IT’S officially 100 days until Christmas and if you want to see a ‘SOLD’ sign outside before the turkey’s in the oven, now’s the time to act, according to the experts.
who runs multi-award-winning staging company ThePropertyStagers, says autumn is a great time to sell.
Homes listed in October get snapped up before December 25, if they’re priced right and presented properly, according to RightMove.
But with mortgages easing a little, buyers are becoming more choosy.
So Liv has shared her top 10 budget tips for getting sold up before the festive season.
The smell hack that really works
Buyers don’t just see your home – they smell it. The first scent that hits them in the hallway sticks in their memory and colours how they feel about the place.
If you’ve got the musty stench of pets in the living room and bins in the kitchen, it’s not going to get your home off to the best start.
But don’t go too far the other way.
Skip the fake vanilla sprays and instead try a clever scents layering trick as buyers walk through your property.
Go fresh and light in the hall (linen or citrus), warm and woody in the lounge (cedar or sandalwood), then something clean but subtle in the kitchen (green tea or basil).
Don’t make the mistake of overpowering viewers. You want to subtly show your house is clean, cosy and cared-for.
The easy colour pop
Neutral tones help buyers imagine themselves living in your home, but if every wall, sofa and cushion is the same, the whole place blurs into one.
The trick is to add a single, unexpected pop of colour. Scatter a
teal cushion on a cream sofa, or a burnt orange oversized vase on a white table, or a pastel print in a pale bedroom.
It’s a small change that doesn’t cost the earth, but it makes a room stand out in buyers’ minds.
A pop of colour works a treat
For an extra boost, put that item where the camera focuses for online listings. A bright throw, a coloured rug or even a bold bunch of flowers in shot can lift the picture.
Light it right
Nothing kills a viewing faster than a dark, gloomy atmosphere. With daylight disappearing early in October, rooms can look tired before buyers even walk in.
Harsh overhead lighting makes spaces feel cold and unwelcoming.
The solution is different sources of light – combining table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights to create a warm glow.
Even subtle touches like fairy lights or candles in living areas or bedrooms can create a sense of comfort and warmth. Don’t forget about using mirrors.
Position them opposite windows to bounce natural light deeper into the room, making small spaces feel bigger and brighter.
The entry drop zone trick
Think of your hallway as your home’s opening act.
Buyers’ opinions are formed in seconds, so a cluttered hallway looks really chaotic. Create a tidy ‘drop zone’.
A console table, a small mirror, and a stylish hook or basket for keys instantly signals order and style.
Even simple touches can make a difference: a small plant or vase of flowers adds freshness, while a rug draws the eye along the entry. The idea is to make buyers imagine themselves walking in without feeling cramped.
Keep it seasonal too – in October, a bowl with a few pinecones or a candle gives warmth without being OTT.
Tidy tech
The same goes for your computers and TV. Cluttered cables, messy remotes and exposed WiFi boxes are distracting. They make even the nicest spaces feel unkempt.
Hide cables with tidy clips, stow remotes in a small basket, and keep tech clean and organised.
Make sure tech is tidied away
A smart speaker, thermostat or light switch shows yours is a modern home, without taking over the room. Just avoid having dozens of chargers, wires or gaming consoles scattered across the living room, not least as it can make rooms feel smaller.
Keep in mind that buyers notice the little details.
Don’t forget the garden
October may be chilly, but buyers still check the outdoor spaces. A muddy, overgrown garden or dead planters can turn off potential buyers before they’ve even been upstairs.
Don’t forget about the garden
A quick spruce-up works wonders: sweep up any leaves, trim the back hedges and mow the lawn. A pair of evergreens at the back door lifts curb appeal.
Soft outdoor lighting makes the garden feel usable even on early evenings. It doesn’t take long, costs very little, and autumn gardens that feel cared-for stick in the mind.
The mirror trick
Mirrors aren’t just for decoration. Placing one opposite a window bounces light into dark corners, instantly making rooms feel bigger and brighter.
Round mirrors create depth
Large round mirrors in halls, lounges or bedrooms create depth and visual interest. And if they’re oversized, it gives an aspirational feel too.
Even small mirrors in narrow hallways give the impression of space. Budget mirrors from IKEA or high street stores do the job – you don’t need designer pieces.
Style the ‘life shot’
Every listing needs that one picture that sticks in a buyer’s head. What will yours be?
Have a think about the best selling point of your home – is it the kitchen, lounge, garden? Then play to your strengths – style that room so that it becomes the photo that draws in buyers.
And don’t forget the small things – add a throw and a book to a cosy armchair, set your dining table for a cosy dinner for two, and leave a fresh fruitbowl in the kitchen. Small props are cheap but effective. And that one image can make your property memorable.
Seasonal bedding
Bedrooms are one of the first places buyers imagine themselves living. Autumn is the perfect time to create warmth with layered bedding.
Buy a few oversized cushions and throws on the high street in
seasonal shades like burnt orange, mustard, olive or teal. Even inexpensive blankets can instantly make a bed look inviting and styled.
Autumnal cushions can brighten up a room
Layering makes your furniture look more interesting. A chunky knit throw over a crisp white duvet, a couple of velvet cushions, or a patterned lumbar pillow makes a space feel cosy.
Buyers love comfort, so layered beds encourage them to linger mentally, imagining themselves snuggling in on a chilly morning.
Fold the throw neatly at the foot of the bed, angle cushions and keep
surfaces uncluttered. This gives a polished but approachable look.
Transform your spare room
A spare room is often the first place clutter accumulates – it becomes a dumping ground with old boxes, ironing boards or out-of-season clothes.
But buyers want to see potential, not just storage otherwise it looks like a wasted room that can’t be used. It’s not expensive to change this.
One of the easiest transformations is a mini reading or relaxation nook. Add a comfortable chair, a side table and a soft lamp. Make it look cosy with a throw, and a book shelf or magazine rack.
Or create a tidy home office corner, a craft station or a guest bedroom with seasonal bedding.
The goal is to show buyers versatility.
