From Stagnant to Sold
How One Client Was Told to Lower the Price. She Sold for 20% More Instead.
One of my first client came to me with a common but difficult situation.
She had inherited a lovely, airy apartment, but it wasn’t selling. Her estate agent’s only advice was to drop the price. With a very limited budget for renovations and feeling unsure of where to even begin, she felt stuck.
Understandably, she was a bit cynical at first. When something seems too good to be true, it often is. She needed a realistic plan, not empty promises.
My philosophy isn't to turn every home into an unrealistic magazine showroom. It's about working with ordinary people on real budgets to get the best possible result.
Some of my initial recommendations, like new art or rugs, weren't feasible for her budget and that’s okay because many might not, so we adapted and focused on things we could change.
The outcome was immediate and powerful. The newly-listed flat, with its professional photos and refreshed presentation, sold for 20% over the asking price.
This client's story is the perfect proof that you don't need a massive budget to achieve an incredible sale. It’s about a smart, flexible plan, an understanding of what buyers truly want to see, and a presentation that does justice to your home's best features.
When the Camera Lies: How Bad Photos Can Hide a Home's Potential
One of the first things I do with a new client is review their existing property listing, and in this case, the photos told a story. They showed a dark, cramped corner of a kitchen. What they failed to show was the lovely, airy apartment this kitchen belonged to.
I explained to the client that her home's charm was being lost in translation. We didn't need a new kitchen; we needed a new perspective—and a new photographer.
Our on-site work was simple and strategic. We moved a single sideboard to open up the narrow walkway, cleaned the space thoroughly, and made sure all the natural light was flooding in. Even though the kitchen wasn't modern, these small tweaks made it feel functional and bright. It’s a powerful reminder that you don't need a perfect kitchen to attract buyers; you need to present the space you have in its best possible light."
From Confused Space to Clear Purpose
The largest room in the apartment was also its biggest problem. It had become a "catch-all" space, housing a spare bed and a shelving unit without a clear identity. For a potential buyer scrolling online, an undefined room isn't just confusing; it's a red flag. It subconsciously suggests the rest of the property might lack space, forcing this large room into awkward double duty. Instead of seeing a bonus, buyers see a puzzle they have to solve, and they will simply scroll on.
This highlights one of the most crucial rules in property presentation: every room must tell a clear and simple story. When a buyer sees a ‘dining room’, they can instantly value it and imagine hosting dinners there. An undefined space is just square footage; a defined room is a valuable feature. There is no time for ambiguity when the decision to book a viewing is made in a matter of seconds.
Our solution was not about spending money, but about providing clarity. The client’s budget was very tight, so our focus was on the single most powerful, cost-effective change we could make. We gave the room a single, defined purpose. By simply introducing a dining table, the entire feel of the space was instantly anchored and transformed.
As the photos show, the difference was profound. The room went from being an enigma to a key asset of the home. It now presented a clear, appealing vision of a lifestyle—a place for meals, for entertaining, for family. This newfound purpose not only made the room feel more valuable but also made the entire apartment feel larger and more functional. It was no longer a confusing space; it was a compelling reason to book a viewing.
Less is More: Calming the Living Area on a Budget
The challenge in this living room wasn't a lack of style, but a few small details that were creating visual distraction. A coffee table with a busy runner and a throw blanket whose colour clashed with the sofa were making the space feel restless and disharmonious. For a buyer, this kind of visual noise prevents them from appreciating the room's great features.
My guiding principle here is to create a sense of calm and cohesion. A buyer should feel relaxed, not visually distracted. This often means starting with a neutral base and ensuring colours and styles complement each other. (You can read more on this in my article on using colour in the Tips & Advice section.)
Our action plan was one of strategic refinement. We moved the sofa to improve the layout and then 'shopped the home' for better pieces. We swapped the busy coffee table for a simpler one from another room and replaced the clashing soft furnishings with more neutral throws and cushions. These simple edits instantly calmed the entire room, allowing its best features to finally shine."
It's All in the Details: Transforming the Small Bedroom
As with the other rooms, the first issue in the small bedroom was the poor quality of the original listing photos. The bad lighting made the space feel dark and unappealing. However, even beyond the photography, there were simple missed opportunities within the room itself. The bedding looked flat and lifeless, and the bedside table was left completely bare. For a buyer, this can make a bedroom feel sterile rather than the peaceful sanctuary it should be.
When styling a bedroom, the goal is to sell a feeling of comfort and tranquility. The smallest details like a plump cushion, a well placed lamp, a book on the nightstand are what turn a simple room into a restful retreat.
The solution here was incredibly simple. We focused entirely on the soft furnishings and styling, replacing the flat bedding with fresh, plump pillows and a textured throw to create a more luxurious look. On the bedside table, we simply added a small lamp and a book. As you can see, these minor adjustments completely changed the character of the room, making it feel cosy, intentional, and inviting.
