Sale · 6 min

Home staging: how to prepare your flat to sell it faster

Practical home staging ideas to prepare your flat in Madrid: tidiness, light, small repairs and photography to attract more viewings and sell sooner.

Home staging is a technique that consists of preparing a property so that it is as attractive as possible to buyers. It is not about renovating or spending a lot of money, but about presenting the flat in an orderly, bright and neutral way so that anyone who visits can imagine themselves living there. When done well, it helps to generate more viewings, better photographs and, often, a quicker sale.

Why first impressions matter

Most buyers discover properties online. In a few seconds they decide whether an advert is worth a viewing, and the photographs are the first thing they see. A messy, dark flat or one with too many personal items loses appeal compared with similar properties. Then, during the viewing, the impression made in the first few minutes has a big influence on the decision.

1. Depersonalise and tidy

Remove family photos, collections, trophies and very personal items. The aim is for the buyer to see a space, not someone else’s life. Clear worktops, tables and shelves, and put away everything that is not essential. A wardrobe that is half empty conveys spaciousness; one crammed full suggests a lack of storage.

2. Thorough cleaning

A deep clean is the most cost-effective investment: windows, bathroom grout, the kitchen, skirting boards and doors. Smells matter too, so air the property well before each viewing and avoid strong air fresheners.

3. Small repairs

Replace blown light bulbs, fix dripping taps, adjust doors that scrape and check loose sockets. A coat of paint in light, neutral tones can transform a room at very little cost. These details stop the buyer thinking that the property needs more work than it really does and using that idea to negotiate the price down.

4. Maximise natural light

Open shutters and curtains, replace heavy curtains with lighter ones and clean the windows thoroughly. Supplement with warm lighting in the darker areas. In Madrid, a bright property is one of the most valued factors.

5. Define each room

Each space should have a clear purpose. If you have a room used as a storage room, turn it into a bedroom or an office. Arrange the furniture so that it leaves walkways clear and shows the sense of space. In small living rooms, fewer, well-chosen pieces make them look larger.

6. Details that add value

Some cushions, a plant, white bedding and new towels in the bathroom create a feeling of care. There is no need to decorate excessively: the key is a neutral, welcoming style.

7. Professional photography

Once the property has been prepared, professional photography is the step that makes the biggest difference on property portals. Good photographs with the right light and correct angles greatly increase interest in the listing.

The right price, the other half

Home staging works best when the price is set correctly. A beautiful property with an out-of-market price will still not sell. Check your flat’s value with our free online valuation tool.

How UBICASA helps you

At UBICASA we advise you on how to prepare your property, organise the photo shoot and design the sales plan. Find out how we help you sell your flat in Madrid. These tips are also useful if you are going to let your flat.