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The Complete Guide to Preparing a Property for Sale and Settlement

Writer: LiveWell Concierge
LiveWell Concierge
Aug 24
19 min read
LiveWell Concierge representative in a beautifully presented property

From the initial property assessment and preparation to photography, inspections, sale and final handover, here's how to prepare a property without wasting money.


Selling a property involves much more than putting a sign out the front and arranging professional photographs.


Depending on the property, its condition and the vendor's circumstances, preparation can involve anything from a straightforward clean and garden tidy-up to a complete property clear-out, repairs, painting, furniture removal, styling or even larger improvements.


And the work doesn't necessarily finish once the property is sold.


If the vendor is moving to a new home, there may be furniture to remove, belongings to pack or store, and a property to prepare for handover. If the property is already vacant, the focus may simply be on repairs, presentation, maintenance and making sure it is ready for settlement. For an investment property, the vendor may not need to move anything at all.


The key is knowing what the property actually needs, what is worth spending money on, and when each job should be done.


This guide takes you through the process from the initial assessment through to settlement.


Real estate buying or selling checklist

1. Start with the Property, Not the To-Do List


One of the biggest mistakes vendors make is jumping straight into individual jobs.


“Let's paint.”

“Let's get it cleaned.”

“Let's hire a stylist.”

“Let's replace the carpet.”


A better approach is to first look at the property as a whole.


Before spending money, consider:

  • What condition is the property in?

  • Is it occupied or vacant?

  • Is the vendor moving to another property?

  • Does furniture need to be removed or stored?

  • Is the property likely to appeal to owner-occupiers, investors, renovators or developers?

  • What features are likely to be important to buyers?

  • Is the property at the higher end of its local market?

  • Does it need presentation work or genuine repairs?

  • What does the selling agent recommend?

  • How much time is available before photography and the first inspection?

  • What work is likely to provide a meaningful improvement in presentation?


This initial assessment helps separate necessary work from optional work.


Not every property needs a renovation. Not every property needs styling. Not every room needs to be completely emptied. The objective is to prepare the property appropriately for its market and circumstances.



2. Talk to the Selling Agent Early


The selling agent can provide useful insight into the local market, likely buyers and how competing properties are being presented. Before undertaking substantial work, discuss the proposed preparation with the agent.


Questions worth asking include:

  • What do buyers in this price range expect?

  • Which areas of the property are most important?

  • Does the property need styling?

  • Would painting make a meaningful difference?

  • Is the existing flooring acceptable?

  • Are there obvious issues buyers are likely to notice?

  • Would a renovation be worthwhile?

  • Is the property better presented furnished, partially furnished or vacant?


The agent shouldn't necessarily dictate every decision, but their market knowledge can help vendors make better-informed decisions before committing significant money.



3. Decide What Stays, What Goes and What Needs Attention


Before cleaning or styling, look carefully at everything currently inside and outside the property. A useful way to approach preparation is to divide items into four categories.


Keep: Items that contribute positively to the presentation and should remain.


Remove: Furniture, belongings and other items that make the property feel crowded, dated or untidy.


Repair or improve: Items that are damaged, poorly maintained or noticeably detract from the property.


Replace or upgrade: Items where replacement or improvement is likely to provide a worthwhile benefit relative to the cost.


Making these decisions early can prevent unnecessary spending.


For example, there is little point professionally cleaning a large amount of furniture that is ultimately going to be removed. Likewise, there is little value in styling a room before deciding whether some existing furniture needs to go.



4. Property Clear-Outs: When Is a Full Clear-Out Appropriate?


Some properties need little more than decluttering. Others need a full property clear-out.


A full clear-out may involve removing unwanted furniture, household contents, rubbish and other items so that the property is substantially or completely emptied.


This can be particularly relevant when:

  • a vendor has already moved out

  • a deceased estate is being prepared for sale

  • an owner is downsizing

  • a property has accumulated a large amount of furniture and belongings

  • an investment property has been left with unwanted contents

  • a property has been vacant for some time

  • existing contents significantly detract from presentation

  • a purchaser is likely to renovate and existing contents add little value


A clear-out can also make subsequent cleaning, repairs, painting, photography and inspections much easier.


