How to prepare a vacant property (flat without furniture) for sale?

Do you have an empty flat to sell and are wondering how to do it right? It's true that bare walls and empty floors can seem uninviting at first glance. Buyers often struggle to imagine your future life in such a space.

But there is also good news: an empty flat is actually a huge advantage! It's a clean sheet that you can prepare brilliantly and show its full potential. Instead of seeing it as a problem, see it as an opportunity to sell faster and more profitably.

In this guide we will show you, step by stepHow to prepare a vacant property for sale. We will focus on concrete, simple actions that do not require a big budget. You will learn how, through cleaning, small repairs and clever visual tricks, to make your flat has distinguished itself in the market and delighted the future owners.

Step one: Thorough cleaning and assessment of the condition of the dwelling

The first and absolutely fundamental step is thorough and pedantic cleaning. Cleanliness is the hallmark of a property and has a huge impact on the first impressionthat are very difficult to change later. It's not about simply vacuuming, but about a professional, deep clean. Make sure windows, frames, sills, radiators and doors are sparkling clean. Shiny floors and fresh air build buyer confidence and show that the property has been cared for.

Equally important is sound technical condition assessment flats. Check all the key elements carefully before you show it to the first interested parties. This will help you avoid uncomfortable questions and give you arguments to defend the price.

Element to be checked	What to look out for?
Electrical installation	Do all sockets and switches work? Are there no sparks?
Plumbing	Are the taps tight? Does the water run off without problems? Does the cistern work?
Gas installation	Is it airtight and secure (if present)?
Window and door joinery	Do the windows and doors open and close easily? Are they airtight?

Any defects, even the smallest ones, can become an argument for the buyer to negotiate the price or even abandon the purchase.

Minor repairs and refreshing the appearance - how to increase the value of a property cheaply

After cleaning, it is time for activities that at a low cost can completely transform the perception of a flat. Minor but visible defectsThe fact that the property is not in good condition, such as a leaking tap, creaky door or cracked socket, can be an effective deterrent to buyers. They suggest that the property may have more serious defects. Repairing these defects is usually cheap and quick and the psychological effect is invaluable.

The absolute basis is refreshing the walls. Painting is one of the most cost-effective treatments. Bright, neutral colours will optically enlarge and brighten the space, creating a versatile base that will appeal to most viewers. It's an investment that pays for itself many times over.

Action	Estimated cost/effort	Impact on the perception of the dwelling
Repair of defects	Low	Very high. The flat gives the impression of being well maintained and ready to move in.
Painting the walls	Medium	Very high. The interior becomes bright, clean and optically larger.
Replacement of handles/sockets	Low	High. The details create an impression of consistency and attention to standard.

The power of empty space - how to highlight the assets of a property without furniture

A vacant flat offers a unique opportunity to showcase its greatest assets: space, layout and light. With no furniture to disrupt the proportions, it is these features that come to the fore. Your job is to consciously direct buyers' attention to these elements.

If the flat has high ceilings, highlight this. If it has the advantage of a functional layout, talk about how it can be arranged. A blank space allows buyers to move around freely, measure the rooms accurately and, most importantly, to activating one's own imagination. Instead of seeing someone else's vision of a home, they see clean sheetwhich they can save according to their needs.

Playing with light and details: minimalist home staging

Home staging in an empty flat is not about putting in furniture. It is a subtle playing with detailswhich is intended to warm up the austere space and give it a welcoming atmosphere. A key role is played here by light. Ensure that all light bulbs are working and warm in colour. Turn on all lamps during the presentation, even during the day, to make the flat bright and cosy. Keep the windows unobstructed - natural light is a huge asset.

The next step is minimalist accents. It doesn't take much to create a positive impression. An elegant doormat, fresh flowers on the windowsill, one nice graphic on the wall or the smell of coffee in the air are small gestures that cost nothing but make buyers feel good and comfortable in the flat.

Professional photography and virtual furnishing as key to buyer interest

Nowadays, sales start on the internet and the heart of the ad is the photos. In the case of an empty flat, their quality is absolutely crucial. Amateur photographs cannot convey the potential of a space, so investing in a session taken by a a professional photographer is essential. He knows how to manipulate the light and the frame to show the premises at their best.

