Creating your listing
Once you’ve decided to sell and your solicitor estate agent has carried out a valuation and arranged the Home Report, the next step is to create your property listing. This is the public-facing page that prospective buyers will see on espc.com and, depending on your chosen strategy, other platforms too. It is your home’s first impression, and a strong listing can generate immediate interest, early viewings and competitive offers.
Your solicitor estate agent will lead the process and ensure the listing is accurate, attractive and legally compliant. However, your involvement is important too. No one knows your home better than you, and working together to get the listing right gives you the best possible start to the sales journey.
What makes a great listing?
A great listing balances accurate information with an appealing presentation. It should provide buyers with a realistic sense of what it’s like to live in your home, supported by good photography, clear details and the full Home Report. Most importantly, it should feel trustworthy and easy to engage with.
The aim is to encourage serious buyers to book a viewing. You do not need to oversell or overpromise, but the listing should highlight your home’s best features and help buyers imagine themselves living there.
Written description
Your solicitor estate agent will write the main description for the listing. This should highlight the layout, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, any standout features like gardens, period details or modern upgrades, and the property’s location and surroundings.
The description will often include phrases that help buyers understand how the space works. For example, it might mention open-plan living areas, separate dining rooms, attic conversions, utility space or home-working options. These details are more relevant now than ever, as buyers continue to look for flexible and future-proofed homes.
It's also beneficial to include details of the properties condition, whether the home is in turn key condition (move-in ready) or may require some upgrades and/or alterations.
You can help by letting your solicitor estate agent know what you love most about the property. Whether it’s morning sun in the kitchen, a particularly quiet street, or excellent local amenities, these personal touches can add depth to the listing and help it stand out.
Photography
Images are one of the most important parts of your listing. Most buyers will scroll through the photos before they read a word of text. That means professional photography is a must.
Your solicitor estate agent will usually arrange a session with a qualified photographer. Before this happens, they will provide guidance on how to prepare the home. This might include decluttering, tidying surfaces, cleaning windows, arranging furniture and improving lighting. These small steps can make a big difference in how rooms appear on camera.
The photographer will usually take both wide and close-up shots, aiming to show every main space as well as exterior views, gardens and any features such as fireplaces, built-in storage or modern appliances.
Some properties may also benefit from a floorplan, video walkthrough or drone photography. These are not always necessary, but your solicitor estate agent will advise if they are worth considering based on your property and budget.
Home Report and key facts
Every listing must include access to the Home Report. This document gives buyers an independent view of the property’s condition, energy performance and valuation. On each property listing on espc.com, prospective buyers can request a Home Report by completing and submitting a quick and easy form.
In addition to the Home Report, the listing will include factual details such as:
- Asking price (Offers Over, Fixed Price or Offers Around)
- Council tax band
- Energy efficiency rating
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Tenure (usually freehold in Scotland)
- Heating type and any recent upgrades
- School catchment area, if relevant
These are the types of details that buyers filter by when searching, so it’s important they are complete and accurate.
Launch timing
Your solicitor estate agent will help you decide when to launch the listing. The first few days are typically when interest is at its highest, so the timing of your launch matters.
At ESPC, listings go live on espc.com first before being pushed to other platforms. This gives you an exclusive early window to reach serious buyers who check ESPC regularly.
Many sellers choose to launch midweek, as this allows interested buyers to arrange weekend viewings. Your agent will plan the timing around your availability and the level of buyer activity in your area.
Review and approval
Before the listing goes live, your solicitor estate agent will send you a draft to approve. This gives you a chance to check the wording, confirm that the facts are correct, and request any final changes.
It’s important to raise any issues at this stage, as the listing must reflect your home accurately to comply with property marketing regulations in Scotland. Your agent will make sure everything is legally sound and aligned with the Home Report, but your input helps ensure nothing is missed.
Once you approve the listing, your home is officially on the market and ready to receive enquiries.
Making the most of the launch
By working closely with your solicitor estate agent, you can make sure your listing does justice to your home. From compelling photos and accurate wording to launch strategy and legal compliance, every part of the listing is designed to present your property in the best possible light and generate real buyer interest.