How to prepare your flat to sell faster and better
Home staging, pricing and photography: the details that speed up a sale at the best price.
Two identical homes in the same building can sell months apart and at very different prices. The difference is almost never in the property: it's in how it's prepared, presented and put on the market.
Price: the factor that matters most
Guessing the price is the most expensive mistake when selling. Too high and the listing burns out: the home sits on the portal for months, loses interest and ends up selling for less than it was worth. A good asking price is set with real deals closed in your area, not with what the neighbours are asking.
Prepare the home: home staging
Buyers decide in the first few seconds. The goal is that, on walking in (or seeing the photos), they picture themselves living there:
- Depersonalise: remove photos, magnets and very personal items.
- Tidy and clear: fewer pieces of furniture make spaces feel bigger.
- Light: raise the blinds, clean the windows and switch on warm lights.
- Small repairs: a dripping tap or a broken blind cost you more than fixing them.
- Deep clean: an immaculate home signals care and is worth more.
Photography and presentation
Most viewings start on a screen. Professional photography, video and a measured floor plan make your listing stand out, so whoever books a viewing already arrives convinced. It's the best-returning investment of the whole sale.
Have the paperwork ready
Having the documents ready keeps the deal from collapsing at the last minute:
- Up-to-date land registry extract.
- Energy certificate (required to list and to sign).
- Latest property tax and community fee receipts, plus a certificate showing you're up to date.
- Building technical inspection, if the property requires it.
You're not selling a house: you're selling the life someone will have in it. Preparing the home well is telling that story without words.
