As sales hit a four-year high, property stager Liv Conlon, who prepares houses for market, reveals how to get the best price for your home and even encourage higher offers from buyers
If you’re thinking about selling your home this summer, you’re not alone – but you’ll need to be ready for a surge of competition. According to Zoopla, we’re currently seeing sales at a four-year high, which is great news, but there’s also been an 11% increase in homes listed compared to last year.
More properties on the market means more choice for buyers, which naturally ups the pressure on sellers to make their homes stand out from the crowd. I’ve spent more than a decade as CEO of ThePropertyStagers, and one thing I’ve learned is that a well-staged, seasonally tuned home doesn’t just sell faster – it often commands higher offers too.
Buyers these days aren’t just looking for four walls and a roof; they’re searching for lifestyle, comfort and a space they can see themselves living in – especially when the sun’s out. That’s why making smart, seasonal tweaks can make a huge difference. And the good news? Many of these improvements won’t break the bank – some are even free.
From boosting curb appeal with a simple jet wash that can add up to 10% more value, to keeping your garden trimmed and fresh to avoid that neglected look, small details matter. With a little effort and the right approach, your home will be the one buyers remember – and the one that sells faster and for more.
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GET JET-WASHING
First impressions count for a lot – especially when it comes to selling your home. When a potential buyer pulls up at your house, make sure the sight they’re greeted by represents your property accordingly. Now is the time to pressure wash your driveway, paths, patios and the exterior of your home to elevate its curb appeal. If you can, bring in a professional to do the job for you. Research shows cleaned properties can sell for 5-10% more than those with neglected exteriors, so it’s worth spending some money.
TACKLE THE GARDEN
Summer means fast-growing grass, weeds and hedges. An unkempt garden could translate that the property hasn’t been well maintained inside either. The month before your property listing photos, mow the lawns, cut the bushes back and weed any flowerbeds. Make sure to trim regularly, especially ahead of weekend viewings to give it a nice-looking finish. A simple garden tidy-up has been shown to increase perceived value by up to £2,000, according to the HomeOwners Alliance. If you don’t have a garden, add colour with potted plants, hanging baskets and window boxes.
SUMMER PARTY READY
Buyers want to imagine living in your home – so make it appealing and show off its potential. The benefit of selling during summer is you can make the most of the outside and inside space. It’s this time of year that we’re all thinking about summer parties. Create the look with a jug of infused water, a wooden board with sliced lemons or limes, and a stack of colourful plates. A bowl of strawberries or ripe nectarines placed on the dining table adds a seasonal touch. Make sure any wine glasses or cocktail accessories are gleaming and on display.
MAKE WINDOWS SHINE
Walking into a home with dirty windows really can put off buyers. Not only does it look grubby, but if they’re in need of a good clean, it can make your rooms look darker. Estate agents report that bright, airy interiors receive up to 20 per cent more viewings, particularly in peak seasons. So make sure your windows – especially patio and French doors – are scrubbed inside and out. Dirty windows not only block out sunlight, but they give the impression that the home is poorly maintained. Sparkling windows let light flood in, making rooms appear bigger.
KEEP YOUR COOL
No one wants to walk into a hot and stuffy home in 25°C heat – you don’t want a potential seller wanting to leave as soon as they step foot through the front door because it’s too stuffy. Open as many windows as possible early in the day to let in fresh air, then close blinds slightly by midday to keep heat out. Upstairs rooms can become heat traps – particularly in older or south-facing homes – so a discreet pedestal fan (on low) could be helpful. Go the extra mile and choose one that complements your decor.
NEUTRALISE THAT NIFF
Hot weather and humidity can bring in less-than-lovely odours that will linger for longer – from sweaty bins to smelly pets. And, according to research, scent significantly affects mood. Before viewings, deep clean your sinks, the bins in your house (don’t forget the bathroom) as well as compost bins. Clean out pet cages, litter trays and food bowls – and pack away any toys. Use reed diffusers in seasonal scents like cucumber and mint, sea salt or citrus blossom. Avoid overpowering air fresheners – the goal is light, clean and natural.
CLEAR THE JUNK
Those piles of shoes in the hallway? The garage that is heaving at the seams? All sellers should have a good declutter prior to viewings. Buyers need to be able to picture living in your house as their owner – and to see how they could use the rooms. Start by clearing out utility rooms and garages and see what summer stuff can come out – and what’s ready to go to charity. Avoid the temptation to shove things into cupboards – it’s just pushing the problem further down the line. Instead, show that your home is equipped to handle seasonal clutter stylishly and logically.
SUMMER MOOD
Upgrading your soft furnishings is the quickest way to shift a room’s mood for summer. Anything that’s heavy or dark or that has a wintry fabric can make a room feel dated during warmer months. Introduce light, breathable textures such as linen, cotton or muslin across your cushions, throws, curtains and even bedding. Opt for colours that complement natural light: soft sage greens, pale sky blues, buttery yellows or neutral oatmeals all evoke calm and space.
BRIGHTEN UP WITH MIRRORS
Mirrors have multiple benefits, from enhancing the light in a room, to giving the illusion of extra space. Position them opposite windows or glass doors to reflect natural sunlight deeper into rooms. You don’t need expensive designer pieces – a few well-framed, clean mirrors from high-street shops or charity stores can do the trick. Just ensure they complement your decor and are hung at eye level to maximise effect. This simple trick refreshes your rooms without costly renovations and helps your property shine in summer viewings.
WHAT’S THE FOCUS?
Buyers are emotionally driven – and in summer, they want aspirational lifestyle touches. According to RightMove, buyers favour properties that look “ready to live in”. For each room, create a seasonal focal point that feels light and aspirational – and ‘Instagrammable’. So, instead of a fireplace, opt for statement coffee tables, bookshelves or console tables instead. Then, style these with a stack of interiors magazines, a vase with peonies, or even a well-placed pair of sunglasses and a tote bag.
UPGRADE YOUR ENTRYWAY
Your front door sets the tone. At the very least, make sure it’s clean – or give it a fresh coat of paint so your home immediately looks well cared for. Then, think about your home’s entrance – it needs to be welcoming. Swap heavy doormats and winter planters for lighter alternatives. Get rid of the winter coats, broken umbrellas and the pile of shoes so viewers are greeted by a clutter-free entrance. Add a polished mirror or tasteful artwork to enhance the space.
REVIVE TIRED OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Unless it’s rusty, broken or an eyesore, there’s no need to splash out on new furniture – just revive what you’ve got. Give chairs and tables a quick scrub-down with soapy water to give them a good clean, then apply a coat of spray paint in a bold hue if needed. For wooden furniture, use a stain refresher to make old chairs or benches look new. To style the garden, add weather-resistant cushions, throws or outdoor blankets in bright colours or light fabrics.
Liv Conlon is the CEO of ThePropertyStagers (thepropertystagers.co.uk), which furnishes more than 400 homes a year to make them more appealing to potential buyers, and StagerBoss, teaching women how to launch their own property staging business
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