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Written by Matchouse
Read more about our contributorKey Facts
- Homes with minor presentation upgrades often sell 2 to 4 weeks faster
- Over 70 percent of buyers say kerb appeal impacts their interest level
- Pre-sale cleaning and staging can boost offers by £5,000 to £15,000
- Unfinished or tired-looking properties often get ignored, even at a fair price
- Matchouse connects sellers with vetted pros to transform homes quickly
🧠 Introduction
You check the listing every day. Your neighbour just sold theirs within a week — same layout, similar price, even the same street.
So why is yours sitting with no viewings?
The answer is usually not the price. It is often the little things. From a streak-free window to a tidy hedge, small details can trigger big emotional responses in buyers. In this blog, we unpack the reasons why one home stands out while another gets skipped — and how you can turn yours into the one that sells next.
1. Small Details That Get Big Buyer Attention
What makes a house feel "move-in ready" starts before anyone steps inside.
| Feature | Impact on Buyer Perception |
|---|---|
| Clean, polished front door | Signals care and welcome |
| Pressure-washed driveway | Feels like low-maintenance living |
| Staged interiors | Helps buyers visualise their lifestyle |
| Bright, decluttered spaces | Makes rooms feel bigger and more valuable |
| Trimmed hedges and fresh bark | Adds freshness and kerb appeal instantly |
Tip: Buyers often make up their mind in the first 60 seconds. First impressions are not just about style — they signal value.
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2. Real Before-and-After Examples That Sell
Professional property makeovers are not always major renovations. Here are real upgrades that turned stale listings into sold homes:
| Upgrade | Before | After | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lounge staging | Dark sofa, clutter | Neutral tones, added lighting | 18 viewings in 1 week |
| Garden tidy-up | Overgrown lawn | Fresh trim, added planters | Offer within 5 days |
| Kitchen refresh | Worn cupboards | Painted doors, new handles | Valuation increased £7,500 |
| Front exterior | Dirty fascia, weeds | Cleaned trim, potted plants | 4 offers after makeover |
Note: These changes were all done in under a week with local pros. Most under £1,000 in cost.
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3. Your Pre-Sale Makeover Plan
You do not need to renovate. You just need to polish and prepare.
Here’s a simple plan many sellers use to stand out and sell faster:
- ✅ Book a full deep clean of the property
- ✅ Stage your home with neutral, modern décor and decluttered space
- ✅ Touch up paint, handles, and bathroom sealant
- ✅ Trim hedges and add low-cost garden appeal
- ✅ Hire a handyman for minor fixes that buyers notice quickly
Important: Buyers judge faster than you think. Scruffy skirting boards, worn carpets, or smells can turn them off immediately — even with a great layout.
Final Thoughts: Small Improvements Can Make All the Difference
If your home is being ignored while your neighbour’s is getting viewings, the solution might not be a price drop — it could be a paintbrush, pressure washer, or staging expert.
Small, affordable improvements often lead to faster sales, stronger offers, and fewer negotiation issues later. Start where it matters and work with people who know how to make properties sell.
Meet the people behind our content
Written by Matchouse
Connecting people with properties and professionals