'Easy' ways to add £10,000 to your property's value as September is the most 'popular time to sell'

Interiors expert and former estate agent Laura Rich, from the online store Furniturebox, suggested 10 "easy" things to do that can add "£10,000 to the value" of your home.

Declutter

Laura said: "Have a huge clear-out before engaging an estate agent. If you have bulky furniture that makes a room feel small, put it in storage.

"Buyers need to envisage what a house will look like when they are living there, so make it easy for them to enjoy all the space you are offering."

Get painting

"Cover up stains and chipped paint with a fresh coat - the front door especially. First impressions last."

Boost kerb appeal

The expert said: "Surveys show that two-thirds of buyers make up their mind on a property in the first two minutes of a viewing. Make sure the lawn is mowed and plants are well maintained. If you have garden tiles, deep clean them."

Spring clean and fix

"The house should be immaculate for each viewing - exhausting when you are on your 50th but well worth the effort. Make sure all minor repairs are done - no peeling plaster or flaky paint and all lightbulbs are working."

Kitchen makeover

"This is the most valuable room in your house. Whether the buyer likes your kitchen is often the most important deal maker or breaker.

"Give it some love. Clean the tiles - particularly the grout - and consider a new colour scheme for units if they are a dated colour, such as natural pine."

Accessorise

"Wall mirrors can make a room look bigger and lighter. Maybe add a new rug to make floors more appealing," Laura added.

Pass the smell test

"Make sure there are no lingering odours before a viewing. Air your kitchen after cooking and, if you are a smoker, try to do it in the garden or street while the property is on the market."

Make it look pretty

The expert continued: "Add to the appeal with new cushions, potted plants and vases filled with fresh flowers. Good lighting including the addition of lamps makes all rooms bright and airy."

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Leave it out

"If you are selling in the autumn, chances are there may be leaves strewn all over the garden when the estate comes to do their pictures.

"Treat that lawn like a carpet - pick them all up and make sure the grass is immaculate for both the pictures and viewings."

Take the weather with you

"Check the forecast and make sure it is sunny when your home is pictured by the estate agent," the expert added.

"It is amazing how sunlight can transform the appearance of a house. If your garden is big and well-lit, do some night pictures to provide a new perspective."