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Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Property expert reveals ten things homeowners can do on the cheap (or for free) right now to add value to their home in time for a summer sale
A property expert has revealed her top tips for homeowners looking to sell their homes this summer. Liv Conlon, 26, originally from Glasgow, runs an award-winning property staging business that furnishes over 400 homes a year to make them more appealing to potential buyers, as well as StagerBoss - a coaching business that teaches other women how to do the same. This summer, experts are predicting a summertime boom with increased interest from potential buyers, Liv explained, adding that property prices are also expected to rise. However, she added, 'This doesn't mean your house sale is guaranteed - nor that you'll be able to sell it at the fee you want for it, or even above. 'As the CEO of a multi-award-winning property staging business, ThePropertyStagers, this is where my expertise comes in. I've helped thousands of homeowners sell their homes faster and for above the asking price. 'Whether you have a sprawling garden or a cosy top-floor flat with no outdoor space, summer is the season to make the most of your entire home. 'This doesn't have to mean expensive renovations or a full décor overhaul. Sometimes, small, inexpensive changes can have the biggest impact.' As such, Liv, who now lives in Marbella, has shared her top ten affordable furnishing tips that might help a home stand out from the crowd. First, property expert Liv advised sellers to switch up soft furnishings inside the home. She said, 'One of the quickest ways to signal a new season is with your textiles. Swap heavy throws and dark cushions for lighter, brighter options. 'Think jewel-toned velvets for a bold look or soft lavenders, pale greens, and sunshine yellows for a subtler summer palette. Lightweight linen or cotton fabrics also keep your space feeling breezy and fresh.' Next, she said seasonal tableware can make a world of a difference in creating a summer haven. 'You don't need a garden to embrace alfresco vibes,' she said, adding, 'Treat yourself to colourful outdoor-style tableware - melamine plates, acrylic tumblers, or bamboo salad bowls - that feel fun, casual, and summery. 'Lay your table with a vibrant runner, some woven placemats and enjoy meals that feel like mini holidays.' Liv also said that adding fresh or faux flowers in every room can help attract potential buyers. She said, 'Flowers are the ultimate seasonal refresh. Dot fresh blooms around your home - in the hallway, on coffee tables, even the bathroom. She urged those looking to sell their homes to refresh their furnishings to help attract potential buyers 'If you're on a budget or want longevity, high-quality faux stems can have the same uplifting effect and last all summer long.' Liv's fourth tip was to alter the scent of the home depending on the season, adding that it's a 'powerful' tool. She said, 'Swap out woody or spiced winter candles for fresh citrus, coconut, sea salt or fig-inspired fragrances. 'A diffuser or a few scented tealights in summery notes can subtly transform the atmosphere of your space.' Liv's next tip explained the importance of using mirrors to reflect natural light during the summertime. She said, 'Summer is all about sunshine. Reflect more natural light by adding mirrors to darker corners, or repositioning existing ones to catch the morning or evening light. 'You could even pick up inexpensive stick-on mirror tiles to create a bespoke reflective feature wall.' Liv also provided five tips that might help improve the appearance of outdoor space, including refreshing outdoor cushions. She said, 'Outdoor cushions take a beating in the elements, so if yours are faded or stained, it's time for a quick revamp. 'Look for affordable cushion covers in bold stripes, tropical prints, or Mediterranean-inspired patterns. Even a new set of ties or trims can make existing cushions feel brand new.' Liv added that colourful glassware can also help draw positive attention. 'Whether it's a balcony, a courtyard, or a full patio, adding a splash of colour to your outdoor dining setup goes a long way. 'Think coloured glass tumblers, carafes, or even mismatched vintage finds. They sparkle in the sunlight and create an instant sense of celebration. Next, Liv added some simple steps to help homeowners revive tired outdoor furniture without having to splash out on new items. She said, 'A quick scrub-down with soapy water, a coat of spray paint in a bold hue, or a wood stain refresher can make old chairs or benches look brand new. Add a throw or outdoor blanket to soften the space.' Liv also advised homeowners to introduce solar lighting. She said, 'Create evening magic with inexpensive solar lanterns, string lights or LED tea lights. 'Line a path, hang lights in a tree, or dot them around your balcony railing. They're budget-friendly, eco-conscious and they extend your summer evenings outdoors. The property expert's last piece of advice was for homeowners to 'plant with personality'. She said, 'If you don't have a garden, try window boxes, balcony pots, or even a vertical planter. 'Look for bright flowers like geraniums, petunias, or marigolds - or go for herbs like basil and mint that are both beautiful and practical. Upcycle old tins or baskets into quirky planters for added charm. 'Summer is about creating spaces that invite you to relax, unwind and enjoy. Whether you're sipping spritzers on a patio or lounging under a fan in a studio flat, these simple updates can breathe fresh life into your home.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
I'm a property expert, these 10 easy hacks add value to your home including one trick that costs just £3