Full clear-out doesn't always mean everything goes


The objective isn't necessarily to empty every property. Some furniture can help a property feel comfortable and show its potential.


The question should be: Does this item help sell the property, or does it get in the way?



removalists loading a truck

5. Moving, Storage and Vacant Properties


For an owner-occupier, preparing for sale often overlaps with preparing to move.


This can create a difficult period where the vendor is effectively managing two properties at once: the home being sold and the next home they are moving into.


Depending on the circumstances, preparation may involve:

  • packing

  • removing excess furniture

  • arranging removalists

  • transporting belongings

  • short- or long-term storage

  • disposing of unwanted items

  • donating suitable items

  • clearing garages and sheds

  • preparing the property for photography

  • maintaining presentation while the property remains on the market


Sometimes the most practical approach is to move out completely before photography.

In other situations, the vendor may continue living in the property while excess furniture and belongings are removed or stored.


There is no single correct approach.


The decision should take into account the property, the selling strategy, the vendor's circumstances and the amount of work required.


What if the property is already vacant?


A vacant property can be easier to prepare, but it presents a different challenge.


Without furniture, rooms can sometimes appear smaller or less inviting, and buyers may find it harder to understand how spaces could be used.


On the other hand, some properties benefit from being shown empty.


A vacant property may be appropriate where:

  • the property is very tired or dated

  • substantial renovation is likely

  • the existing interior is not particularly attractive

  • the target buyer is likely to renovate

  • furniture would distract from the property's potential

  • the property has strong architectural features

  • the cost of styling would be difficult to justify


The key is not to assume that vacant always means styled. Sometimes a clean, well-presented and genuinely empty property is the most appropriate presentation.




6. Cleaning and Detailing: More Than a Standard House Clean


Once unnecessary contents have been removed, the property can be properly cleaned and detailed.


A pre-sale clean may include:

  • kitchens

  • bathrooms

  • floors

  • walls and skirting boards

  • doors and frames

  • windows

  • window tracks and frames

  • light fittings

  • cupboards and wardrobes

  • appliances

  • balconies and outdoor areas

  • garages and storage areas


Windows deserve particular attention. Clean windows can make a noticeable difference to photographs and inspections by improving natural light and making the property feel brighter and better maintained.


For vacant properties, a detailed clean can also remove the sense that the property has simply been left behind.



pressure water outdoor cleaning

7. Don't Forget the Outside


The first impression begins before a buyer enters the house.


The front garden, driveway, entrance, paths and exterior areas all contribute to the overall presentation.


Depending on the property, preparation might include:

  • mowing

  • edging

  • pruning

  • weeding

  • removing green waste

  • cleaning paths and outdoor areas

  • trimming overgrown vegetation

  • cleaning outdoor furniture

  • removing unwanted items

  • pressure cleaning where appropriate

  • improving the front entrance


The objective isn't necessarily to create an elaborate garden. It is to make the property look cared for, accessible and ready to inspect.



window being repaired

8. Repairs and Maintenance: Fix the Obvious Problems First


A property doesn't have to be perfect to sell.


However, obvious defects can create a poor first impression and distract buyers from the property's strengths.


Look for relatively straightforward issues such as:

  • damaged walls

  • peeling paint

  • broken fittings

  • loose handles

  • damaged doors

  • leaking taps

  • faulty lights

  • damaged flyscreens

  • worn silicone

  • broken cupboard hardware

  • damaged flooring

  • neglected outdoor areas


Some repairs are inexpensive but highly visible. Others may be more substantial and need to be assessed carefully before committing to the expense.


The important distinction is between presentation repairs and major building or structural issues.


A cosmetic repair can improve presentation.


It should never be used to conceal a significant defect or mislead a potential buyer. Where specialist work is required, use appropriately qualified professionals.



9. Practical Do's and Don'ts When Preparing a Property for Sale


A good preparation strategy isn't about fixing everything.