However, even the best photos of empty interiors may not be enough. This is where virtual home stagingor computer-assisted space planning. The addition of virtual furniture and decorations to the photos realistically shows the arrangement potential premises. It's a powerful tool that draws the eye, makes the offer stand out and ensures that buyers already have a vision of their future home in mind when they come to the presentation.

From a vacancy to a dream "M" for a buyer

Preparing an empty flat for sale is not black magic, but the a well thought-out strategythat really works. The effects may positively surprise you!

The key to success is to look at the property through the eyes of a potential buyer and taking care of every detail, even the smallest ones. It is the details that build the overall impression. From thorough cleaning, to repairing defects, to freshly painted walls - all these elements add up to the image of a well-maintained property and close the scope for price negotiations.

Remember that your lack of furniture is your asset! Use it to show space, light and functional layout. Small decorations will warm up the interior, while professional photos with a virtual arrangement will attract attention online and encourage a personal visit.

By investing time and relatively small resources in these activities, not only you increase the chance of a quick salebut also realistically you increase the value of your property on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it worth investing in refreshing an empty flat before selling?

Definitely yes. Even small investments such as painting the walls a neutral colour or repairing minor defects, can significantly increase the value of the property and speed up the sale. A clean and well-maintained flat gives the impression of being ready to move in, which is a great advantage for buyers.

How much does it cost to prepare an empty flat for sale?

Costs are flexible and depend on the condition of the premises. Basic activities such as thorough cleaning and repair of minor defects (e.g. a leaking tap), is an expense of several hundred zloty. Painting the walls costs between a dozen and a few tens of zlotys per m², but it is one of the most cost-effective investments, which more than pays for itself.

What colour should I paint the walls in a flat for sale?

The safest and most recommended choices are neutral and bright colours. Shades of white, beige or light grey optically enlarge the space, brighten it up and provide a versatile background. This colour palette appeals to the majority of buyers and makes it easier for them to envisage their own arrangement.

Is it possible to do home staging in an empty flat?

Of course! Home staging in an empty property is what is known as 'home staging'. minimalist version. It is not about putting in furniture, but about playing with light and details. The key is to make sure the lighting is warm, wash the windows to let in as much natural light as possible, and add subtle touches such as fresh flowers on the windowsill or an elegant doormat.

What are the absolute basics before the first presentation of an empty flat?

Two things are key: impeccable cleanliness and technical performance. The flat must be perfectly cleaned (windows, floors, nooks and crannies). All faults must also be checked and repaired - from working sockets and switches to leaky taps and a working cistern. This builds confidence and eliminates arguments to negotiate the price.

Do I need to hire a photographer to shoot an empty flat?

Yes, this is a key investment. A professional photographer knows how to manipulate light and perspective so as to show the potential of empty space. Good photos will make your listing stand out online and attract more interested people to the presentation. Amateur photos can make the property look smaller and less attractive.

What is virtual home staging and is it worth using?

Virtual home staging is computerised furnishing of empty rooms in the photos. This is an excellent tool to help buyers visualise how they can furnish a flat. It shows the scale and design potential of the property, which is extremely difficult to assess from photos of the 'bare walls' alone. Definitely worthwhile to make the listing stand out.

What to do if an empty flat has defects, such as an uncluttered room?

Don't hide the flaws, but focus on the advantages. The empty space allows you to approach the problem creatively. During the presentation, you can suggest solutions, e.g. 'A bespoke wardrobe would be perfect in this space' or 'This is, against all odds, a great place for a work corner'. Virtual staging in photos can also show you how to functionally arrange a difficult space.

Is it better to sell a flat empty or with furniture?

An empty flat is often sold easier and faster. It gives buyers the feeling of a 'clean slate' and allows them to make their own arrangements without having to remove old furniture. The key, however, is to properly prepare the empty space to show its full potential rather than its rawness.

Does the smell in the flat matter during the presentation?

Enormous! The sense of smell strongly influences emotions. Before the presentation thoroughly ventilate the flat. Avoid intense air fresheners. A neutral, fresh scent or the delicate scent of coffee, which is associated with home and hospitality, is a better option.