potentially reduce your offer by thousands. Also consider replacing blown light bulbs with bright LED lights to give your home that bright and glowing look.”

Kate Allen, Owner at Kingsbridge-based Finest Stays, also said decluttering is key: "Declutter every surface. No one wants to see a half-eaten loaf of bread, random clay figures made by your grandson, or stacks of tatty magazines. A clear space instantly makes a home feel bigger and calmer.

"First impressions also count: sweep up leaves along the pathway, pull up a few weeds, and pop something bright and welcoming into a planter or two. Give your front door a quick clean or fresh coat of paint, and get the windows washed so the views, and the light, can be properly appreciated.

“Small touches like these cost little but can make a world of difference when you’re trying to sell your home quickly.”

Samuel Mather-Holgate, Independent Financial Adviser at Swindon-based Mather and Murray Financial, said choosing the right day for viewings costs nothing but can be crucial: “Make your home look the prettiest it can be for the pictures and try and take them when there is great natural light. Watch the weather forecast and book in for that brilliant sunny day.”

Patricia McGirr, Founder at Burnley-based Repossession Rescue Network, said “the smartest spend isn’t on scatter cushions, it’s on presentation and positioning”.

She continued: “Declutter, repair what’s broken, and get honest about what buyers see when they walk in. Freshen the entrance, brighten lighting and open windows before every viewing. Small steps can lift both the space and your mood.”

Tim Simmons, Sales & Marketing Director at Regency Living, added that the front door says more about your property than anything and painting it can cost very little: “Think of your front door like a handshake. It sets the tone, so a clean, well-painted entrance instantly suggests pride of ownership.”

Simmons also suggests replacing worn or dated handles in the kitchen or bathroom is one of the quickest ways to modernise a space without spending a fortune.

He says: "It’s like giving your home a little jewellery. Small details can make a huge impact without having to spend thousands on a full renovation.”

Last but not least, says Simmonds, "poor lighting makes rooms feel smaller and less welcoming, so swapping out old bulbs for warm white LED lights or adding a new lamp can dramatically improve ambience". Lighting can transform the mood of a space. Make sure rooms are bright but not harsh, especially if you’re booking evening viewings".

Tim Allcott, Managing Partner at Allcott Associates, said in some cases a little elbow grease can go far: “Several jobs can be completed with just a bit of elbow grease: clearing gutters and drains, cutting back plants that could damage mortar or render, clearing debris from flat roofs, clearing away mould and simple repairs to fixtures and fittings. These can all make a big difference.”

But he warned: “Don't be tempted to cover up defects, however, as that might raise suspicion. A redecoration pre-sale is fine, but one wall alone freshly painted to cover cracking will stand out like a sore thumb, and the surveyor will be questioning whether this was done to hide a potentially serious problem.”