It's about identifying which improvements are likely to make a meaningful difference and which aren't worth the cost, delay or disruption.


Do: Have a Plan Before You Start


Before booking trades or buying materials, prepare a realistic list of what needs to be done.


Consider:

  • what must be fixed

  • what would materially improve presentation

  • what is optional

  • what can be left alone

  • the order in which different jobs need to happen

  • how long each stage is likely to take

  • what needs to happen before photography

  • what needs to happen before inspections

  • what needs to happen before settlement


Allow time and budget contingency as well.


Once work begins, unexpected issues can emerge, particularly in older properties. Having some flexibility in the budget and timeline can prevent one unexpected repair from disrupting the entire sales campaign.


Don't: Automatically Repaint Every Bold or Themed Feature Wall


Strong colours, highly personalised feature walls and unusual decorative treatments may appeal to the current owner but not necessarily to the broadest range of buyers.


If painting is already being considered, a simple, neutral and contemporary palette will generally make the property easier for prospective buyers to visualise as their own.


That doesn't mean every property needs to be painted white. The important thing is to avoid spending money creating another strong design statement immediately before selling when a more broadly appealing finish may be more appropriate.


Don't: Leave Obvious DIY Flaws


DIY improvements can be perfectly acceptable when they have been done well. The problem is visible workmanship that looks unfinished or amateurish.


Examples might include:

  • uneven paint lines

  • poorly patched walls

  • badly fitted shelves

  • loose fixtures

  • crooked fittings

  • poorly sealed wet areas

  • unfinished carpentry

  • damaged or mismatched materials


If a DIY job is noticeable in photographs or during an inspection, it may be worth having it properly finished or redone by a professional.


A prospective buyer may not simply see a cosmetic flaw. They may start wondering what else has been done without professional expertise.



stained carpet

10. What Should You Do With Tired Flooring?


Flooring is a good example of why there is rarely one universal answer.


Original hardwood floors


If a property has original hardwood floors that are structurally sound but tired, professional sanding and polishing may transform the presentation.


But first consider:

  • the condition of the boards

  • whether they can be successfully restored

  • the cost of professional restoration

  • the time required

  • the overall condition and price point of the property


Covering attractive original timber with carpet simply because the floor looks tired may not be the best solution.


On the other hand, if the timber is severely damaged or restoration is disproportionately expensive, a different flooring solution may make more sense.


Worn or stained carpet


Steam cleaning is worth considering where the carpet is fundamentally sound and the problem is simply dirt or staining.


For small damaged or worn areas, carpet repair or patching may also be an option where a suitable matching piece of carpet is available. This can be a cost-effective way to address localised problem areas without replacing an otherwise serviceable carpet.


But if carpet is:

  • heavily worn

  • permanently stained

  • badly damaged

  • visibly dated

  • carrying persistent odours

then cleaning or localised repairs may only provide a temporary or limited improvement.


In these circumstances, replacement may be worth considering, particularly if the cost is relatively modest compared with the property's overall value and presentation.


Again, the objective isn't to install the most expensive flooring available. It's to determine whether the improvement in presentation justifies the cost, and whether a simple repair, professional cleaning or replacement is the most sensible option.



Mould damp wall

11. Don't Paint Over Evidence of Water Damage or Mould


This is one of the most important principles in property preparation.


If there are signs of:

  • water staining

  • mould

  • dampness

  • bubbling or peeling paint

  • damaged ceilings

  • recurring moisture

simply painting over the evidence is not a proper solution.


The underlying cause needs to be investigated and, where possible, addressed.


For example, the source could involve:

  • a roof leak

  • plumbing

  • failed waterproofing

  • drainage

  • rising damp

  • inadequate ventilation

  • another building issue


The appropriate professional should investigate the cause and carry out the necessary work.


Once the underlying issue has been properly addressed, cosmetic repairs such as patching, painting and replacing damaged finishes can then be considered. Where mould is present, the cause should also be addressed rather than simply cleaning or painting over visible mould.


