Get your home ready to sell

Buyers often form an opinion quickly, so think about what they will see first online and when they arrive for a viewing. Tidy the entrance, clear pathways, improve kerb appeal, clean windows and make sure the front of the property feels well cared for.

You do not need to make your home look impersonal, but buyers should be able to understand the space. Declutter surfaces, tidy storage areas, remove unnecessary furniture where possible and make sure each room has a clear purpose. Clean, bright and well-presented rooms usually photograph better and are easier for buyers to imagine living in.

Loose handles, dripping taps, broken light bulbs, peeling paint or unfinished jobs can distract buyers . Completing simple repairs before photography and viewings can help the property feel more ready to move into.

Outside space is an important selling point for many Welsh homes, especially family houses, rural properties, coastal homes and properties with land. Cut grass, tidy patios, make parking arrangements obvious and ensure sheds, outbuildings or access points can be viewed safely.

Having paperwork ready early can reduce delays once a buyer is found. Useful documents may include title information, planning permissions, building regulation certificates, service records, leasehold information, management company details and evidence of work carried out to the property.

Most homes need a valid Energy Performance Certificate before they are marketed. If you have carried out improvements, extensions, replacement windows, roofing work, damp treatment, electrical work or boiler replacement, gather any certificates, guarantees or warranties so they are available if requested.

Important information should not be left until late in the sale. Sellers should be ready to provide clear details about tenure, council tax band, services, parking, access, rights of way, boundaries, known issues and anything else that may affect a buyer’s decision. Accurate information helps buyers make informed choices and can reduce the risk of delays later.

Make it easy for buyers to see the property at its best. Keep access clear, manage pets safely, check lights are working and make sure key areas such as lofts, garages, gardens, parking, outbuildings and storage spaces can be viewed where appropriate.

Common delays include missing documents, unclear boundaries, leasehold management packs, expired EPCs, unanswered enquiries, incomplete identity or anti-money laundering checks and late solicitor instruction. Dealing with these points early can help the sale progress more smoothly once an offer is accepted.

Not every improvement will add value or help a property sell more quickly. Before spending money on larger works, speak to your local Herbert R Thomas office. Our team can advise which changes are likely to matter most to buyers in your area and which may not be worth doing before sale.