1. Paint those walls

When it comes to giving your home an instant update and an exciting new look, few things transform the feel of your interior quite as dramatically as a fresh coat of paint – both for your interior and your exterior.

Remember that you are getting your house ready for sale, so skip the vibrant purples and oranges in favour of more neutral shades. If you are unsure, buy a few sample paint pots of the colours you prefer, and go and try them out at home. Look at the paint in the daylight and in the evening before you finally decide on the colours for you.

2. Watch those floors

Don’t underestimate the impact of flooring – not only will it set the tone for the whole room, but it also allows you to inject some personality and ambience into your surroundings, as well as being a key design feature.

Is your carpet looking a little old? Get the experts in to freshen it up. If you have family pets and everything’s looking a little stained and worn, consider replacing the carpet altogether with something fresh and modern.

Slate and tile floors might have their advantages – they are easy to clean and help to keep the room cool during the summer – but they can also appear dated and give your entire property an older look and feel. While we are not suggesting that you replace your flooring altogether, do keep your furnishings and wall colours contemporary. Or, why not try a rug or carpet that complements the look and function of the space?

3. Pay attention to the details

There’s no need to give your entire property a dramatic makeover. Instead, go through the house and look at the smaller details such as the door handles, light fittings, window treatments, water taps and other appliances, etc. You might find that strategically changing a few key items is all you need to give your entire property an update, so don’t be so quick to dismiss those smaller fixtures, fittings and other decorative elements.

Are you pressed for time? If you had to choose just one or two things that will make the most impact, focus on the lighting and on your window treatments. A bright, airy space will always look and feel more attractive to potential buyers, so make sure there’s plenty of light. As for the windows, simply replacing dated blinds with floor length curtains will make a world of difference – floor length curtains, especially when hung high and wide, instantly add polish to a room and make it look bigger.