Before putting your property on the market, a little preparation or some minor upgrades can make a big difference in both how quickly it sells and how much you can sell it for. Whether it’s an upgrade of the exterior or an extension to the outside of your property, ensuring that you get your home ready to sell so you can get the most for your property is more important than ever.

In 2026, the property market is a competitive place, with work from home and lifestyle changes after COVID-19. What buyers are looking for in a space has drastically changed, with many buyers wanting rooms that can be converted into an office, whilst others want low-energy homes that have smart lighting systems and self-sustaining energy sources. This has shifted what a ready-to-sell home should look like and has changed what sellers need to include to have a high-demand home that sells for the asking price or above.

So if you are selling your home soon and you want to get the most that you can out of your home for the highest price and the shortest amount of time in the current market, here are 2 upgrades that you can make to your home before it makes its way onto the market.

Refresh key areas

A small refresh with paint in key areas of a home can completely transform the space. Through sprucing up internal doors, walls and cupboards with a lick of paint, it can transform these areas, making the home look and smell brand new. This is especially important in places such as the kitchen, which is seen as the heart of the home and is a decision maker for many buyers. Instead of hugely expensive updates through replacing all cupboards and counters, you can just repaint those cupboards that need paint and add new fixtures, such as handles to doors, to give them a fresh look. 

Improve kerb appeal

The outside of a home often gives buyers the first impression of your property. The expression " don't judge a book by its cover” rarely applies to the exterior of a home, as buyers will usually decide whether they like the home as soon as they’ve seen the outside. Sometimes this is such a deal breaker that many buyers will stop their viewing after not liking the exterior of the house. This displays the importance of kerb appeal and ensuring that the outside of your home is up to standard. You can do this through landscaping, any greenery or front lawns, and tidying entrances and refreshing the front door. 

Final thoughts

Upgrading your home doesn't need to cost thousands; all you need is some small updates to increase your chances of a quick and successful sale, so you can get more for your property. So check your home value on a desktop valuation and start adding value to your home right now.