BUYING a property can be one of the most difficult, not to mention stressful, life events that anyone can embark on. Conversely, making a property ready for market can also be one of the most difficult things to get right.

Challenging issues can range from presentation and layout to location and extraneous factors such as property prices. One of the most important elements to get right is to make sure a property is up to scratch before people are invited to view it.

It’s important to not only get viewers through the door, but to also keep them interested in the property and the surrounding area. There are several ways in which you can maximise the saleability of a property, including improving the outside space, maximising the location, presenting the property at its best by decluttering and by carefully ‘staging’ the property.

Outside space

Most properties come with outside space, whether it’s a balcony, patio or even a garage. In order to persuade viewers to rent/buy the property, vendors should look at what the property has to offer and adapt the outside space accordingly. For example, if the property is a four-bedroom house, it would probably benefit from pulling down the garage and creating a larger garden so that it has outside space which appeals to a family.

Shops and local attractions

When a property is put on the market, it would be useful to remember all the reasons it was purchased in the first place. It might be the close vicinity to shops and local attractions or it might be how easy it is to commute into a nearby city. It’s important to make sure the estate agents list any local conveniences so that prospective buyers or renters will be even more interested in the property.

First impressions

This is really as simple as making sure the property is tidy, putting things away and making the living space more presentable. It’s useful if prospective buyers are given a clean canvas as it will be easier for them to see themselves living in the property rather than as simply visiting your property.

No lighting

Prospective buyers are sometimes reluctant to buy or rent a house because it’s too dark or dingy.

One of the best ways to brighten up a home is to hang up some large mirrors and paint the walls neutral colours. Any natural lighting should be emphasised – windows should have blinds rather than thick curtains and any obstructions such as large pieces of furniture should be moved away from the windows. This will allow additional light to flow in throughout the day.

These are just a few ways in which vendors can help to maximise the saleability of their property.

While the market has come on leaps and bounds in recent months, it is neither yet a buyers or sellers’ market, so it’s vital that the property is presented in the best possible light.

Please note: This article is intended as guidance only and does not constitute advice, financial or otherwise. No responsibility for loss occasioned/ costs arising as a result of any act/failure to act on the basis of this article can be accepted by Latimer Hinks.