This approach is not just about presentation. It is about avoiding a situation where a cosmetic touch-up temporarily conceals an issue that later becomes more serious.



changing light bulb

12. Think About Lighting


Lighting can have a surprisingly large effect on how a property feels. A home that is clean and well presented can still feel cold, dark or uninviting if rooms are poorly lit.


Before photography and inspections, check:

  • Are all light fittings working?

  • Are bulbs blown?

  • Are the existing bulbs appropriate for the room?

  • Are some rooms noticeably dark?

  • Are outdated or particularly unusual light fittings distracting?

  • Could simple replacement fittings improve the appearance?

  • Could additional lighting improve darker spaces?


In some cases, replacing an unusual, dated or visually dominant light fitting with something simpler and more functional can make a room feel more contemporary without a major expense.


At a minimum, make sure all appropriate lights are working and the property can be presented as bright, comfortable and inviting.



13. Don't Ignore Structural or Significant Building Issues


Cosmetic preparation has its limits.


If there are significant issues involving the structure, roof, drainage, waterproofing or other major building elements, they should not simply be disguised with cosmetic work.


Depending on the issue, it may be appropriate to obtain professional advice, obtain a quotation and determine whether the work is financially justified before sale.


There may be situations where a major repair is not economically sensible.


In that case, the issue should be discussed with the selling agent and handled appropriately as part of the sales strategy rather than simply hidden.


Trying to conceal a significant problem can create considerably more risk than dealing with it properly.



couple discussing renovation works with builder

14. Use the Right Professional for the Job


Some property preparation work is straightforward and may be suitable for general maintenance providers.


Other work should be undertaken by appropriately qualified and, where required, licensed tradespeople.


This is particularly important for work involving:

  • electrical work

  • plumbing

  • gas

  • structural work

  • certain building work

  • bathroom waterproofing

  • other regulated or specialist work


Bathroom waterproofing, for example, is not simply another DIY maintenance task. Where licensed work is required, use the appropriate licensed professional.


The objective is not simply to get the job done before the photographer arrives. It is to have the work done properly and safely.



15. Don't Assume Every Problem Needs to Be Fixed


This is perhaps the most important financial consideration. A vendor can easily spend tens of thousands of dollars preparing a property without necessarily improving the outcome by anything close to that amount.


Before undertaking a major improvement, ask:

  • What problem are we solving?

  • How much will it cost?

  • How long will it take?

  • Will buyers notice the improvement?

  • Is it likely to affect the property's appeal or saleability?

  • Is the likely benefit greater than the cost and risk?


Sometimes the correct decision is to leave something alone.


  • A tired kitchen may not need a full renovation if buyers are likely to renovate it themselves.

  • An older bathroom may simply need a thorough clean, minor repairs and good presentation.

  • A vacant property may not need expensive styling.

  • A worn floor may justify restoration, but only if the result and cost make sense.


Good property preparation is about prioritisation, not perfection.



16. A Simple Rule: Fix, Refresh or Leave?


When deciding what to do, it can be helpful to put each issue into one of three categories.


FIX

Issues that could materially affect the property's condition, safety, functionality or buyer perception.


REFRESH

Relatively cost-effective improvements that can noticeably improve presentation.


LEAVE

Items where the cost, delay or disruption is unlikely to produce a worthwhile benefit.


This simple framework can prevent the preparation process from turning into an uncontrolled renovation project.



17. Should You Renovate Before Selling?


This is one of the most important decisions to get right.


A renovation can improve a property's appeal, but a major renovation also introduces:

  • significant cost

  • delays

  • project management

  • construction risk

  • uncertainty about the final result


Before undertaking a kitchen or bathroom renovation, ask:

Will this improvement materially change how buyers perceive the property?

And:

Is the likely benefit worth the cost and disruption?


A higher-value property in a strong market may justify more substantial improvements where the existing condition is holding the property back.


A property that is clearly being marketed to renovators may not.


Likewise, an investment property may require a different calculation from an owner-occupied family home.


Where a substantial improvement is appropriate, it is important to plan the project properly rather than rushing into work immediately before listing.



18. Should You Style the Property?


Professional styling can be valuable, but it is not automatically necessary.


