Guide to Preparing Your Home for the Spring Selling Season

Spring is a time of renewal, and it’s the perfect season to put your home on the market. The warmer weather and blooming gardens create an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers.

To make sure your home stands out from the many properties listed during this peak season, it’s crucial to prepare well. Here are 15 detailed tips to help you get your home ready and secure a successful sale.

1. Declutter and create space

Take a good look at each room in your home and declutter to make it feel open and spacious. Start by removing items that you no longer need or haven’t used in the last year. Not only will this make your home feel larger, but it also helps potential buyers imagine how they can use the space.

Store excess furniture that makes rooms feel cramped—like that bulky recliner in the living room or extra coffee tables. Renting a short-term storage unit can be an easy solution for keeping items you want to take with you but don’t need during the sale period.

2. Depersonalise your home

Depersonalising is key to helping buyers envision themselves living in your home. Put away family photos, travel souvenirs, awards, and other personal items. Replace them with neutral decor, like framed artwork or decorative pieces.

The goal is to create a space that feels welcoming and allows buyers to project their lives onto it without getting distracted by yours.

3. Deep clean and make it sparkle

Spring is the ideal time for a deep clean. Go beyond your usual routine and make sure you cover areas like baseboards, windowsills, light fixtures, and ceiling fans. Clean all floors—whether that means giving carpets a professional steam clean or polishing hardwood floors until they shine.

Pay attention to the kitchen and bathrooms as well, as these spaces are make-or-break for many buyers. Consider hiring professional cleaners if you’re short on time or want a perfect finish.

4. Create inviting street appeal

The first impression starts from the moment buyers drive up to your property. Make sure the exterior looks clean and welcoming—sweep driveways, waterblast pathways, and polish your front door. Replace the doormat with something fresh and add a couple of potted plants near the entrance for a pop of colour. If the mailbox is rusty or worn, replace it to complete the look.

5. Show off your garden

Gardening is a great way to make your home’s exterior shine. Trim overgrown hedges, pull weeds, and mow the lawn so everything looks tidy.

Plant some colourful seasonal flowers in garden beds or pots, and use mulch to give a neat appearance. Gardens are an important feature, and well-kept outdoor spaces help buyers see the potential for outdoor living.

6. Focus on outdoor living

Kiwis love their outdoor living spaces, so showcase how your property can cater to this lifestyle. Whether you have a small balcony or a large garden, set it up for entertaining or relaxation.

Add an outdoor dining set, arrange lounge furniture, or string up lights to create an inviting atmosphere. If you have space, a fire pit can add appeal and make your backyard feel like a year-round entertainment area.

7. Maximise natural light

Light is key to making any home feel open and airy, especially in spring. Open all curtains and blinds during inspections to let in natural light. Consider replacing heavy drapes with lighter, translucent curtains to brighten rooms.

If your space doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, try using mirrors strategically to reflect light and make rooms feel larger.

8. Freshen up walls and paint

A fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference. Opt for light, neutral tones that will make your home feel more spacious and bright. Neutral shades also appeal to a broader audience, allowing potential buyers to envision their own decor more easily.

Pay attention to areas that have scuff marks or outdated colours—freshening up these areas can modernise your home instantly.

9. Fix repairs and maintenance issues

Before listing, walk through your home and note down any small maintenance jobs you’ve been putting off. Fixing leaky taps, broken handles, chipped tiles, and other small defects can prevent buyers from focusing on the negatives.

A well-maintained home gives buyers confidence that it has been looked after and reduces any hesitations they might have about future upkeep.

10. Stage key areas for emotional impact

Staging a home helps buyers envision the lifestyle they could have if they bought the property. You don’t need to fully stage the entire home—focus on key areas like the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom.

Hire a professional stager if your budget allows, or use tasteful decor to create a cohesive look. In the living room, arrange furniture to create an open, welcoming space, and add cosy touches like throw pillows and a soft rug.

11. Target the right buyers

Think about the potential buyers for your property. Are you in a good school zone? Highlight features that would appeal to families, such as a secure garden or a playroom. If your home is suited to young professionals, make sure work-from-home options are visible, like a desk nook or a quiet office space. Tailor your staging and marketing to the demographic you’re trying to attract.

12. Keep smells fresh and neutral

Smells have a powerful impact on buyers. Before any inspection, air out the house to get rid of stale smells. Avoid strong fragrances—opt for natural scents like citrus or fresh linen. Freshly baked bread or brewed coffee are classic options for creating a homely feel, but you could also place fresh flowers in key areas like the living room or kitchen to create a gentle, pleasant aroma.

13. Invest in professional photography

Most buyers will first come across your property online, so professional photography is a must. High-quality photos can highlight your home’s best features and create the right first impression.

Make sure to tidy every room thoroughly before the photoshoot—clear countertops, fluff pillows, and ensure no personal items are left in view. A good agent will have a professional photographer who knows how to capture the essence of your home.

14. Understand the sales process and choose the right method

Discuss with your agent which method of sale is best for your home—auction, tender, or private treaty. Auctions are often popular in New Zealand, especially in a buoyant spring market, as they create urgency among buyers.

Your agent will guide you based on current market conditions and your own situation to decide the best approach for achieving the maximum price.

15. Create a tailored marketing plan

Marketing is key to reaching the right buyers, so work with your agent to develop a strong strategy. This might include online listings on Trade Me Property and realestate.co.nz, as well as social media campaigns, open homes, and letterbox drops in your local community.

Highlight unique features of your property—like proximity to great schools, transport, or local attractions—and make sure your marketing material stands out. A well-thought-out marketing plan helps maximise exposure and bring in motivated buyers.

These 15 tips are designed to help you prepare your home for a successful spring sale in New Zealand. By focusing on presentation, maintenance, and effective marketing, you can create an attractive, welcoming space that resonates with potential buyers and sets your property apart.

If you are preparing to sell your property, make sure you get in touch with an experienced real estate agent and obtain an accurate property appraisal. You can get a better understanding of where your property stands in the market today by getting a free property appraisal with an LJ Hooker agent.