6 Smart Things to Do Before Selling Your Vacant Property

By Maria Stokes

An empty house for sale can sometimes feel like a bit of a mystery to buyers – ‘Has it been sitting for ages?’, ‘Is something wrong with it?’, ‘Why does it feel so cold?’ – the list goes on.

The truth is, vacant properties need a slightly different approach to get them market-ready. It’s not just about cleaning and tidying (though that helps!), it’s about helping buyers feel something when they walk in, while also making sure your property doesn’t fall victim to common issues like damp, neglect, or lack of attention.

Here’s 6 smart and often overlooked things you can do before selling a vacant property – and trust us, these can make all the difference between just another listing and an offer received!

1. Keep the Property Alive – Even If No One’s Home

Here’s something that surprises a lot of sellers: houses age faster when no one’s living in them.

Empty homes are prone to problems like:

• Damp or mould (because windows are shut, and no one’s ventilating the place).

• Stale, musty smells.

• Garden or exterior neglect.

The fix? Treat your empty property like it’s still alive:

• Pop in regularly to open windows for 10 minutes.

• Flush toilets and run taps weekly to stop stale water smells.

• Keep the heating on low in colder months to avoid damp (or at least schedule it to come on occasionally).

• Hire a gardener or ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the exterior.

It’s about showing buyers that just because it’s empty, doesn’t mean it’s forgotten.

2. Get the Utilities On

It’s tempting to shut everything off when no one’s there – saves money, right?

But here's the problem: buyers walking into a freezing cold, dark house don’t exactly get warm fuzzy feelings.

Make sure:

• Electricity is on so lights work during viewings.

• Heating is functioning – even if you just keep it on low, it takes the edge off.

• Water is running, especially for bathrooms and kitchens.

An empty house will feels much more enticing when it’s still functioning like a home.

3. Invest in Good Security

Sadly, vacant properties can attract the wrong kind of attention – break-ins, vandalism, even squatters in some cases.

Simple security upgrades can give you peace of mind and also show buyers the house is being looked after:

• Motion-sensor lights at the front and back.

• A visible alarm system (even if it’s basic, it’s a deterrent).

• Consider smart cameras or a Ring doorbell you can check remotely.

• Let neighbours know it’s empty, so they can keep an eye out.

Bonus tip: Some insurers need extra security measures for empty homes, so check your cover if your property is vacant.

4. Use Scent and Sound

This one’s subtle but powerful. Empty homes often feel echoey and smell a bit... off.

Here’s how to fix that:

• Use plug-in air fresheners or reed diffusers with light, fresh scents (think linen, citrus, or something woody).

• If it’s cold, switch the heating on before a viewing to add warmth AND comfort.

Engaging the senses helps buyers imagine life there – not just picture an empty shell.

5. Stage the Key Spaces – Not the Whole House

You don’t have to go all out and fully furnish every room (unless you want to), strategic part-staging can help transform how buyers see your space.

Focus on:

• The living room: Show how furniture could fit, make it feel cosy.

• The master bedroom: Create a restful, welcoming vibe.

• Kitchen & dining area: Even a table and chairs can help buyers visualise family meals or entertaining.

Even partial staging can make an empty house feel more alive. It’s about giving buyers a glimpse of what could be.

6. Use Professional Staging for the ‘Wow’ Factor

Okay, here’s where your property can really shine – full professional home staging.

When done well, staging can turn a vacant house into an aspirational space buyers fall in love with. Instead of wondering ‘how would this work?’, they walk in and think ‘this is perfect’.

Professional staging:

• Maximises space and light.

• Helps highlight your home’s best features.

• Connects emotionally with buyers.

And let’s be honest – staged homes don’t just look better in real life, they stand out more in online listings too (which is key in today’s market).

The result?

Higher Offers and a Faster Sale:

• Increased Perceived Value

  Staging makes your home feel more luxurious, spacious, and well-cared-for. Buyers pay more for a home that just feels right.

• Faster Sales

  Staged homes sell 3x faster. Less time on the market means fewer price drops and less stress.

• Higher Offers

  Staged properties can sell for 5% to 20% more. Buyers fall in love and are willing to pay extra to secure it.

• Stronger Online Appeal

  First impressions happen online. Staged homes look better in photos, grab more attention, and drive 94% more viewings.

Final Thoughts?

Selling a vacant property doesn’t have to be a headache. With a few smart tweaks, some thoughtful touches, and maybe a bit of staging magic, you can turn an empty space into a buyer’s dream.

If you want help making your empty property look amazing, just give us a shout – we’d love to show you what staging can do!