8 tips to making your property listing stand out online

If your home is on the market or will be soon, thinking about how to get noticed online is crucial.

Property platforms have become a key way to reach potential buyers. According to Rightmove, more than 200 million people visit the website every year, and there are lots of alternative platforms too. While these sites can put your home in front of prospective buyers, there can be lots of competition.

In recent years, demand for property has outstripped supply and it’s led to soaring prices.

While prices are still high, there are signs that the pace of growth could be slowing and may even fall. According to the Halifax House Price Index, house prices fell marginally by 0.1% in July 2022 when compared to a month earlier. However, over 12 months, prices are still 11.8% higher.

With this in mind, ensuring your property stands out could help you sell it faster and increase the sale price.

If you’re working with an estate agent, they will often handle the listing of your property online as part of their service. However, it’s still worth thinking about it yourself. You may be able to stage your home before you take photos or highlight particular things you think they should use in the description.

Here are eight things you can do to boost how attractive your home is online.

1. Be realistic about the price

One of the most important things to decide before you list your home is the price you want to sell it for.

It’s one of the first things potential buyers will look at, so it’s vital you’re realistic. It’s a good idea to get several quotes and research how much properties nearby have sold for.

When searching for a home, many buyers will set search parameters so they only see those within their budget. Setting your price too high could mean your home isn’t viewed by some interested buyers.

2. Stage your home for photographs

Photos published online are often the first impression buyers have on your home. Before you or the estate agent takes the photos, spend some time staging it.

You want your rooms to look clean, bright, and spacious. Clear away clutter, deep clean, and open the curtains to show your home in the best possible light.

Make sure the photos are clearly labelled too. If the property is empty or if rooms are being used for another purpose, such as using a bedroom as an office, it can be difficult to reconcile the images with the property description.

3. Include a floorplan

Floorplans can be really useful for understanding how a property flows and whether it’s right for you.

Including a floorplan as part of your online advert gives buyers even more information and could make all the difference when they’re comparing several properties.

4. Use a video to showcase your home

Online tours of properties became popular during the pandemic. While viewings are now back to normal, a video tour of your home could make your property stand out.

It can give people a better idea of the proportion of your home and, along with a floorplan, a clear picture of the layout. It can help buyers start to think about how they’d use the space.

5. Decide which features to highlight in the description

The description can provide buyers with the extra details that could nudge them to book a viewing once the images have captured their attention. What is it about your home that makes it perfect for prospective buyers?

Do you a have bright, modern kitchen or a newly fitted bathroom that makes it stand out from other homes? Think about what interests your ideal buyer. If it’s a family home, highlighting the large garden or sought-after school nearby can make it more attractive. For young professionals, good transport links or a home office could be a plus.

6. Check all the details before you publish the advert

When you add a property to an online platform, it’s usually most visible during the first couple of weeks. Many buyers will search for new properties so it’s important to capture their attention straight away.

Before you publish your listing, check through all the information to make sure it’s free from mistakes and shows off your home to its full potential.

7. List your home on multiple websites

Reach as many people as possible by posting your advert across numerous sites. As well as the well-known sites, like Rightmove and Zoopla, there may be local websites that you can make use of.

If you’re using an estate agent, they will often list the home on multiple sites for you.

8. Share your listing on social media

Every year, thousands of homes change hands – more than 96,000 property transactions took place in June 2022 alone, according to government data. There is a good chance that someone you know is looking for a property like yours.

Sharing your property on social media can help you reach even more people.

Do you need a mortgage for your next property?

If you’ll be using a mortgage to purchase your next home, having everything in order can help make the process smoother and could save you money. Contact us to discuss your mortgage needs and how we can help.

Please note: This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it.