Tips to Maximise Value and Saleability
When it comes to selling a home in Southbourne and Christchurch, first impressions really do count. With a competitive property market and discerning buyers, the way your home looks, feels and is presented can significantly impact both how quickly it sells and how much you can ask for it. Whether you’re preparing to list your property or it’s been sitting on the market for a while, there are strategic steps you can take to boost its appeal and value.
1). Bring your home A1 curb appeal.
The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see—either online or in person. Ensure it looks like a home a buyer would love to live in from the outside.
Tips to Improve Curb Appeal:
- Tidy the garden: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, remove weeds, and plant seasonal flowers.
- Clean or repaint the front door: A fresh, clean door creates a welcoming entry.
- Fix any visible issues: Cracked paving, broken fences, or damaged gutters should be repaired.
- Power wash driveways and paths: Clean surfaces instantly lift the look of the exterior.
2). Declutter and Depersonalise
Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home. Too much clutter or personal items can make this difficult.
Action Steps:
- Clear surfaces: Remove excess items from countertops, tables, and shelves.
- Remove personal photos: Replace with neutral artwork or leave blank walls.
- Organise storage spaces: Buyers will open cupboards—make sure they aren’t overflowing.
3). Deep Clean Everything
A spotless home suggests it’s been well cared for.
Cleaning Priorities:
- Kitchen and bathrooms: These should be gleaming—pay special attention to tiles, grout, taps, and appliances.
- Windows and floors: Clean windows inside and out; ensure floors are spotless and damage-free.
- Smells: Eliminate pet or cooking odours. Use fresh flowers, open windows, or mild scents.
4). Stage Key Rooms
Focus on making your home feel bright, spacious, and liveable.
Staging Tips:
- Lighting: Use natural light where possible. Add lamps to dark corners.
- Furniture placement: Arrange furniture to maximise space and flow.
- Add finishing touches: Fresh flowers, clean linens, and cushions can add a luxurious touch without much cost.
5). Neutral Décor
Bold colours can alienate buyers. Neutral palettes tend to be more universally appealing.
What Works:
- Paint walls in light, neutral tones (e.g. white, beige, soft grey).
- Remove dated wallpaper or garish colours.
- Use simple, contemporary styling that suggests a modern, low-maintenance home.
6). Fix Minor Repairs
Don’t give buyers a reason to start deducting from your asking price.
Examples:
- Leaky taps
- Squeaky doors
- Chipped paint
- Cracked tiles
- Broken light fixtures
7). Consider Energy Efficiency
Buyers are increasingly conscious of running costs and energy performance.
High-Impact Improvements:
- Upgrade old boilers or heating controls.
- Add insulation (e.g. loft or cavity wall).
- Install double glazing if not already fitted.
- Get a favourable EPC rating: A better Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) can attract eco-conscious buyers and justify a higher price.
8). Add Value Strategically
If you’re willing to invest in improvements before selling, focus on updates that bring the best return on investment.
Projects with Strong ROI:
- New kitchen or bathroom: These can be expensive but often sway buyers.
- Loft conversion: Adds usable square footage and can boost value significantly.
- Open-plan layout: If done right, knocking through rooms (e.g. kitchen/diner) can modernise and increase appeal.
- Garden improvements: A well-landscaped garden or adding decking/patio space can be a strong selling point.
9). High-Quality Photography
Most UK home searches start online, so quality marketing by your estate agent is essential. This includes professional photography, floorplans, 360 degree walkthroughs and Immersive video tours.
What to Include:
- Wide-angle shots of every room
- Good lighting
- Clean, tidy, and staged spaces
- Highlight outdoor areas, especially gardens or balconies
10). Choose the Right Estate Agent
A knowledgeable, proactive estate agent can make a big difference in both price and speed of sale.
What to Look For:
- Experience in your area
- Strong marketing strategy (including online listings, social media, and brochures)
- Good communication and responsiveness
Final Thoughts
Presenting your home well isn’t just about making it look pretty—it’s about creating a lifestyle vision that helps buyers fall in love. Clean, neutral, and well-maintained homes consistently sell faster and for more money. With a bit of time and strategic effort, you can dramatically increase your home’s saleability and value in the UK property market.