Thinking of selling your home? You might be wondering if it’s worth spending money before listing. The good news is: you don’t need to start knocking down walls or replacing the kitchen to impress buyers.
In fact, many of the most effective home improvements are simple, affordable, and focused on making your property feel clean, bright, and welcoming. These are the changes that help buyers picture themselves living in the space — and that can make your home stand out from the competition.
At Martin & Co, we’ve helped thousands of sellers prepare their homes for sale. This guide shares our expert-backed advice on simple upgrades that attract buyers and help homes sell faster, often for a better price.
Why presentation matters in 2025
Today’s buyers are looking for more than just a good postcode. They want a home that feels ready to move into — even if they plan to make changes later.
According to Rightmove’s House Price Index, well-presented properties are more likely to sell quickly and closer to the asking price. Similarly, Zoopla’s Buyer Behaviour Report found that six in ten buyers make a decision within the first few minutes of viewing a home. That first impression, whether online or in person, is crucial.
In 2025, buyer priorities include:
- Energy efficiency
- Natural light
- Neutral décor
- Low-maintenance interiors
- Good storage
All of which can be enhanced with straightforward improvements.
Simple improvements that make a big difference
You don’t need to renovate — just refresh. Here are our top home improvement tips to help your property appeal to today’s buyers.
1. Boost your kerb appeal
The outside of your home is the first thing buyers see. A tidy, attractive entrance can instantly set the tone for the rest of the viewing.
What to do:
- Jet-wash driveways and paths
- Paint or clean the front door
- Replace worn-out doorbells, knockers or house numbers
- Add seasonal plants or hanging baskets
- Keep the lawn trimmed and hedges neat
These changes are low-cost and can be done in a weekend, but they help your home look cared for and welcoming.
2. Refresh walls and floors
Fresh paint and clean floors go a long way in making a home feel newer, lighter and more spacious.
What to do:
- Paint in soft, neutral shades like off-white, light grey or beige
- Touch up scuffed skirting boards or door frames
- Clean or replace tired carpets
- Use area rugs to define spaces and add warmth
Light colours also help bounce natural light around the room — a big plus for online photos.
3. Declutter and depersonalise
Buyers want to imagine their life in your home — not yours. Removing visual clutter helps them focus on the space, not the stuff.
What to do:
- Remove excess furniture to create more space
- Pack away personal photos, kids’ artwork and memorabilia
- Clear surfaces, especially in the kitchen and bathroom
- Organise storage spaces to appear more spacious
A decluttered home feels more spacious, cleaner, and move-in ready.
4. Upgrade lighting and window treatments
Lighting can dramatically change how your home feels. A well-lit room feels bigger, warmer and more inviting.
What to do:
- Replace old bulbs with warm-white LEDs
- Use floor or table lamps to brighten dark corners
- Clean all windows inside and out
- Replace heavy curtains with light, neutral blinds or sheers
Maximising light is especially important during shorter autumn and winter days.
5. Focus on kitchens and bathrooms
You don’t need to replace these rooms to make them more appealing. A few simple updates can help them feel modern and well-maintained.
What to do:
- Deep clean everything, including grout and appliances
- Replace dated handles or taps with modern styles
- Add new sealant around sinks and baths
- Style with fresh towels, soap dispensers and a few plants
Buyers are often drawn to clean, functional kitchens and bathrooms — even if they plan to update them later.
6. Fix the obvious issues
Squeaky hinges, dripping taps and broken cupboard doors might seem minor, but they give the impression that the home hasn’t been maintained.
What to do:
- Walk through each room and make a list of repairs
- Tighten loose handles
- Replace blown light bulbs
- Ensure windows and doors open smoothly
- Oil squeaky floorboards or door hinges
These small fixes can be done in a few hours but give buyers peace of mind.
How these improvements help you sell faster
While every property is different, research shows that presentation plays a huge role in how quickly a home sells.
According to Rightmove, homes that are professionally presented and photographed:
- Receive up to 40% more enquiries
- Spend 33% less time on the market
- Are more likely to achieve the asking price or close to it
Zoopla data also shows that buyers are willing to pay more for homes that feel clean, stylish and ready to move into. You don’t need to invest thousands — but spending a few hundred pounds on the right improvements can bring a strong return.
What not to do: common seller mistakes
While upgrades help, over-improving or choosing the wrong projects can backfire.
Avoid:
- Overpersonalised décor (e.g. bright feature walls, bold wallpaper)
- Expensive upgrades that don’t match the area (like luxury tiles in a modest flat)
- DIY jobs that look rushed or unfinished
- Forgetting the basics: clean, neutral, tidy always wins
If in doubt, speak to your local Martin & Co agent for advice before starting any major work.
How Martin & Co helps sellers prepare for market
When you book a free valuation with Martin & Co, you get more than just a property price.
We help you:
- Understand what buyers are looking for in your local area
- Identify the most cost-effective improvements for your home type
- Access our network of local contractors if you need help with cleaning, decorating or staging
- Market your home with professional photography, floorplans and listings on Rightmove, Zoopla and OnTheMarket
Our agents will walk through your home and give honest, practical feedback — room by room. We want to help you sell faster, for the best possible price.
FAQs: Preparing your home for sale
Do I need to renovate before selling?
No. Simple improvements that make your home feel clean, neutral and well cared for are usually more effective than large renovations.
How much should I spend?
We suggest focusing on essential maintenance, light decoration and decluttering. Often, £300–£1,000 is enough to make a big difference.
Do these tips apply to flats as well?
Absolutely. In fact, flats often face more direct competition, so presentation becomes even more important.
Can Martin & Co help with staging or professional photos?
Yes — it’s included in our marketing service. We know what works and what sells.
What if I’m selling a tenanted property?
We can liaise with tenants and advise on presentation, viewings and improvements without disrupting their routine.
Start preparing today
Selling your home doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive. With a few simple improvements, you can transform your space into one that buyers will love.
From kerb appeal to lighting to clutter control, every change adds up to a better first impression — and a better sale.
If you’re thinking about selling in 2025, now is the time to start getting your home market-ready. And Martin & Co is here to help every step of the way.
Ready to sell? Book your FREE home valuation with your local Martin & Co expert today.
