How to prepare a flat for sale in one weekend

Buyers decide in the first twenty seconds of a viewing — and even earlier from the photos. Money spent on cleaning, lighting and depersonalising the flat comes back many times over.

Remove personal items, replace bulbs with brighter warm-white ones, clear walking routes and move surplus furniture to the cellar. Photograph in daylight, never with a flash.

Small defects — a dripping tap, a squeaking door, cracked sealant — signal neglected maintenance, and a buyer will discount their offer far more than the repair would have cost.