When selling a home, your goal is to sell it quickly and for the best possible price. To achieve this, you must be mindful of what you showcase and how you present it. While you may have a deep affection for your home, have you considered how potential buyers will view it? Over time, it's easy to overlook certain issues. That’s why it's essential to view your home from the buyer's perspective. How can you do this? Start by making a note of anything that could be improved in each room, such as an unattractive paint job, a wardrobe door that doesn't slide properly or squeaks when opened, worn skirting boards or outdated taps.
As you can see, we’re not talking about major renovations, but rather small details that, with minimal effort and budget, can make your home more appealing. Also, take some photos of the spaces and share them with friends or family to get their feedback on what they think might be missing. Perhaps adding some cushions to the sofa in the living room or new pillows to the bed could make a noticeable difference – not just to you, but also to potential buyers.
Do basic maintenance
From locks that don’t work properly to loose knobs or small chips in the paint, the first step is to carry out some basic maintenance on the most obvious issues, so that potential buyers aren’t put off. The reason for doing this is that most people are deterred by the prospect of having to repair or replace things that don’t work. On the other hand, if you neglect these small fixes, you may risk receiving a lower offer.
Clear the space as much as possible
Roll up your sleeves and get to work on cleaning and decluttering. A clean, organised, and clutter-free space not only feels better, but it also looks brighter and more spacious. A potential buyer who sees a cluttered room will be distracted and less likely to notice the positive features of the property. Moreover, it can be difficult for buyers to visualise how their furniture will fit if the space is filled with items and they can’t properly measure it (something many buyers tend to do). This process also offers the perfect opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need. Be practical and dispose of items you haven’t used in a while – they’re likely just taking up space.
Clean and tidy shouldn't mean it looks unlived in
This is crucial. Once you've removed the unnecessary items, focus on making the house feel warm and inviting. A space that is too empty can often deter potential buyers. Leave just the right amount of furniture to create a balanced atmosphere. A great trick is to add some plants for a touch of life. If you’re not keen on looking after real plants, many high-quality artificial ones look just as effective.
Let there be light
Draw the curtains, raise the blinds and turn on the lights. If you're fortunate enough to have plenty of natural light in your home, make the most of it, as this is one of the features potential buyers appreciate most. If natural light is limited, consider enhancing the lighting in your space. Installing LED strips or adding a floor lamp to dimly lit rooms can make a significant difference. The improvement will be well worth it.
Watch out for smells
Your flat is now tidy and clean, but how does it smell? Keep in mind that a bad or unusual odour will immediately put off any potential buyer. This isn’t just about smells like those associated with pets (which some buyers may find off-putting), but also odours like tobacco or, even worse, dampness. The latter can raise concerns about possible structural issues. Our recommendation is to give the carpets and sofa upholstery a thorough clean, tidy up the cat's litter box, and check the fridge to ensure no unpleasant smells are lingering.
Living in Extremadura: Spain's wild heart
Located in western Spain, sharing a long border with Portugal, Extremadura is one of the country's best-kept secrets. It’s a vast region that often flies under the radar, making it a real find for anyone looking for an authentic slice of Spanish life, far from the packed beaches and tourist hubs. Its landscape is a patchwork of sweeping dehesas— oak-dotted pastures where black Iberian pigs roam — rugged mountains, and huge reservoirs that shimmer under the sun. For anyone considering livin
Living in Manilva: the Costa del Sol's smart choice
When people discuss the best place to live in the Costa del Sol, the conversation often defaults to the glamour of Marbella or the polished streets of Estepona. Yet, for a growing number of people, the answer is found further west, in the municipality of Manilva. Long considered one of the coast's more traditional corners, Manilva is up and coming, gaining recognition as a place that maintains an authentic Andalusian character without the high prices of its neighbours. It offers a distinct persp
Extremadura's digital nomad grant: get paid to live here
Tucked away in western Spain, Extremadura is quietly carving a name for itself as one of the more intriguing spots for remote workers eyeing a change of scene. With its relaxed pace, character-filled towns like Cáceres and Mérida, and a welcome that feels genuinely local, it’s increasingly on the radar for digital nomads looking for a fresh start.
School holidays in Spain: 2025-2026 dates
As the 2025–2026 school year approaches, some regions in Spain have already started confirming their term dates. School calendars can be a bit of a minefield here, especially with each autonomous community setting its own schedule on top of the national holidays that everyone enjoys.
Living in La Linea de la Concepción: life on the Gibraltar border
Nestled on the very edge of Andalusia in the province of Cádiz, La Línea de la Concepción has an identity shaped by its immediate neighbour, the monolithic Rock of Gibraltar. The town is home to around 65,000 people, and for many of them, the reality of living in La Línea is defined by this unique cross-border relationship. Forget the sleepy, whitewashed villages you find elsewhere in southern Spain; this is a bustling, practical border town with a character entirely its own, offering a comp
12 coastal towns in Girona, brimming with Costa Brava charm
The Costa Brava is a true Mediterranean gem, where quintessential towns nestle among rugged cliffs, secluded coves with crystal-clear waters and cobbled streets rich in history. With its renowned cuisine and deep-rooted seafaring traditions, this privileged corner of Catalonia invites you to lose yourself in its captivating beauty. Discover the 12 best coastal towns in Girona.
Santa Marta de Ribarteme: Spain's 'living dead' festival
Looking for something a little out of the ordinary to pep up your Spanish summer? The Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme in As Neves is about as left-field as festivals get. Every 29th July, this quiet Galician town comes alive with a spectacle that’s equal parts gratitude, community, and flat-out eyebrow-raising tradition.