Selling a home can feel overwhelming, but property expert Kirstie Allsopp has spent decades helping homeowners make the process smoother.

Known for her work on Love It or List It and Location, Location, Location, Kirstie has gathered essential tips for selling a home successfully.

Whether it’s making a great first impression or avoiding common mistakes, she’s got you covered.

One surprising piece of advice? Steer clear of painting your walls grey! Kirstie strongly believes that grey absorbs too much light, making rooms feel darker and less inviting.

Instead, she suggests using off-white shades to maximize brightness and warmth.

But colour is just one part of the equation. If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, here are Kirstie’s top ten commandments to help you sell faster and for the best possible price.

The Ten Golden Rules of Selling Your Home

1. Don’t Get Greedy

It’s tempting to set a high asking price, but Kirstie warns that there’s a limit.

Every street has a ceiling price—the maximum value homes in that area typically sell for.

Even the most extravagant upgrades won’t push your home beyond that limit.

2. Make Cleanliness a Priority

Before potential buyers step through the door, make sure your home is spotless.

Skip the artificial air fresheners—many people find them unpleasant. Instead, just open a window to let in fresh air.

3. Declutter Now, Not Later

Planning to get rid of some things when you move? Do it before buyers visit.

Clutter makes it harder for people to visualize the home’s potential.

4. Remove Personal Touches

You may love your photo wall, quirky quotes, or bright pink bathroom, but buyers need to see themselves living there. Keep things neutral and simple.

5. Find the Right Balance

Renovations should be thoughtful and consistent.

If the rest of the house looks outdated, a brand-new bathroom might make the rest of the home look even worse.

6. Fix Those DIY Jobs

Half-finished projects signal neglect. Small things like chipped paint, broken handles, or missing tiles can knock thousands off your home’s value.

7. Small Upgrades Can Make a Big Difference

Invest in simple upgrades like new towels, bedding, and a stylish toaster.

These small touches can give your home a fresh, modern feel without breaking the bank.

8. Keep Your Poker Face

If you’re eager to sell, don’t show it—not even to your estate agent.

Buyers can sense desperation and may try to negotiate a lower price.

9. Don’t Overspend on a Kitchen Makeover

A luxurious £40,000 kitchen doesn’t automatically add £40,000 to your home’s value.

Functionality and layout matter more than the cost of fancy appliances.

10. Know What Adds Value

Certain renovations—like knocking down walls to create an open-plan kitchen with bi-fold doors—can boost your home’s value by up to 10%.

Focus on changes that match what buyers are looking for.

The Power of First Impressions

Sometimes, when you’ve lived in a home for years, it’s hard to see what needs fixing.

Kirstie recommends asking a friend for an honest opinion.

Estate agents might not tell you if your home needs work because they don’t want to offend you.

Things that turn buyers off include:

Unfinished DIY projects
Damp or mould
Outdated décor

Luckily, many issues can be fixed cheaply and quickly.

Just tidying up and adding fresh paint can make a huge difference.

The Hidden Mistakes Sellers Make

Another big mistake? Ignoring your lease if you own a leasehold property.

Kirstie is amazed by how many sellers don’t extend their lease before selling, even though a short lease can scare off buyers.

And if you’re currently house-hunting, her top tip might surprise you:
Stop relying on the internet!
Photos can be misleading, and too many buyers reject great homes just because the pictures don’t do them justice.

Kirstie urges buyers to visit properties in person before making a decision.

Ready to Sell? Take These Tips to Heart

Whether you’re a first-time seller or moving on from a beloved home, Kirstie’s advice is practical, straightforward, and proven to work.

Selling a home doesn’t have to be stressful—you just need the right approach.

So, before you list your home, fix what’s broken, clean up, and be realistic about pricing.

And most importantly, avoid that grey paint!