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Preparing a Sydney home for sale

Selling a home is a big step, and the list of jobs can feel long. It helps to take it in order, starting with the paperwork and then moving on to the house itself.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will prepare the contract for sale, and in NSW it needs to be ready before the home goes on the market. They'll gather the documents that go with it: the title search, the council's section 10.7 zoning certificate, the sewer diagram, and a pool compliance certificate if you have a pool. If you live in an apartment, they'll also need the strata plan, the by-laws and the strata reports. It's worth giving them a call early. A missing certificate can take a little while to track down, and you'll want the listing to go live when you're ready for it.

"Most Sydney homes aren't huge, and a room feels more generous when the floor is clear."

If you've had building work done, let them know, and say so if you're not sure council approved it. It's much easier to sort out now than halfway through a sale, when unapproved work can give a buyer a reason to step back. Some sellers also order their own building and pest report before listing, so there are no surprises later. Your agent and solicitor can help you decide whether that makes sense for your home.

Then it's time to walk through your home the way a stranger would. Most Sydney homes aren't huge, and a room feels more generous when the floor is clear, so you might take a spare chair out of the bedroom. Open the wardrobes and cupboards too, because buyers do, and a shelf with a little space on it tells them there's plenty of storage.

The small jobs you've been meaning to get to, such as the dripping tap, the sticking wardrobe door and the tired grout, are worth an afternoon. Buyers notice them, and you'll feel better having ticked them off.

Outside, a little care goes a long way. Trim the hedge, sweep the path, give the gate a drop of oil, and check that the front door opens easily, since it's the first thing visitors touch. When it's time for photos, a bright morning is kind to a home, and a grey sky can make even a lovely house look flat.

If you're bringing in furniture for the sale, simple is best. A slightly smaller sofa, fewer cushions and a rug that fits the room will do nicely. You're just leaving space for people to picture their own things there.

If you're thinking about selling in the next few months, we'd love to hear from you. Call the McConnell Bourn team, and we'll talk through which of these jobs are worth your time and which you can leave.

We know the
Sydney market. If it’s worth doing,
it’s worth doing well.

We believe trust is earned through honest advice, genuine local knowledge and clear communication. Every property and client is different, so we take the time to understand your goals before recommending a strategy. Tell us a little about yours and we'll be in touch.

Preparing a Sydney home for sale

Selling a home is a big step, and the list of jobs can feel long. It helps to take it in order, starting with the paperwork and then moving on to the house itself.

We know the Sydney market. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.

Discover More From the Journal

We know the
Sydney market. If it’s worth doing,
it’s worth doing well.