Rightmove is predicting property transactions will be up in 2025, to 1.15 million, but the number of properties estate agents have on their books is at a 10-year high. It’s still very much a buyers’ market and making your home stand out has never been so important.
“The vast majority of buyers today want a home that’s ready to live in. The idea of putting their own stamp on something might sound nice in theory, but in practice, most people don’t have the time, energy, or budget for major renovations,” says Sarah Walker, of Walker Hall Estate Agents. “A beautifully presented property can command anywhere from 10 to 15 per cent more than one that feels tired or unloved.”
As well as realising a higher price, done-up properties sell faster, so what can you do to make sure your home is looking its best?
You might have lived with that dodgy handle or broken drawer, but it could put off a would-be buyer and suggest your home isn’t well maintained. If you don’t have the time, make a list of jobs, and get a handyman in to whiz through them.
Repainting is easy, cheap and makes the world of difference to tired rooms. “A fresh coat of neutral paint can make a significant impact, creating a cohesive backdrop that appeals to a wide range of potential buyers,” says Elise Jalon, director of House Wow. Focus on key rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms — you might be able to get away with repainting them rather than a total refit.
A six-bedroom home in Wimbledon transformed by Elise Jalon of House Wow
Christopher Murphy
A declutter can transform your home. “Pack photos and more personal/precious items ahead of viewings, also toys and anything which might be taking valuable storage space. Remember prospective purchasers look in built-in cupboards, so the inside matters too,” says expert interiors therapist Suzanne Roynon. While you might think your house is spotless, book in a deep clean just to be sure. “Sparkling windows, fresh carpets, and gleaming kitchens and bathrooms send a message that the home has been well cared for, which reassures buyers and builds trust,” adds Walker.
Another quick and inexpensive update is lighting. “Swapping out old fixtures for something more contemporary instantly lifts a room’s appeal,” says Walker. Consider whether you’ve got the right lightbulbs too — a kitchen needs to be well lit, while a living room might benefit from more atmospheric lighting.
Cleverly positioned mirrors will help a small room look larger and might make all the difference when it comes to a box room or a narrow hallway. Adding plants and greenery is also a good idea. “A vase of fresh flowers or even a few well placed houseplants can breathe life into a room,” says Walker.
Home-staging your property
You can always call in the professionals to help sell your home by engaging the services of a home stager. “Our clients range from homeowners and landlords to developers, managing a diverse mix of properties,” says Jalon.
Packages range from consultations and DIY tips, costing £300 to £500, to installations with furniture rental kits for a complete transformation, at a price of £3,500 to £10,000 for a three-month period. “Rightmove indicates that staged homes in the UK sell for around eight per cent more than non-staged homes. Additionally, industry studies from the Home Staging Association UK reveal staged homes typically sell 50 per cent faster,” says Jalon.
Alex McKnight struggled to sell his six-bedroom home in Wimbledon after moving to Ireland. He had initially accepted an offer of £2.595 million in September 2022, but the buyers pulled out following Liz Truss’s mini Budget. “We were left with an empty house in a collapsing market… When the sale fell apart, we got Elise in. We said we wanted it to look the best it could be.”
House Wow added accessories and furniture to this house in Wimbledon to help the sellers secure an offer from the first people to view it
Christopher Murphy
After a site visit, Jalon transformed the property over one weekend. “My first impression was that the house felt empty, echoed, and lacked warmth, with minor defects more noticeable. However, I saw its potential.” Among the changes Jalon made were statement mirrors, cosy rugs and numerous plants. She staged one of the six bedrooms as a study and reading room, and another as a serene yoga studio. “The other bedrooms were styled with statement bedside tables and lamps, inviting linens, textured cushions and throws, wall art, rugs, and sensory accents like books, candles, plants, and scented diffusers.”
The staging cost £10,000 and the house was put back on the market in November 2022 with a guide price of £2.7 million. “The first people to view it put in an offer on the same day. They came back later with a higher offer in order to secure it,” says McKnight. “Without stagers, it could have been on the market for six months.”
“We get enquiries from everything from £150,000 investment properties to a £19.5 million Mayfair house,” says Elaine Penhaul of property staging company Lemon and Lime interiors.
“It’s important to get the right stagers. Some specialise high end and others in medium end. You need the right furniture for the right property.”
“The budget can start at 0.25 per cent of a property price. This would be a basic declutter of an owner-occupier property, basic artwork and cushions. We work with what someone has already and suggest things that they could buy, eg from Dunelm.
“Fully furnished till completion (three to six months) would be one to 1.5 per cent — which is still cheaper than a price drop.”
Built on Grand Designs in 2015, this home in Surrey needed internal decorating before being styled using existing and new furniture. Accessories and artwork were added to give the property a luxe feel
Lemon + Lime