Thinking of putting your home on the market this summer? You’re not alone. With longer daylight hours, blooming gardens, and plenty of active buyers, it’s one of the best times to sell. But here’s the thing: the competition is fierce. If you want to grab attention and get the best price, simply cleaning up won’t cut it—you need to stage your home to showcase its full potential.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through smart, effective ways to stage your home for summer viewings, especially tailored for UK homeowners. Let’s make sure your property stands out for all the right reasons.
☀️ Why Summer Viewings Are So Powerful
Summer brings energy to the housing market. Families are often planning moves before the new school year, and with more daylight, buyers have greater flexibility to book viewings after work or on weekends.
According to Rightmove, property searches spike between June and August, and staged homes often see more footfall and faster offers.
1. Let the Light In – Naturally
Natural light is your best friend when showing your home in summer. It makes spaces look bigger, warmer, and more inviting. But you’d be surprised how often people overlook this simple trick.
Here’s what you can do:
- Give your windows a proper clean—inside and out
- Pull back curtains and raise blinds completely
- Use light-coloured throws, cushions, and rugs
- Add a mirror or two to bounce light around smaller rooms
- Keep window ledges clear for an open feel
A little light goes a long way. Especially in older UK homes with smaller windows, this makes a big difference.
2. Refresh the Décor with Summer Vibes
Staging doesn’t mean redecorating your whole house. It’s about creating a mood—a feeling. And in summer, that feeling should be relaxed, airy, and welcoming.
Easy ideas:
- Add a vase of fresh seasonal flowers like hydrangeas or peonies
- Switch to lighter-coloured bedding (think whites or soft blues)
- Use natural fabrics like linen or cotton
- Ditch heavy rugs or curtains—swap in breezier options
📍 Example: A homeowner in Devon added a coastal-themed mirror, some woven baskets, and pale-blue soft furnishings to her living room. The house had two offers within the first week.
3. Tidy Up Outdoor Spaces – Even the Small Ones
Let’s not underestimate how much buyers value outdoor space—especially in UK cities, where gardens and balconies are a hot commodity. If you’ve got any kind of outdoor area, now’s the time to show it off.
Your checklist:
- Cut the grass and neaten up the borders
- Jet-wash patios, paths, and decking
- Add a couple of planters or hanging baskets
- Place a café table and two chairs—even on a small balcony
- Hide away bins, hoses, and clutter
A buyer walking through your back garden should picture themselves enjoying a summer evening with a drink in hand.
4. Clean Like a Pro—Buyers Notice Everything
It might sound basic, but deep cleaning can’t be overstated. Summer light has a way of showing up every dusty surface, smudge, and streak.
Top-to-bottom essentials:
- Hoover and mop all floors
- Scrub bathrooms until they sparkle
- Clean kitchen surfaces and inside appliances
- Air out rooms and use light, fresh scents like citrus or mint
- Don’t forget the skirting boards and behind doors!
🎯 According to the Home Staging Association UK, homes that are clean and well-staged sell 3x faster than those that aren’t.
5. Keep It Cool and Comfortable
Viewings during heatwaves (and yes, we do get a few in the UK!) can be stuffy. You want buyers to feel comfortable, not sweaty and rushed.
Tips to beat the heat:
- Open windows ahead of time to let in a breeze
- Use a quiet fan—positioned away from direct sight
- Keep cool drinks on hand for longer viewings
- Close blinds on particularly hot days to stop rooms overheating
The goal? Buyers should linger, not leave early.
6. Depersonalise, But Keep Some Warmth
You’ve probably heard that you should depersonalise your home before selling. That’s true—but you don’t want to strip it of all character.
Strike a balance:
- Take down highly personal items like family portraits
- Remove bold or quirky artwork
- Keep the décor neutral but not sterile—add touches like books, soft lighting, or plants
- Style shelves and surfaces with care, but don’t overdo it
Let the buyer imagine their life in the space, without feeling like they’ve walked into a soulless show home.
💬 My Take: It’s the Little Things That Sell a Home
In my experience helping friends and neighbours sell their homes, I’ve seen first-hand how small changes make a big impact. A freshly made bed, a few well-placed candles, and a clean garden table can completely change a buyer’s mood. It’s not about perfection—it’s about feeling. Make people feel good the moment they walk through the door, and you’re halfway to a sale.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
You can stage your home yourself for free (just your time and effort), or hire a professional which usually costs between £300–£1,200 depending on your home’s size and location.
Yes—especially in summer. Data from Rightmove and the Home Staging Association UK shows that staged homes not only sell faster but often for a higher price too.
Focus on the key spaces buyers care about most: the entrance, living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and outdoor area. If you’ve got time and budget, stage more—but always prioritise first impressions.
Final Thought
Staging your home for summer doesn’t mean turning it into a showpiece. It’s about helping buyers picture themselves living there—relaxed, happy, and ready to make an offer. Use the light, the season, and your space to your advantage. And remember: you’re not just selling a house. You’re selling a lifestyle.