Thinking of putting your house on the market? Let me show you something that most UK sellers overlook—but shouldn’t. You’ve listed your property. The estate agent’s snapping away for Rightmove. And now the big day’s approaching: the viewings. But here’s the truth—if your house isn’t properly prepped, you’re risking lowball offers or even silence.
So, what’s the game-changer? Getting your house ready for viewings—the right way.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ultimate checklist to get your house ready for viewings. Whether you’re in Manchester, Milton Keynes or Maidstone, this one’s for you.
Let’s get your house from “meh” to must-have.
Why Getting Your House Ready for Viewings Matters
First impressions don’t just count—they sell houses. Research shows that UK buyers decide whether they like a home within the first 10 seconds of walking in. That’s not a lot of time, is it?
If they’re greeted by mucky carpets, weird smells, or dim lighting, their mind are already made up. But flip the script, and give them a clean, bright, welcoming space—they start picturing themselves living there.
That’s the power of getting your house ready for viewings.
The Ultimate Checklist to Get Your House Ready for Viewings
Here’s the full rundown. You don’t need a mansion or thousands of pounds to make this work—just time, elbow grease, and a bit of know-how.
1. Declutter Ruthlessly
Let’s start with the basics. Clutter distracts viewers and makes your home feel smaller.
Do this:
- Remove personal items (photos, kids’ artwork, piles of letters)
- Clear kitchen countertops—no toasters or kettle armies
- Tidy up shoes, coats, and hallway clutter
UK example: In a semi-detached house in Croydon, the seller cleared out a box room full of gym gear and old paperwork. It became a guest room overnight, and the offer went £15,000 above asking.
2. Deep Clean Every Nook and Cranny
Let me tell you about Sarah from Leeds. She nearly lost a buyer because of mould in the bathroom sealant. A deep clean sorted it, and the sale went through a week later.
Checklist:
- Scrub bathrooms (tiles, toilets, taps, and grout)
- Wipe down skirting boards, light switches, and door handles
- Clean all windows inside and out
- Hoover under sofas and beds
Need help? A deep clean by a local cleaner in the UK costs around £15–£25 an hour and is often money well spent.
3. Let There Be Light (And Air)
Bright homes feel bigger and more welcoming.
Tips to get your house ready for viewings with light:
- Open curtains and blinds fully
- Replace dim bulbs with warm white LED ones
- Turn on the lamps in the darker corners
- Air out rooms at least 30 minutes before a viewing
Pro tip: In grey British weather, soft lighting can make or break a room’s vibe.
4. Neutralise Your Colour Scheme
Now, I’m not saying you have to paint everything beige—but loud colours can distract buyers.
Do this:
- Touch up scuffed walls with neutral tones (think Dulux’s ‘Polished Pebble’ or ‘Natural Calico’)
- Remove bold wallpaper where possible
- Keep bedding, towels, and cushions simple and light
Remember, the goal is to let viewers imagine their life in your space.
5. Fix the Little Things
Let me show you something that really matters—minor faults. These scream neglect to viewers, even if your home’s in great shape otherwise.
Fix up:
- Leaky taps
- Creaky doors
- Loose cupboard handles
- Cracks in the walls or ceiling
- Broken light fittings
These are tiny jobs but pack a big punch in getting your house ready for viewings.
6. Stage Every Room with Purpose
Don’t just tidy—stage. That means showing each room’s potential.
Here’s how to stage like a pro (without spending much):
- Dining room: Set the table for four with placemats and a fruit bowl
- Guest room: Make the bed, add a side lamp and simple artwork
- Spare room: If it’s a dumping ground, turn it into a home office
UK example: A couple in Sheffield transformed their storage room with a £30 desk from Facebook Marketplace—and sold within a fortnight.
7. Make the Entrance Inviting
They’ll decide whether they like your home before they even walk through the front door.
Entrance upgrades:
- Clean the front door
- Add a new doormat (bonus points for one that says “Hello”)
- Mow the lawn, trim hedges, and sweep paths
- Add a couple of potted plants
In the UK, kerb appeal can add up to £5,000 to a property’s value, according to Rightmove.
8. Scent Sells
Don’t underestimate the power of smell. Viewers will notice stale food, pets, or damp in seconds.
What to do:
- Avoid strong air fresheners (they scream cover-up)
- Use reed diffusers or bake something before a viewing
- Open windows regularly
- Clean drains and bins
Real-world trick: Boil a pot of water with a bit of lemon and rosemary just before a viewing.
9. Set the Right Temperature
Too cold and buyers want to leave. Too hot and it feels stuffy.
Winter: Have the heating on low (18–20°C)
Summer: Keep it cool and ventilated
Comfort is key when getting your house ready for viewings.
10. Prepare for Pets (Even If You Love Them)
You might think your spaniel is adorable, but not every buyer will agree.
Here’s what to do:
- Remove pet bowls, beds, and toys
- Air out pet smells
- Vacuum thoroughly
- Take pets out during the viewing if possible
In short, make it seem like no animal lives there.
Bonus Tips to Get Your House Ready for Viewings in the UK
- Leave the house during viewings: Buyers feel awkward with owners watching.
- Use mirrors: Especially in small rooms or hallways.
- Ask your agent for feedback: Adjust between viewings based on comments.
- Stage seasonally: Think cosy blankets in winter or flowers in summer.
What NOT to Do When Getting Your House Ready for Viewings
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Over-personalising (like loud wall art or eccentric decor)
- Blocking natural light with bulky furniture
- Leaving out personal items like meds or toiletries
- Forgetting the garden—it’s part of the property too!
Want More Help?
If you’re still unsure where to start, consider checking out this Home Staging Wikipedia article for more background on the idea of presenting your property at its best. It’s packed with info on how buyers think.
Final Thoughts
Selling a house in the UK isn’t just about sticking a “For Sale” board out front. It’s about presenting your home in its best light, and this checklist to get your house ready for viewings is your new secret weapon.
Think of your house as a product. And just like any good product, presentation sells. You don’t need to spend thousands. Most of this list is about effort, not expense.
So, go ahead. Print this checklist. Walk through your home. Tick things off.
And when the offers start rolling in, you’ll know why.
Quick Recap: Your House Viewing Checklist
| Task | Done? |
| Declutter every room | ☐ |
| Deep clean top to bottom | ☐ |
| Maximise natural light | ☐ |
| Touch up paint & go neutral | ☐ |
| Fix broken bits | ☐ |
| Stage rooms clearly | ☐ |
| Tidy the entrance | ☐ |
| Neutral scents | ☐ |
| Adjust heating | ☐ |
| Manage pets | ☐ |
Got questions or want more property tips? Follow JP Listings UK on Instagram.
Now go on—get your house ready for viewings like a pro.
