The 10 things you can do to help sell your house quicker, according to a housing expert

Selling your home can be one of the most stressful things you will ever do in your lifetime, but it doesn’t have to be.

With house price growth slowing and the number of properties on the market increasing, competition among sellers is heating up.

Standing out from the crowd and making the right first impression are crucial in making the process as smooth as possible.

While there’s no one guaranteed way to secure a quick sale, making the right preparations can help attract more potential buyers, encourage viewings and improve your chances of receiving an offer quickly.

Here, Tom Evans, Head of Sales at Purplebricks reveals his top tips for getting a quick sale.

Get your asking price right from the start

One of the biggest mistakes sellers can make is overpricing their property. Buyers are likely to compare your home with similar properties in the area, so an unrealistic asking price could put them off before they even arrange a viewing with you.

Tom said: “Your best bet is to research recently sold properties nearby and speak to a local property expert to establish a realistic asking price.

“Pricing competitively from day one can help generate early interest and avoid the need for timewasting with negotiations later down the line.”

Make the first two weeks count

A property typically receives its greatest visibility and interest during its first two weeks online.

Tom said: “I’d recommend getting the photography, floorplan, description and asking price ready before the listing goes live, rather than launching an incomplete advert and improving it later.

“You want to come to market with the complete package, with every piece of information readily available on the property to smooth your sale.”

Declutter and depersonalise your home

Buyers need to be able to imagine themselves living in your property the moment they step inside.

Too much furniture, personal photographs and everyday clutter can really interfere with that all-important and immediate wow factor.

Tom said; “I’d recommend clearing kitchen worktops, organising storage spaces and removing any unnecessary furniture.

“This doesn’t mean stripping your home of personality but by creating a clean, spacious living environment, you are really allowing buyers to picture themselves living there.”

Make it easy to book a viewing

Offer evening and weekend appointments where possible, respond promptly to enquiries and keep the home ready for visitors. A buyer who cannot arrange a convenient viewing may simply move on to another property.

Tom said: “Offer flexible viewing times, respond promptly to enquiries and make it as straightforward as possible for buyers to arrange an appointment.

“The fewer obstacles they face, the easier it is to turn initial interest into a viewing.”

First impressions are vital

First impressions start before potential buyers walk through the front door.

A recent study showed that most homeowners decide on whether the property is right for them within moments of entering the home.

Having a tidy exterior is key in creating those vital first impressions.

Tom said: “It’s amazing what a difference mowing the lawn, trimming overgrown hedges, removing weeds and cleaning the windows can make.

“Perhaps you might want to consider painting your front door or adding a showstopping plant or even a new doormat to the front - small changes can make a big difference without requiring a major investment.”

Give tired rooms a quick refresh

You don’t necessarily need to spend thousands on renovations to make your property more appealing. Small improvements can help your home feel well maintained and ready to move into.

Easy jobs like touching up scuffs on the paintwork, replacing tired cupboard handles and repairing loose door handles can make a surprising difference.

Tom said: “Many vendors opt to paint rooms in neutral colour as it can make them feel brighter and bigger.

“Focus on affordable improvements that make a noticeable difference. Expensive projects are unlikely to deliver a worthwhile return.”

Invest in professional property photography

Most buyers begin their property search online, which means your photographs need to capture their attention.

Dark, blurry or poorly composed images could cause potential buyers to scroll past your listing.

Open curtains to maximise natural light, tidy each room and photograph the property from angles that show off its space and layout. Highlight attractive features such as fireplaces, large windows, modern kitchens and gardens.

Tom said: “At Purplebricks our standard package includes professional photography, a tailored walkthrough video, distributed across portals and socials and a clear floor plan.

“This can help buyers properly understand what your home offers before booking a viewing.”

Get your legal paperwork ready early

Accepting an offer is an important milestone, but it isn’t the end of the selling process. Missing documents and delays with solicitors are typical issues that could slow progress and potentially put your sale at risk.

Instruct a conveyancer early and gather relevant paperwork, including guarantees, planning permissions, building regulations certificates and other documents relating to alterations, where applicable.

An up-to-date Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is also required when marketing a property in England and Wales, subject to applicable exemptions, so ensure you have this sorted at the start of the process.

Tom said: “Legal delays can jeopardise a sale even after a buyer has agreed a price. Being organised from the outset is a must.”

Choose a proceedable buyer, not just the highest offer

Tempting though it is to accept the offer from your highest bidder, you are far better doing in-depth research to establish your safest buyer.

Tom said: “Start by asking whether they have a mortgage agreement in principle, a deposit available and a property to sell.

“Find out whether their own sale is progressing and crucially, maintain regular contact with both solicitors.

“A slightly lower offer from a well-prepared buyer may involve less risk than a higher offer with major uncertainties.”

Work with a property expert and listen to feedback

An experienced estate agent can help you understand local market conditions, identify the right asking price and present your home effectively to potential buyers.

Tom said; “At Purplebricks, sellers have access to advice from a local property expert who understands the area and can guide you through the sale, which can be invaluable.

“We always recommend paying attention to feedback after viewings. If several buyers mention the same issue, we’d advise you to consider whether a small adjustment to the presentation, marketing or asking price could help.

“Regularly reviewing interest levels and discussing your next steps with your agent can also help you respond to the current market, avoiding leaving your listing to go stale.”

Selling your house quicker is about getting the fundamentals right. A competitive asking price, an attractive presentation, strong photography, flexible viewings and organised paperwork can all help make your property more appealing and keep the process moving.

Tom said: “There’s no guarantee of a particular timescale, as buyer demand and local market conditions will always play a part.

“However, taking these steps before and during your sale can put you in a stronger position to attract serious buyers and move forward with confidence.”

Thinking of selling your home? Purplebricks can help you get started with a property valuation and expert guidance on preparing your home for the market.