Essential tips to make your property attractive to buyers in 2026

If you’re planning to sell your home in 2026, the presentation of your property will be more important than ever. With more homes on the market and increased competition across the UK property sector, sellers need to ensure their house stands out as the dream home buyers are searching for.

Research suggests that buyers take just eight minutes to decide if a property is right for them. In a world filled with inspirational interiors seen on Instagram and home-styling influencers, buyer expectations have never been higher. To help you make a standout first impression, here are the top tips for getting your home sale-ready.

1. Create a clean, fresh space

A clean home is one of the most powerful ways to captivate buyers. A property that smells fresh and looks well-maintained reassures viewers that it has been truly cared for.

Focus extra attention on high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathroom, where grime can easily go unnoticed.

Consider adding subtle fragrances - citrus, vanilla, and clean-cotton scents work especially well - to create a welcoming atmosphere.

2. Clear the clutter for a spacious feel

Decluttering is one of the simplest and most effective ways to enhance your home’s appeal. Excess items can distract buyers from your property’s best features and make rooms feel smaller.

Remove items you no longer need, and if there are belongings you want to keep, consider temporary storage options such as the loft, a shed, or a local storage unit. A tidy, streamlined home helps buyers imagine a smooth and easy lifestyle in your space.

3. Depersonalise - but don’t go too far

The old advice of creating a completely ‘blank canvas’ is no longer the gold standard in home-selling. While it’s important to remove excessive memorabilia, personal photos, or bold artwork, a totally empty or overly plain home can feel cold.

Keep enough décor and furnishings to create warmth and personality. Buyers connect emotionally, and a welcoming home helps them imagine living there.

4. Use colour trends to your advantage

A full repaint isn’t usually necessary when preparing your home for sale - but tone down bold colours if they dominate your space.

On-trend, buyer-friendly palettes like creams, beiges, and soft blush tones add light, warmth, and universal appeal. A few well-placed touch-ups can make a big difference in how your property is perceived.

5. Stage your home for maximum impact

Home staging has become increasingly popular in the UK and can significantly boost your property’s marketability. Staging your home is all about thoughtful presentation—similar to what you’d see in magazines or home makeover shows. Small touches make a big impact:

• Fresh flowers in vases
• Bowls of fruit in the kitchen
• Stacked towels in the bathroom
• A neatly made bed with coordinated bedside tables and lamps
• Layered textures like cushions, throws, and curtains
• Additional lighting or mirrors in dark corners

Staging also involves clearly defining each room’s purpose. If you’re marketing a space as a bedroom or home office, make sure it includes the appropriate furniture so buyers can easily envision how it should be used.

Make your home stand out in 2026

Selling your home in a competitive market doesn’t have to be daunting. With thoughtful preparation, decluttering, strategic staging, and on-trend styling, you can create an inviting, polished environment that captures buyers’ hearts within those crucial first minutes.