With the spring sales season just around the corner, sellers have a great opportunity to maximise the value of their property.
The dynamics of the market have swung back in the seller’s favour since the temporary lull in real estate fortunes at the beginning of the year.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has recently made its third rate cut of 2025, taking the cash rate from 4.85% to 3.6%. The move has taken consumer confidence to a 3½-year high, according to a survey by Westpac Bank and the University of Melbourne.
Meanwhile, property prices continue to rise, according to the industry researcher Cotality (formerly CoreLogic).
Prices rose by an average 0.6% in July, taking values 1.8% higher in the previous 12 weeks. They are now likely to rise more than 6% year-on-year by the end of December.
A contributing factor to Australia’s price growth has been the lack of homes for sale. Cotality says there are currently 19% fewer properties on the market than the five-year average.
If you’re looking to upsize or downsize, the spring sales season is likely to be the perfect time for you.
Less competition means your property will stand out, attracting more attention and potentially multiple offers.
This is your chance to capitalise on strong buyer interest and a favourable market.
Here are 10 tips to get your home ready for a spring deal.
Deep clean – When preparing for an open home, go beyond a regular weekly tidy-up. Hire professional cleaners or spend a weekend meticulously cleaning every surface. Pay special attention to skirting boards, windows, fans and light fittings.
Depersonalise – This is one of the fundamental tasks of preparation. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home. Remove personal items such as family photos, souvenirs and knick-knacks.
Declutter – Focus on benchtops and bookshelves, and pack away items you won’t need until after you move. Less is more, and it makes rooms feel bigger and more spacious.
Minor repairs – That leaky tap, sticky door or cracked tile that you’ve been meaning to fix requires attention now. These small defects can give buyers the impression the home has been neglected and may lead to a lower offer.
Curb appeal – As any agent will tell you, first impressions are everything. Stand across the street and view your home from a buyer’s perspective. Mow the lawn, trim the hedges and pull weeds from the flowerbeds. Add a fresh coat of paint to your front door, and plant some vibrant flowers in pots or garden beds.
Enhance Lighting – Maximise natural light by cleaning the windows and blinds. Inside, ensure light bulbs are working. Consider replacing older, dim bulbs with brighter, energy-efficient ones. Good lighting makes a room feel more open, airy and inviting.
Brush up – A fresh coat of neutral paint can revitalise your home. Light, neutral colours make rooms feel larger and brighter, appealing to a broader range of buyers. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to modernise your property, and it gives it a feeling of being a clean slate.
Put on the style – A professional property stylist can create a sense of flow and purpose in each room. Spaces should be defined clearly as this helps buyers understand how they would live in the property.
Outdoor polish – WIth spring and the warmer weather coming, your outdoor area is as important as the interior. Pressure-wash patios and decks, wipe down outdoor furniture and clean your barbecue. If you have a pool, make sure it’s sparkling clean.
Be pet-proof – Hide evidence of pets. Their odours can deter potential buyers. It’s a good idea to ask a friend to look after your pets during opens and inspections.
Paperwork priority – A comprehensive folder with documents such as council rates, building plans and any warranties for recent work will be appreciated by serious buyers. Manuals for appliances should be included.