Styling can help buyers understand:

  • how rooms can be used

  • the scale of spaces

  • furniture placement

  • the lifestyle the property can offer

  • how otherwise empty or difficult spaces might function


Properties that may benefit strongly from professional styling:

  • higher-end properties

  • architecturally distinctive homes

  • large homes where scale is difficult to judge

  • properties with large open-plan areas

  • properties with unusual layouts

  • vacant homes where rooms feel empty or difficult to interpret

  • properties being marketed primarily on lifestyle and presentation


In these situations, furniture and carefully selected accessories can help create an aspirational presentation.


When full styling may not be necessary:

  • the property is tired and clearly requires renovation

  • the likely buyer is purchasing primarily for the land or development potential

  • the existing condition is a major part of the property's appeal to a particular buyer

  • the property has strong features that are better appreciated without furniture

  • the cost of styling is disproportionate to the likely benefit


There is also a middle option: Rather than completely styling a property, partial styling can be used to add furniture or accessories to key areas while leaving other rooms vacant.


The right decision depends on the property and its target market.



19. Preparing for Professional Photography


Professional photography is often the point where all the preparation comes together.


Once photographs are taken, they become the first impression for many potential buyers browsing property listings online.


Before the photographer arrives, consider:


Inside

  • remove unnecessary furniture

  • clear kitchen benches

  • remove personal items

  • tidy wardrobes and cupboards

  • make beds

  • straighten cushions

  • remove bins

  • hide cables where practical

  • clean windows

  • open blinds and curtains as appropriate

  • replace burnt-out light globes

  • remove distracting objects


Outside

  • mow lawns

  • tidy garden beds

  • remove garden waste

  • clean outdoor areas

  • remove unnecessary vehicles where possible

  • tidy balconies

  • clean the front entrance

  • make the property look maintained


If the property is occupied


It can be useful to prepare a simple photography-day plan so everyone knows what needs to happen and when.


This can include:

  • final cleaning

  • furniture repositioning

  • removal of vehicles

  • temporary storage of belongings

  • styling adjustments

  • access arrangements


A little coordination at this stage can make the difference between a property that is merely clean and one that is genuinely photo-ready.



20. Preparing for Inspections


Photography is only the beginning.


The property then needs to look good when buyers physically walk through it.


The first inspection may generate a strong first impression, but presentation needs to be maintained throughout the campaign.


This means paying attention to:

  • cleanliness

  • gardens

  • entry areas

  • bathrooms

  • kitchens

  • clutter

  • odours

  • temperature and ventilation

  • lighting

  • general maintenance


For an occupied property, this can become tiring for the vendor, particularly if there are multiple inspections over several weeks

For a vacant property, ongoing maintenance can also be overlooked.


A property preparation plan should therefore consider who will keep everything maintained after the initial preparation is complete.



21. What Happens During the Sales Campaign?


Once the property is listed, preparation doesn't necessarily stop.


Depending on the property and campaign, additional work may be required:

  • additional cleaning

  • garden maintenance

  • touch-up painting

  • replacing damaged items

  • removing furniture

  • adjusting styling

  • cleaning windows again

  • preparing for additional photography

  • responding to presentation feedback from the selling agent


If the property remains on the market longer than expected, maintaining presentation becomes particularly important.



22. The Property Has Sold. What Happens Now?


A signed contract doesn't necessarily mean the practical work is finished.


Settlement is the stage at which the transaction is completed and the buyer takes possession, subject to the terms of the contract and any other arrangements.


For an owner-occupier, this may be when the final move takes place.


For a vacant property, it may simply mean completing the final clean-up and ensuring everything agreed as part of the sale remains in place.


For an investment property, the vendor may not have any personal move at all.


This is why sale preparation and settlement preparation should be treated as two related but distinct stages.



real estate property sale

23. Preparing for Settlement and Handover


Settlement preparation isn't about making the property look attractive for marketing. It is about making sure it is ready to be handed over as agreed.


