Selling up? It’s important to make your house as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Good decorating can help with first impressions, and increase the perceived value of your property.
Below are some tips to consider:
Remove excess clutter and personal items – a clutter-free space looks more spacious and buyers will be able to envision themselves living in the house.
Paint walls with neutral colours, such as light beige, grey or off-white. Neutral colours create a clean look and a blank canvas which allows potential buyers to see their own style there.
If carpets are looking a bit worn out, or stained, have a think about replacing them or having them professionally cleaned. Wood floors should be polished and in good condition.
Let as much natural light in as possible by opening curtains and blinds. Well-lit spaces create a more inviting and spacious area.
If there are any minor repairs that need doing, addressing a leaky tap, chipped paint or a squeaky door will ensure your house looks as though it has been well-maintained.
Make sure the front of your house is well looked after, with the lawn mowed, garden maintained and the front of the house looking clean and tidy.
If you can afford to, then consider making minor updates to your kitchen and bathroom. This could include refreshing cabinets and updating taps and fixtures for a fresh look.
Deep-clean your entire home, including carpets, windows, and appliances. A clean home is far more appealing and gives the impression it has been well looked after.
If you have a spare room that you’ve been using as a “junk room”, make sure you sort it so it has a clear purpose, such as an office or guest room.
Some buyers may have allergies or aversions to animals so it is best to ensure their presence is minimal during showings.
Be sure to organise and declutter your closets and storage spaces. Buyers are often interested in the amount of storage a home has to offer.
Use pleasing, neutral scents like vanilla, or fresh linen to create an inviting atmosphere. Avoid strong overpowering scents that may create an unwelcoming environment.
If you have a patio or outdoor space, ensure you make it look inviting. This can be done by adding some outdoor furniture and potted plants to create an appealing area to relax in.
‘My First Mortgage’ from major high-street lender Santander is specifically for those wanting to buy their first property. It allows first-time buyers to purchase 98% of the property’s value. However, certain criteria must be met to be eligible.
3 days ago
Here are the lowest fixed mortgage rates of the week, available to first-time buyers, home movers, buy-to-let, and those remortgaging.
Call us for more information: 01628 507477 or email: team@mortgagerequired.com.
Maidenhead, Berkshire – 26th January 2026 – Dedicated independent mortgage experts, Mortgage Required, are delighted to have acquired fellow experienced brokerage, Y-Not Finance.
The acquisition connects two well-respected brokerages, both with a wealth of experience and shared values, to continue providing the best advice on all aspects of the mortgage market.
As part of the UK government’s plans to change the leasehold system to help families struggling with unaffordable ground rent costs.
The Prime Minister announced this morning (27 January) that ground rents will be capped at £250 per year, reverting to a peppercorn rate after 40 years.
Additional borrowing, also known as a further advance, is when you borrow more money on your existing mortgage for a specific reason agreed with your lender.
Here are five of the most common reasons for additional borrowing.
30 Dec 2025
Property search site Zoopla has estimated that the UK housing market will end 2025 with approximately 1.15 million completed sales – 4.5% more than the previous year.
Take a look at the 2025 summary of the UK housing market.
29 Dec 2025
If buying your first property, or moving home, is on your to-do list this year, the new year can be a great time to take this big step. In this short blog, we look at what you need to consider as you plan and prepare for your home-buying journey.
Just because the Bank of England decides to reduce the base rate, this doesn't automatically mean that your mortgage rate will go down.