Preparing your home for an international market

Back to school and the end of summer mark for many a new term, a fresh start and a change of perspective. An ideal time to embrace a change of pace and a new location. Whether you are moving, selling, looking to invest or have decided to maximise the opportunity of homeworking by renting in a new location, the top tips below have been collated by our experienced team and can help prepare your property for the market or provide some useful tips when moving to a new home.

First impressions count

Make sure your home makes an impact on first sight and stands out from the crowd. Fresh paint, an inviting doorway, smart planting and a clear access means the property is the focus of a buyer’s attention and they want to view inside. If possible, ensure the driveway is free so the buyer can have a stress-free arrival at the property. Likewise fresh flowers in a home make a big difference where possible.

Let there be light

During photography and viewings always ensure curtains and blinds are open, shutters have been removed and where suitable and safe windows are open. Likewise, don’t be afraid to switch on main or task lighting in certain rooms for a visit or photography. A photographer may choose to use additional lighting for some rooms but often task lighting in a kitchen is both design orientated and functional and likewise a desk lamp or floor lamp can help set a lifestyle scene – essential in selling the story of a home and giving the buyer the why.

Clear space, clear vision

Without a doubt the kitchen is one of the most hardworking rooms in a property. Take time to ensure surfaces are clear and clean, remove personal items like postcards, fridge magnets and post, move bulky equipment back into cupboards and stick to just the essentials. For example, take a look at this bright and spacious kitchen in Roquefort-les-Pins.

For sale via Savills Valbonne

Set the scene

In a large room use your current furniture to create dedicated “zones” for eating, relaxing, work or television, and if there is a great space for a desk – don’t hesitate, often a buyer has seen so many pictures of beautiful homes. Even a simple thing such as setting the table can prompt a buyer into placing themselves in the property. 

Likewise, sometimes buyers or renters can feel overwhelmed when looking at an unfurnished property. If possible, use some key items to indicate the size of a room and don’t forget there are dedicated service providers who can help with everything from rental furniture to staging, and a short term investment can make a big return on the selling time and buyer feedback.

Showcase the exterior

Outdoor spaces like swimming pools, terraces and gardens often get overlooked so think ahead and remove garden furniture covers, tidy away any gardening equipment and add rolled up towels to sunbeds – as you can see, the pool side terrace of this waterfront property is very tempting.

For sale via Savills Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

All in the view 

On the Côte d’Azur we are lucky enough to have some of the most breathtaking scenery and views. Often the panoramas which has become the beautiful backdrops to our lives can seal the deal in a viewing – be sure to showcase these key selling points. This breathtaking coastal view from this contemporary property in Sainte-Maxime does all the talking.

For sale via Savills Saint-Tropez

Declutter and depersonalise

We all accumulate items over the years but looking to move is a perfect time to review our possessions. If you are not ready to make a decision on a more permanent clear out, try removing some less used items to storage allowing a potential buyer to see the space available for their own items. Likewise, you can always depersonalise spaces like bathrooms by decanting products or having just the essentials on view. And if there are personal family photos or special works of art don’t forget we can blur these in post-production or avoid photographing them – don’t hesitate to have this conversation with your agent. 

A picture paints a thousand words

With more and more people using social media, websites and portals as the first resource when searching for property, photography is an essential tool. While photography can provide a great overview of the main rooms, ceiling height and space available, lifestyle photography showcases the home in closer detail and can highlight beautiful features of a home, such as the opulent interiors of this historic property in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

This Belle Époque gem is captured in all its elegance, with exquisitely adorned ceilings and majestic light-filled interiors. 

Take a look at our photography guide, which offers practical advice and tips to make sure your home looks its very best.

For sale via Savills Beaulieu-sur-Mer

Crunch the numbers

Ahead of questions from interested parties don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated seasonal rentals team who could provide an insight into the potential and yield of using your home as a seasonal rental, this gives an additional angle when marketing a property.

A charming rental villa

This fantastic, south-facing property with landscaped gardens and a pool is available to rent or buy exclusively with Savills French Riviera. 

Available via Savills Cap d'Antibes

Get organised

Preparing all your paperwork and informing your legal representative in advance of a sale will ensure a smoother process and mean you are ready to act quickly following an offer. For more information on the practicalities of selling a property, our buying guide provides an additional perspective.

Prepare yourself for questions

Sometimes a buyer may not know the area well and will have detailed questions regarding schools, restaurants, access etc. Whilst our experienced team live and work in the area, you are the expert on your home so share any local knowledge with your agent who can inform a prospective buyer. And as an incoming purchaser don’t forget to check out the local area and events, for example Monaco hosts an educational fair each year and this blog provides a breakdown of the French schooling system.

If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest on the French Riviera our dedicated, multilingual team would be delighted to assist you, contact a local office today.

Make your next move with Savills.