Depending on the circumstances, this can include:

  • removing remaining personal belongings

  • completing agreed works

  • removing unwanted items

  • clearing garages and sheds

  • removing rubbish

  • arranging furniture removal

  • completing a final clean

  • tidying gardens

  • checking external areas

  • coordinating access for trades

  • confirming the property is ready for handover


In Victoria, buyers are entitled to a reasonable pre-settlement inspection during the week before settlement, and the property is generally expected to be handed over in the condition required under the contract. Vendors should rely on their conveyancer or solicitor for advice about their specific contractual obligations.


Pay attention to what is included in the sale


The contract of sale should identify items included or excluded from the sale. This is one reason it is important not to remove fixtures, fittings or other items simply because the property has sold. The vendor's conveyancer or solicitor should be the source of advice about the contractual and legal requirements.


LiveWell's role is different: coordinating the practical work around the property.



24. Different Vendors, Different Preparation Plans


There is no single property preparation formula.


Scenario 1: Owner-occupier moving to another home

The preparation may involve:

Assess → Declutter → Pack → Remove/store belongings → Repairs → Cleaning → Gardening → Styling → Photography → Inspections → Sale → Final move → Final clean → Settlement

This can involve considerable coordination.


Scenario 2: Vacant property

The process may be:

Assess → Clear-out → Repairs → Cleaning → Gardening → Styling decision → Photography → Inspections → Maintenance → Final clean → Settlement

There may be no need for storage or removal of personal belongings.


Scenario 3: Investment property

An investor may simply need:

Assess → Coordinate access → Repairs/maintenance → Cleaning → Gardening → Styling decision → Photography → Inspections → Final preparation → Settlement

The vendor may never need to visit the property.


Scenario 4: Higher-end property

A premium property may justify a more comprehensive presentation strategy:

Assessment → Clear-out → Repairs → Painting → Detailed cleaning → Landscaping → Professional styling → Photography → Ongoing presentation → Settlement preparation


The important point is that the level of preparation should match the property.



25. A Practical Property Preparation Timeline


Every sale is different, but the following provides a useful framework.


4–8 weeks before photography

  • Property assessment

  • Discuss selling strategy with the agent

  • Decide what stays and what goes

  • Arrange clear-outs

  • Arrange storage or removal if required

  • Identify repairs

  • Plan painting

  • Consider larger improvements

  • Plan gardening and exterior work

  • Decide whether styling is appropriate

  • Build in time and budget contingency


1–2 weeks before photography

  • Complete repairs

  • Finish painting

  • Complete gardening

  • Remove unwanted furniture and belongings

  • Complete detailed cleaning

  • Clean windows

  • Arrange styling if required

  • Finalise furniture placement


Photography day

  • Final tidy-up

  • Remove bins

  • Clear benches

  • Make beds

  • Hide unnecessary items

  • Check gardens

  • Adjust lighting and window coverings

  • Complete final styling touches


During the sales campaign

  • Maintain gardens

  • Maintain cleanliness

  • Prepare for inspections

  • Address presentation issues

  • Make adjustments where appropriate

  • Keep the property consistent with the marketing photographs


After the sale

  • Check contract inclusions and exclusions

  • Remove remaining belongings

  • Complete agreed works

  • Clear garages, sheds and outdoor areas

  • Arrange final removal if required

  • Complete final cleaning

  • Tidy gardens and exterior areas

  • Prepare the property for handover


Before settlement

  • Final property check

  • Confirm practical work is complete

  • Confirm included items remain

  • Ensure the property is ready for handover

  • Coordinate any final trades or access required



26. Common Property Preparation Mistakes


Spending money before making a plan

It is easy to start booking individual services without considering the overall project.

A coordinated plan can prevent unnecessary or duplicated work.


Renovating for the sake of renovating

A major renovation isn't automatically going to produce a better result.

Consider the property, its likely buyers and the selling agent's advice before committing.


Leaving too much furniture

Furniture can make a home feel smaller and distract from its features.

Removing selected pieces can sometimes make a greater difference than adding new ones.


Assuming every vacant property needs styling

Some properties benefit from styling.

