These tried-and-tested tactics will give your home an immediate face-lift that will increase your sale price and lead to a quicker sell. They won’t cost you a great deal, although you’ll need to spend some time doing them. Make sure you’ve taken care of everything before the FOR SALE sign goes up.

1. Tidy up!

You are trying to make your home look like a builders show house so wash out every cupboard and drawer and dispose of all unwanted furniture, old appliances and any other rubbish that you’ve been meaning to throw out. Keep only the things you use regularly as your home will then look more organised and inviting. Don’t forget to clean the garage and shed.

2. First Impressions

Start at the front of your property and work your way through following the line you expect prospective buyers to take. Does the front gate work? Does it squeak? Weed paths and driveways and use a power hose if you can. Ensure that the name or number of your property can be read from the street. Spend some time tidying up the garden, weeding, trimming hedges, and cleaning borders. Mow the lawn and trim weekly during the growing season and rake leaves in the autumn. It is also a good idea to add a spot of colour by investing in some bedding plants. If it is at all possible, hide bins away. If not, make sure they are clean on the outside are not giving off a smell. Stacks of paper and other recycling material look untidy so try to hide them away while you’re selling. If you are selling a flat, sweep the floors and vacuum carpets in common parts. Change burnt-out light bulbs and consider using a higher wattage bulb to make things brighter. Clean the windows inside and out. Make sure that any entry phone is clearly marked with your name and/or flat number.

3. Roof & Windows

Things like broken gutters and loose tiles jump out at prospective buyers. You will need to paint and fix gutters and repair or replace loose tiles and flashing, especially those visible from the ground. Replace cracked windowpanes and wash the windows inside and out.

4. Interior Cleaning & Maintenance

Take care of all the maintenance tasks you’ve been putting off. Go through the property, room by room, and make a list. Open every door and window, oil squeaky hinges, tighten loose doorknobs and make sure windows and doors open and close smoothly. Repair leaky taps and noisy cisterns. Even minor flaws like rattles, squeaks and leaks leave the impression that your property needs a lot of work done on it.

To add value at very little cost, it’s advisable to apply a fresh coat of paint. Neutral colours are best because dark colours turn off most buyers. Bright lights and white or off-white walls make rooms look bigger.

5. Organisation

Get rid of everything unneeded to create an impression of spaciousness. If you have too much furniture in each room, it’s a good idea to store furniture as you will need to move anyway. Remove all clutter from each room to visually enlarge them. Less is more when it comes to selling your property as when there is less clutter around, rooms look bigger and more inviting. Completely clear all surfaces. Once everything is cleaned off, you can put a few decorative pieces back. Remove any excess extension cords and exposed wires. Depersonalise teenager's rooms and decorate in a more neutral manner. Remove posters and remaining adhesive from walls and doors.

6. The Kitchen

The kitchen has to be kept clean. Clear kitchen surfaces as much as possible and any clutter on the windowsill. Remove any small appliances you don’t use regularly. If your kitchen cabinets are glass fronted, reduce the number of items in them.

Clean the oven and all appliances. Repair or clean caulking around the sink. Tidy up pin-boards and fridge magnets.

Once everything is cleaned off, it is a good idea to put a few decorative pieces back, such as a bowl of fruit or some fresh flowers.

7. Bathrooms

Bathrooms should be kept spotless, toilet lids down, no hair in the sink, bath or shower tray. Do not leave dirty towels out; wipe down shower glass after each use. Repair or replace broken tiles on walls, floors or in showers. Put out fresh towels and decorative soap for showings.

8. Presentation

Create a focal point for each room. Once your property is clean and uncluttered, walk around each room and emphasise its best feature. If the best feature is the view, then make sure when a buyer enters the room, there is a clear path to the windows. If the best feature is the generous room size, limit the number of items of furniture in the room - too much furniture can make a room look smaller. If a room doesn't have a focal point, consider creating one.

9. Cleaning

Clean your property thoroughly. It is worth considering hiring someone to do this for you. This will get you started and it will be easier for you to maintain it after they’ve finished. Shampoo all carpets and vacuum as necessary. If the carpet does not clean up well, you should consider replacing it.

Check for finger marks around doorknobs and light switches.

10. Outside

Hoses and garden equipment should be kept neatly out of sight. Store lawn equipment and other outdoor items away neatly. Outdoor furniture should be kept clean. Balconies, patios and other extensions off the property should be kept uncluttered, swept and in good condition.

11. Last Minute

Make sure beds are made and dishes are done when your property is empty. Interested buyers might stop by on short notice.

Finally, if you are residing at the property, get yourself a box to throw clutter in. No matter how hard you try, you probably have several places where mail, newspapers, children's homework, invitations and other paperwork collects. Before a viewing, you'll need a place to quickly store this potential looking mess! Throw it all in your trusty box and hide it away until the visitors have left.