Getting your house ready to sell: a practical checklist

You don't need a renovation to sell well. You need a clean, light, well-photographed home and the paperwork ready.

Before the photos

• Declutter ruthlessly. Clear worktops, empty hallways, half-empty wardrobes.
• Deep clean – windows, kitchens and bathrooms especially.
• Fix the small stuff – dripping taps, blown bulbs, sticking doors, cracked tiles.
• Neutralise bold colours if a room feels dark.
• Tidy outside – mow, weed, sweep, fix the gate. Kerb appeal is the first photo.

What not to bother with

Big projects rarely pay for themselves just before a sale. A new kitchen costs more than it adds; buyers often want to choose their own anyway.

Gather your paperwork now

Your solicitor will need it, and having it early can save weeks:

• Title deeds or lease, and ID
• EPC (check it's still valid)
• Planning permission and building regulations sign-off for any work
• FENSA certificates for windows, and guarantees for damp proofing, roofs or boilers
• Gas safety and electrical certificates if you have them
• Service charge and ground rent details if leasehold

Material information

Agents in England must give buyers key facts up front – such as council tax band, tenure, and any known issues like flood risk or restrictive covenants. Be ready to answer these honestly; surprises later can sink a sale.

Viewings

Open the curtains, put the lights on, take pets out and let the buyer look around without hovering. If your agent does viewings, ask for feedback after every one.

Then let agents pitch

Once you're ready, list your home on HomePitch and local agents will come to you with their fee, plan and track record.