When selling a property, first impressions count. Before you put your property on the market it’s worthwhile sprucing it up to make it more attractive to potential buyers. Don’t do any major renovations, and try to spend as little as possible.

You can enhance the exterior appearance of your property by:

• tidying up the garden, trimming hedges, planting plants that are in flower
• sweeping up leaves from paths, driveways and doorways
• painting the windows, eaves, drains, doors
• cleaning pools and ponds
• tidying up the garage and keeping the door closed

When preparing the interior of your property:

• clean and tidy every room in the property
• make sure the kitchen and bathrooms are fresh, tidy and clean
• remove clutter, and consider putting some furniture in storage as it will make the rooms appear larger
• steam clean carpets
• repaint walls if chipped or dirty – a fresh coat of paint is considered to provide the best return on money spent (neutral colours are safest)
• repair any damage e.g. dripping taps, broken doors, cracked tiles,
• ensure that everything is in good working order e.g. plumbing, heating, air-conditioning etc
• fix any squeaky doors, windows, floorboards
• keep bench tops clear
• remove children’s artwork, and other person items and photographs from fridges and bench tops – this will make it easier for buyers to imagine the home as theirs