Preparing an apartment for sale: a practical plan
Quick answer: Start by organising information, access and rooms. Assess major renovation separately; its cost is not automatically an addition to the selling price.
Choose a selling route before spending
Make two lists: what a buyer needs to understand the property, and what you would do only to improve the first impression. The first includes clear photos, bills, a layout and known defects. The second might include decorations or new furniture. If considering a direct sale, request an as-is offer before commissioning expensive improvements.
Clear the view, not necessarily the whole apartment
Start with walkways, windows and work surfaces. A buyer should be able to see the shape of rooms and access important systems. Put personal documents and valuables away before photographs. You do not need to move everything out to request an offer. Record separately what stays and what you will take.
Take a consistent set of photographs
Take an overview of each room, followed by relevant details. Include the kitchen, bathroom, entrance, window view and any storage included. Use daylight where possible and avoid filters that alter colours or conceal damage. Pair a defect close-up with a wider shot to show its location. Add a short explanation when an important detail is not obvious.
Describe known defects
Record what you have observed: when a problem appears, how often and what has been done. Distinguish your observation from a specialist’s conclusion. A damp patch is not the same assertion as a confirmed pipe leak. Tell the notary about material defects and agreed remedial work so the contract reflects the actual condition.
Make the viewing useful
Have keys, bills and answers about heating, parking, storage, nearby works and a possible handover date ready. Leave time for questions. When unsure, check rather than present a guess confidently. Afterwards, send the agreed clarifications in one summary so everyone works from the same information.
Separate preparation into three groups
First make the things a buyer needs to assess visible: floors, windows, walls and building systems. Next address simple maintenance issues such as failed bulbs or a difficult door. Put major work in a separate list with any available quotations. Do not start expensive renovation solely because you expect to add its full cost to the asking price. First decide whether it solves an important buyer concern or merely changes the appearance to suit your preferences.
Give every buyer a consistent information set
Collect the area, floor, heating, recent bills, parking and handover timing on one sheet. Be clear about anything not yet checked. Photograph each room as a whole and important defects separately. If furniture costs extra, explain that before price negotiations. After a viewing, ask what remains unanswered. Repeated questions show where the listing or document folder needs clarification; they do not automatically mean that an immediate price reduction is necessary.
Official information
This guide helps you prepare. Confirm the terms and required documents for your particular transaction with the notary.