Buying a new-build home is an exciting time; a fresh start, a modern space, and the chance to move into something completely yours. But for many, before you can collect your new keys, there’s one essential step: selling your current home.

 

The good news? With a little preparation and a few clever tweaks, you can make your property stand out to buyers and sell faster, often for a better price.

 

Here are some professional tips from our marketing and property teams to help you get sale-ready.

 

Declutter and Depersonalise

 

If you only do one thing before listing your home, make it decluttering. Buyers find it hard to visualise themselves in a property that’s filled with personal items, paperwork, or children’s toys.

 

Start with the surfaces. Clear kitchen counters, bathroom shelves, and bedside tables. Simplify each room. Pack away ornaments, excess furniture, and anything that interrupts the sense of space. Neutralise where possible too. Removing family photos or bright décor helps buyers imagine the home as their own.

 

Refresh Your Home With Simple Updates

 

You don’t need to spend thousands to give your home a lift. Sometimes a few small improvements make a huge difference.

 

Repaint walls in soft neutrals like off-white or pale grey as these make rooms feel bigger and brighter. Touch up woodwork and doors to give a “new home” finish. Update details like lampshades, cushions, or rugs to freshen the look without a full makeover. Replace tired silicone or grouting in bathrooms and kitchens. 

 

These are small jobs but can have a huge impact when people view your home for the first time, and first impressions count.

 

Don’t Forget Kerb Appeal and the Garden

 

As said before, first impressions matter, but that is  before buyers even step inside.

If you’re selling a property and planning to move into a new build, it’s often the exterior that makes people book a viewing.

 

So, tidy the garden, define patio spaces and de-weed, make sure the grass is recently cut and clean those windows. 

 

Invest in Professional Photography

 

We live in a visual world. The majority of buyers first encounter your property online, and good photography can be the difference between a scroll and a click. If you are taking them yourself, make sure you:

 

  • Shoot in daylight when rooms are naturally bright.
  • Open blinds and curtains to maximise light.
  • Use wide angles to capture the full space and flow of a room.
  • Stage each shot — cushions straight, beds made, no clutter in sight.

 

If your estate agent offers professional photography, say yes. Buyers make split-second decisions based on the first photo they see, so make sure they count. 

 

Choose the Right Estate Agent

 

Talking about estate agents, a great estate agent is more than a salesperson; they’re your marketing partner. Orion Homes is partnered with Simon Blyth in Holmfirth and Barkers in Birkenshaw who can help you with preferential rates and a dedicated approach to selling your home.  What is crucial is you choose an agent who understands your local area and has proven results nearby.

 

The average time to sell a property is getting longer (around 6 months), so ask about their average time to sell, percentage of asking price achieved, and marketing strategy. You also need to be aware of the position of your buyer (i.e. first time buyer, cash buyer, house to sell, house sstc) all need to be taken into consideration. You should always ask your estate agent to offer advice as to who is most likely to exchange and complete in the time frame you need it cannot always be about the highest bidder in addition other delays can be divorce, property in probate etc.

 

Get Ahead on Timings and Communication

 

As mentioned, selling a house takes longer than ever and the days of going on the marketing and selling in 12 weeks have gone. When buying a new build, timing matters. Developers often set exchange and completion deadlines, so you’ll want your current property sale to stay on track.

 

Selling your home while buying a new build doesn’t have to be stressful. Alongside the things you can do with your home, Orion Homes sales advisors are on hand to offer you assistance and can help with liaising with estate agents and solicitors, so you’ll be in the best position to sell quickly, and for a strong price.