Preparing your home for sale: a practical checklist

Four to six weeks out: investigate and prioritise

This is an indicative preparation window, not a required schedule. Some homes need much longer, while others need only cleaning and organisation. Start with a walk-through and a written list of known issues, safety concerns and practical jobs. Separate work that needs qualified investigation from optional presentation improvements.

If you notice leaks, electrical concerns, movement, mould or other significant problems, ask an appropriately qualified professional what is causing them. Painting over a stain is not a repair. Do not conceal defects or describe work as compliant without evidence. Ask your solicitor or licensed conveyancer what must be disclosed and what records should accompany the contract.

• List known defects, past repairs, approvals and documents to discuss with your adviser.
• Prioritise safe access, loose fittings and genuine repair concerns over decorative upgrades.
• Get written trade quotes: scope, exclusions, timing and any required approvals.
• Decide which jobs you can safely do and which require a qualified professional.
• Allow time for weather, trades and decisions rather than promising a fixed launch date.

Do I need pool or spa paperwork before selling?

If your NSW property has a swimming pool or spa, raise it with your solicitor or licensed conveyancer early. Where the requirement applies, the sale contract needs a valid compliance certificate, a relevant occupation certificate with evidence of pool registration, or a valid non-compliance certificate.

Exceptions include lots in strata or community schemes with more than two lots and off-the-plan contracts. Have your adviser check which documents and exceptions apply to your property. Do not assume that registration alone proves compliance, or leave inspections and document checks until the campaign is ready to launch.

Section sources checked 2026-10-24. Official sources checked for this section only on 24 October 2026; other guide content retains its existing check date.

• NSW Government: sales contracts — swimming and spa pools

Set a preparation budget before starting

Ask your agent which changes are likely to matter to buyers of a property like yours and what evidence supports the recommendation. An attractive renovation is not a guaranteed return. Consider cost, disruption, delay and whether the likely buyer would replace it anyway.

Compare major works with smaller alternatives: cleaning, repairing an existing fitting or rearranging furniture. For each proposed job, write down the goal, quote, completion date and priority. Keep a contingency separate. If you are unsure about return, ask for comparable evidence rather than a confident percentage uplift.

• Confirm whether quotes include GST, disposal, materials and making good afterward.
• Check styling hire duration, removal costs and extension fees if the sale takes longer.
• Keep invoices, warranties and relevant compliance or approval records.
• Review campaign timing if work cannot be finished safely before photography.

• See the selling-budget checklist

Two to three weeks out: declutter and clean

Work room by room. Keep, donate, recycle and store items deliberately; avoid shifting every pile into a cupboard buyers may open. Aim for usable space and clear walkways, not a house stripped of all character. Store personal paperwork securely and plan where belongings will go after the move.

Clean surfaces, windows, light fittings and floors, paying attention to kitchens and bathrooms. Address odours at their source rather than covering them with fragrance. Tidy the entrance and outdoor areas, remove trip hazards and arrange safe access to the rooms you expect people to inspect.

• Reduce excess furniture only where it improves movement or shows a room’s function.
• Organise cupboards and storage areas without concealing dampness or damage.
• Check ordinary fittings such as handles, doors and taps; escalate unsafe repairs.
• Tidy paths, garden edges and outdoor furniture without making misleading changes.
• Arrange pet care and storage before the busiest part of the campaign.

Before photography: presentation and privacy

Agree the photography plan with the agent and photographer. Check which rooms, outdoor areas and views will be shown. Photos should represent the property honestly; ask how editing will be used and do not approve imagery that disguises a material issue or suggests an inclusion that is not being sold.

Treat photography as a privacy check as well as a presentation task. Images can reveal names, routines and belongings long after the campaign. Review the final photos and floor plan before publication, and ask who will correct mistakes.

• Remove visible mail, identity documents, bills, calendars and computer screens with personal information.
• Put away medications, jewellery, valuables, keys and security-system details.
• Consider family photographs and children’s identifying items before wide publication.
• Check mirrors and reflections for private information or unintended people.
• Confirm advertised inclusions and room labels are accurate; query floor-plan discrepancies.

Inspection day: a repeatable checklist

Use the same short checklist before every inspection. Open curtains where suitable, check lighting, clear walkways and secure private items. Follow the agent’s access arrangements rather than leaving keys or codes exposed. Ensure pets are safely cared for and tell the agent about any access or safety limits.

Afterward, ask what buyers actually noticed. Repeated comments can help you decide whether to change presentation, provide clearer information or investigate an issue. Do not spend more simply because a campaign is stressful: revisit your budget and the evidence first.

• Secure documents, devices, medications, valuables and spare keys.
• Leave rooms clean, comfortably ventilated and accessible without unsafe shortcuts.
• Check who is responsible for locking up and confirming the property is secure.
• Record feedback and any approved next steps in your preparation tracker.

• Plan marketing and open-home arrangements