It's on the way. Spring will soon be in full bloom and with the clocks set to go forward in just a few weeks, now is the time to embrace the opportunity for a new beginning and prepare your house for a speedy springtime sale.

As we move into this new season, house buyers will be creeping back into the market after the winter lull and competition from other sellers will be on the up. Therefore, it’s important to present your home in the best light to boost its saleability.

Lauren Scott, President, NAEA Propertymark comments: “With housing market activity on the rise during February and March, it’s important to take every step to make your property stand out above the competition. If you are looking to sell your home this spring, turn to your local NAEA Propertymark estate agent who will be able to offer you further guidance on how to maximise the chances of a spring sale.”

First impressions are everything

Buyers often make their decision on a property within seconds of arriving, so make sure your home is looking its best. If your front door is looking a little shabby, buy a new doorknob, a brass letterbox or a stainless-steel house number; these small touches can instantly make your home feel more welcoming.

Spring cleaning

It goes without saying that a spring clean is essential before a seasonal sale. Buyers are put off by anything that looks grubby, especially during the season of fresh beginnings. Make sure any old winter grime is removed from the property. Give old carpets a deep clean, and thoroughly clean all curtains, or upholstery that attracts extra dust. It’s a good idea to deep clean all carpets before putting your house on the market as well to ensure the whole house feels clean and fresh.

Freshen up your kitchen and bathroom

Kitchens and bathrooms can make or break a sale, so make sure yours look their best. Give tired-looking bathrooms a makeover by hiding any unappealing pipework and fixing up any worn tiling. Tidy away bathroom clutter such as body wash, cleaning products and toilet rolls etc. In the kitchen, replace any worn work surfaces and doors as this will totally transform the space without having to fork out on replacing the cabinets.

Let there be light

A dark room is an immediate turn-off to buyers. The easiest first step is to let the sun pour in and maximise natural light as much as possible by opening curtains and blinds and giving any dirty windows a scrub before putting your property on the market.

Keep decoration minimal

No two people have identical taste in interior decoration. Potential buyers must be able to picture themselves living in the space, and not feel like an intruder in someone else’s home. Anything showing too much personality can be a turn off during a house viewing so it’s best to keep your decoration simple and colours neutral to offer buyers a blank slate to build their own home on.

Flowers

Keeping fresh flowers on display is a welcoming touch that will make your home appear well kept. Flowers can play a vital role in giving rooms a lift and create a clean fragrance to greet a buyer. No matter how well your home is presented, a few simple touches with some neutral flowers will enhance the property’s appeal.

Remove pets

Furry friends leave an odour that pet owners can become immune to over time, but it’s likely the buyer will pick up on this. Air out the property in advance of any viewings, light a freshly scented candle to mask any lingering smells and consider leaving your pet with a friend or family member for the duration.