JUNE is a popular time for people to move home, hopeful of being settled before the new school term. But making sure you get the most out of a move can be stressful. 5 However, property expert Liv Conlon - who stages homes for a living - has shared her essential 10 tips for boosting value. And some cost just pennies but can had hundreds to the asking price. Liv, 26, is the CEO of multi-award-winning which furnishes more than 400 homes a year, as well as a StagerBoss - a coaching business teaching other women how to do the same. The Scots mum, who was brought up in Glasgow and now lives in Marbella with son Cash and mum Ali, says: "From posh pillows to hotel-style bedding, the right styling can make buyers fall in love and nudge them above the asking price. "So before you stick up the For Sale sign, check out these smart, simple ways to get buyers battling to pay more than the asking price." FIRST IMPRESSIONS A buyer decides in 10 seconds whether they are going to buy your home or not - so your entrance and hallway need to make a good first impression. Make it warm and welcoming. Buy a new door mat that's only used for viewings, with no dirty shoe marks, and place two identical plants at either side of the door - which is either clean, new or given a lick of paint. Opt for colours such as black or navy blue so it looks 'classy', rather than something more 'out there'. Clear away the clutter, and lose the smelly shoes and dumped coats. LIVING ROOM VISION The living room is the heart of the home - and buyers know it. It's where they picture relaxing with a glass of wine, watching TV, or hosting friends. Teachers told me I was runing my life leaving school at 16, now I run a seven-figure business Get this room wrong and you risk turning off even the most interested buyer. Make it feel spacious but not sterile, styled but still homely. Pull sofas away from the walls to create cosy conversation zones, and use a large rug to anchor the space - this helps define it and adds warmth. Then ditch harsh overhead lights and go for soft lamps, layered lighting and oversized accessories to give a sense of luxury. Use neutral tones for your sofa and walls, then add depth with textured throws, scatter cushions and artwork. GO BIG Tiny trinkets and dinky lamps really don't cut it when you're trying to wow a buyer. One of the biggest styling mistakes sellers make is going too small with their accessories - it makes your home look underwhelming. 5 If you want to create that lux, showhome feel, size matters. Think big and bold. Oversized lamps on side tables make a dramatic statement, especially when paired with plush sofas or layered cushions. Chunky candlesticks, large framed art or statement vases add instant impact - and make the space feel styled, not stuffed. DON'T LOO-SE OUT Bathrooms are an important room but are often forgotten about when it comes to staging. The key to success with styling this room is to compliment not clutter. You can do this by adding simple styling accessories, layers and textures. Consider pops of colour in your accessories, such as a soap dispenser or a toothbrush holder, which you can pick up for as little as £3 in places like Home Bargains. This draws the eye and helps your images jump off the page. Add textures with towels and bath mats, but also through the type of glass or ceramic in your accessories. Small touches can have a big impact. RIGHT RUG Rugs are the unsung heroes of home staging - they define spaces, add texture and instantly warm up any room. In large, open-plan layouts, rugs create natural boundaries between living, dining and kitchen zones, making the space feel organised and inviting. Don't overlook the 'forgotten' spaces - utility rooms, hallways or entryways can be transformed with a well-chosen rug to feel cosy and purposeful. Rugs can tie together the design elements, especially through colour and texture, in a space while providing a cosy and inviting atmosphere. They can also significantly reduce noise levels by absorbing sound - a quieter home is always more appealing to buyers. ALL WHITE Five-star hotels use crisp, white bedding for a reason, as it exudes luxury and cleanliness, and it immediately puts a viewer at ease. Patterned or busy linens can feel cluttered and overly personal, turning off potential buyers. Investing in high-quality, bright white sheets creates a serene, spa-like oasis that invites buyers to imagine themselves unwinding there. The clean, neutral backdrop also lets you introduce pops of colour and texture with cushions and throws - easy updates that make the room feel stylish without overwhelming the senses. GET DRESSED Layering is the secret to making your home feel styled, warm and high-end - without overdoing it. In the bedroom, start with white sheets, then double up on duvets: one laid flat, the second folded neatly at the end for a boutique hotel look. Use feather insert cushions -not flat polyfills - and build texture with velvet throws, faux fur or quilted finishes. In the living room, mix cushion sizes and textures on your sofa - linen, boucle, chunky knit - to add depth. Coffee tables and sideboards should be styled too: think a stack of hardback books, a sculptural candle and one standout vase. Keep it intentional, not cluttered. STAR OF THE SHOW Not much beats getting ready at a dressing table. The feeling of space and time - rather than catching a quick glimpse in the closet mirror before rushing out the front door. Create that same feeling in your bedroom by setting up a designated space in your bedroom to put on make-up and style your hair. This can be a dual purpose area that could also double up as a work from home space too. To add real luxury, add a table standing mirror, and opt for a mirrored dressing table if your budget allows. CLEAR OFF Nothing puts buyers off faster than clutter. It makes rooms feel smaller and chaotic. When people view your home, they're not just looking at the space - they're imagining their life in it. That's hard to do if every surface is piled high with post, toys or toiletries. Start by stripping back. Clear kitchen worktops, bedside tables and bathroom counters. Invest in clever storage: ottomans with lift-up lids, under-bed boxes and baskets for toys or blankets. Hide away anything personal or bulky. Less stuff equals more space. MIRROR IMAGE Create symmetry in your rooms with matching bedside tables on either side of the bed. Not only does this add practicality and storage, but it instantly makes the room feel more polished. Then, top each table with oversized, identical lamps - these create drama and a high-end vibe without breaking the bank. Symmetry tricks the eye into seeing order and elegance, making your bedroom feel like a five-star retreat buyers won't forget.
