We know it’s currently a very difficult time for everybody, with the coronavirus pandemic putting most normal aspects of life on hold and effectively putting the property market into pause mode as strict government guidance is put into place on moving home.

That said, transactions are still happening – just in different, more innovative ways. And there is nothing stopping you from getting your house ready for a sale, so it’s ahead of the competition when the lockdown is lifted and the seemingly inevitable bounce-back in activity occurs.

Additionally, now could be the perfect time to add value to your home – through a number of short, simple, inexpensive steps – before bringing it to market once the lockdown is over.

Lastly, with virtual viewings now more popular, it’s important that your home looks the part to anyone viewing your home remotely – with the possible intention of following up this interest either now or when things return to something resembling normal.

Here, using our experience of operating in the Essex and East London sales markets, we outline how sellers can get their homes ready for a sale.

Improve your outdoor space

If you have a garden or any other outdoor space (no matter how small), now is the perfect time to maintain and enhance it. We are all being asked to stay at home as much as possible for social distancing purposes and to reduce the pressure on the NHS as the peak of the pandemic nears, and this means plenty of time for that garden maintenance that you may have been putting off to another time.

Fortunately, garden maintenance doesn’t require much time, cost, effort or expertise – at least at a basic level. Mow the lawn, de-weed plants and flower beds, plant some new shrubs and flowers if you have them, clean any decking or BBQ areas you might have, and tidy up the garage/shed if it’s not looking at its best.

For many buyers, your garden will be a key selling point, particularly as we get closer to summer. If it has a standout selling point – a pond, an impressive water feature, a plush seating area – make sure that this feature in particular is in top condition.

You don’t have to go all Ground Force on your garden, but this is certainly the time to turn it into somewhere where people will actively want to spend time.

Make use of your spare rooms

Spare rooms – important but often neglected – can really help to improve the overall look and feel of your home. All rooms in your home should have a role and purpose, and you shouldn’t leave them unloved and uncared for purely because they are perhaps smaller and less obviously a selling point than others.

A spare room can be a great asset if utilised in the right way. It can, for example, be transformed into a home gym or home office – especially important at this time of lockdown – or maybe a playroom for the kids.

If your spare room is currently being unused or used as storage space only, you may want to re-evaluate this and give it more of a use. It’s unlikely to be the main selling point in your home, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important. If buyers see that you treat your spare rooms in the right way, this bodes well for the rest of your property.

De-clutter and prioritise space

Most buyers don’t like clutter or homes that feel too personalised, as it’s harder for them to imagine the property as their own. As a result, now is a good time to declutter and depersonalise your home to ensure it can breathe easily and show off its best attributes.

It may also be the time to rearrange furniture and beds to ensure your home is making the best use of space. While a cosy and intimate home is no bad thing, and will appeal to many buyers, the majority will probably be seeking homes with lots of space.

There is always a fine balance to strike here – between stripping a home of its authenticity, homeliness and character and making sure that it doesn’t feel too personalised and lived-in. Decluttering can, however, be a very therapeutic exercise, so may be something you want to consider at a time like this.

Add value to your home

At present, this won’t be the time for big-money improvements such as a loft extension, a conservatory, a new kitchen, a driveway or a brand-new bathroom, for obvious reasons. However, there are smaller, much cheaper steps you can take to improve your home and potentially increase its value.

This includes getting all the little odd jobs done that you’ve been putting off for months – such as painting the walls in the main bedroom, retiling or grouting the kitchen, replacing light-bulbs, fixing a wonky shelf or freshening up skirting boards and window sills. It could also include carrying out a thorough spring clean of your property to ensure it’s looking brand-new.

It may also be the time to finally replace those taps in the kitchen or bathroom, transform your spare room with a lick of paint and new flooring, or smarten up your driveway and the exterior of your home.

Here at Ideal Locations, we understand the current difficulties being posed by the coronavirus – and the dramatic changes it has caused to all our lives. And we are here to help sellers through this difficult situation, using our local knowledge and experience to ensure your home is ready for sale.

You can contact us for more information about selling a home in locations such as Hornchurch, South Woodford, Romford and Southend-on-Sea, and you can also request a free instant online valuation to find out what your property could currently be worth.