Numerous reports suggest the UK property market has decisively shaken off the slowdown of recent years, which saw house prices dip and activity stall in many regions. In 2025, growth has been strongest across the South-East of England, with areas such as Wokingham and wider Berkshire experiencing some of the sharpest price rises outside of London. Even towns that had seen values stagnate are now benefitting from renewed demand, fuelled by returning buyer confidence and improved lending conditions.
For sellers, this presents a real window of opportunity. Increased stock is entering the market as confidence grows, but so too is competition from neighbouring properties. Buyers now have more choice, so homeowners looking to sell need to think carefully about how their home is presented in order to secure the best price. In a climate where motivated buyers are actively competing, ensuring a property stands out has never been more important. For this, free time and a busy schedule should be no excuse, as there are plenty of options that can be completed in half an hour or less.
1. Clean the windows
Estimated time: 15 minutes
Cleaning the windows is one of the best ‘quick fixes’ in a seller’s arsenal, given that it requires very little work but offers an excellent result.
A clean cloth and window cleaning spray will be all the tools required to clean windows, both inside and out. On ground level, this is relatively straightforward, but may require a tad more effort when going onto the upper floor (or even beyond). For anyone without a ladder or a fear of heights, there should be a local window cleaner who can do the job – often at very reasonable rates.
Once completed, it should make the whole place look not only cleaner, but much brighter as well.
2. Pack away clutter
Estimated time: depends
The time spent on clearing up clutter depends on how much there is in the first place, but if it takes longer than 30 minutes, then it really needs doing, as it can otherwise put nearly all buyers off in a heartbeat.
Clutter around the home not only makes the place look untidy, but it also makes it look small. Rooms that are full of items seem tiny and cramped, regardless of whether or not this is actually the case. In addition, clutter screams out “there isn’t enough storage in this home” and has the potential to turn even the most enthused buyers on heel.
Pop it all into the attic, garage or in storage, and everything should look much more appealing.
3. De-personalise
Estimated time – 10 minutes
Your quirky mauve chandelier or furry cowhide rug may well be your pride and joy, but chances are they aren’t to everyone’s tastes. Many buyers can look past this and see just what they would do with the place, but it’s wise not to give them unnecessary hoops through which to jump.
Instead, remove anything particularly out of the ordinary, and it shouldn’t then be too much of a task for the imagination to see just what the home has potential to be.
4. Boost your kerb appeal
Estimated time – 1 hour
When viewers arrive, the front of your property sets the tone before they even step inside. In a competitive market where many homes are aimed at families and professionals, making a strong first impression can instantly elevate your home in the eyes of potential buyers.
Quick improvements include tidying the drive – sweep away leaves, jet-wash or hose down the path, and move bins out of sight – trimming hedges and dead-heading flowers, placing a few potted plants by the front door to add colour and life, clean the front door and polish the letterbox and handle, and even add a seasonal wreath or fresh coat of paint. Check for dim or broken bulbs in external lighting, so the property feels welcoming in the evening as well as daytime. Finally, a new doormat and clear house number deliver a neat, cared-for look to your home.
These are just a few of the little jobs that can be undertaken around the house in fewer than 30 minutes to give the place a real lift. Though, as mentioned above, if they’re threatening to take even longer, it’s probably wise to start on them sooner rather than later, as this could mean they really need to be done.