Others are better presented clean, empty and straightforward.


Leaving the garden until the last minute

Gardening often takes longer than expected, particularly if a property has been neglected.


Treating photography preparation as an afterthought

A professional photographer cannot compensate for clutter, poor maintenance or an overcrowded room.


Trying to hide significant defects

Cosmetic work should not be used to conceal genuine building or maintenance problems.


Forgetting about the final handover

Once the property sells, it is tempting to think the job is finished.

But the property still needs to be prepared for settlement and handover.




27. When a Property Sale Coordinator Can Help


Coordinating a property sale can involve dealing with multiple suppliers, trades and service providers:

  • Cleaning may need to happen after furniture is removed.

  • Gardening may need to happen before photography.

  • Painting may need to happen before cleaning.

  • Styling may need to happen after repairs.

  • Removalists may need to work around access arrangements.


And after the property sells, there may still be belongings to remove, final work to complete and a property to prepare for handover.


For a vendor who is busy, downsizing, moving to another home, living interstate or simply doesn't want to manage all the practical details themselves, having one point of contact can make the process considerably easier.


That's where LiveWell Concierge can help.


We can coordinate the practical side of property preparation, bringing together the services required to get a property ready for sale and, where required, ready for settlement.


From property clear-outs and cleaning to gardening, painting, minor repairs, furniture removal, styling and larger improvements where appropriate, LiveWell can coordinate the process from planning through to completion.


The objective is simple: Get the property ready without wasting money or leaving the vendor to manage all the moving parts themselves.



Property Preparation Checklist


Use this checklist as a practical starting point for planning your property preparation. Your actual requirements and timing will depend on the property, its condition, your selling strategy and your settlement arrangements.


Before work begins

  • Discuss the property with the selling agent

  • Assess the property's condition and presentation

  • Decide what should stay and what should go

  • Identify repairs and maintenance

  • Decide whether painting is required

  • Consider whether larger improvements are justified

  • Decide whether the property needs a clear-out

  • Decide whether furniture needs to be removed or stored

  • Consider whether professional styling is appropriate

  • Establish a realistic budget

  • Allow a contingency for unexpected expenses

  • Establish a realistic timeline


Before photography

  • Complete repairs

  • Complete painting

  • Complete gardening

  • Remove unwanted furniture and belongings

  • Complete detailed cleaning

  • Clean windows

  • Check lighting and replace faulty bulbs

  • Arrange styling if required

  • Prepare each room for photography

  • Remove distracting personal items

  • Check exterior presentation


During the campaign

  • Maintain gardens

  • Maintain cleanliness

  • Prepare for inspections

  • Address presentation issues

  • Keep the property consistent with the marketing photographs


After the sale

  • Check contract inclusions and exclusions

  • Remove remaining belongings

  • Complete agreed works

  • Clear garages, sheds and outdoor areas

  • Arrange final removal if required

  • Complete final cleaning

  • Tidy gardens and exterior areas

  • Prepare the property for handover


Before settlement

  • Confirm practical work is complete

  • Confirm included items remain at the property

  • Check the property is ready for handover

  • Coordinate any final trades or access

  • Ensure the property is ready for the settlement process



Preparing a Property for Sale or Settlement?


You don't necessarily need to manage every service yourself.


LiveWell Concierge can coordinate the practical work involved in getting a property ready, from the initial assessment and property clear-out through to cleaning, gardening, repairs, painting, furniture removal, styling and final preparation for settlement.


Whether the property is occupied, vacant, an investment property or a higher-end home requiring a more comprehensive presentation, we can help coordinate the right services for the property and its circumstances.


One point of contact. From planning through to completion.


Talk to LiveWell Concierge about your property preparation needs.





A note on professional and legal advice


This guide provides general practical information about property preparation and is not intended to replace advice from a licensed tradesperson, building professional, real estate agent, conveyancer or solicitor.


Where work involves regulated or specialist building services, use appropriately qualified professionals. For questions about contractual obligations, settlement, vendor disclosure or other legal matters, speak with your conveyancer or solicitor.

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