Guide
Preparing your home for sale
Getting a home ready to sell is mostly about editing, not spending: clearing clutter, fixing small faults and presenting each room at its best before photos, open homes and auction day.
Key facts
- Book your stager after the photographer's date is confirmed, so the home is ready at its best for both.
- Street appeal and decluttering are the two lowest-cost changes with the clearest effect on first impressions.
- Give yourself roughly eight weeks for a full pre-sale plan where possible.
Room by room
Living room
Angle seating toward the main window; remove one piece of furniture if the room feels tight. Pull sofas and chairs away from the wall: a 5–10 cm gap actually makes rooms feel larger by giving them breathing space.
Kitchen
Clear every benchtop except one styled bowl or board; wipe down cabinet fronts and handles. Put away the toaster and air fryer to create clear bench space.
Bedrooms
Make beds with simple linen, clear bedside clutter, and remove anything stored under the bed from view.
Bathroom
Fresh towels, clear the shower of bottles, and fix any dripping taps before the photographer arrives. Put away toothpaste and toothbrushes.
Outdoor areas
Mow, edge, and clear outdoor furniture of covers; stage one seating area if space allows.
Exterior
Clean the windows and the outside of the house. Water-blast paths and driveways if they have moss or lichen, and use a professional firm if it's in your budget.
Common questions
What should I remove before listing photos?
Clear benchtops, personal photos, fridge magnets, excess furniture and anything that crowds a room. Photographers in New Zealand consistently report that decluttered rooms photograph larger and brighter, which matters most for the hero shots buyers see first online.
What paint colours help sell a house in NZ?
Warm, light neutrals read well in NZ's natural light and photograph consistently across seasons. Resene's 2026 interior colour predictions favour warm, earthy neutrals over stark white, which also pairs well with timber floors common in Kiwi villas and bungalows.
How do I prepare for an open home while still living there?
Do a daily reset: clear surfaces, make beds, hide laundry, and air the house 30 minutes before buyers arrive. Keep a 'go box' for things you tidy away each time, so the reset takes minutes rather than hours.
What matters most for street appeal?
A tidy lawn, a clean front door, and clear sightlines to the entrance. Buyers form an impression before they're inside, and a cared-for exterior sets expectations for the rest of the viewing.
How far ahead should I start preparing?
Start an eight-week plan if you can: book the photographer and stager around four weeks out, declutter in the first fortnight, and leave the final week for touch-ups like gardens, paint and cleaning.