1. Curb appeal – provide off street parking.

Having the curb in front of your property lowered so you can create a driveway or off street parking if it doesn’t already exist is time consuming (you’ll need to put in a planning application with the council) but not expensive (£800 to £1500) and it will add considerable value and differentiate your property.

2. Mow the grass.

Do this at least once a week or pay someone else to do it if the property is unoccupied. It’s the equivalent of making the bed for a house. Make sure the rest of the garden is also kept tidy.

3. Clean the windows

Dirty windows give a bad first impression and clean windows allow considerably more light into a home. Also clear away any foliage around windows to allow as much light into the property as possible.

4. Do a paint job

Repaint walls and ceilings in neutral colours if they aren’t already. A fresh coat of paint can transform a property- but do clear away all tools and paint pots.

5. Replace light fittings

Swap old lamp fittings for modern ones- ideally with halogen or low energy bulbs. It’s not an expensive job, but you will create a much more modern and cared for feeling for the property, plus old lamp fittings are often dusty and dated.

6. Replace the kitchen work surface

You don’t have to go to the trouble of a full kitchen refit but replacing the work surface with a new one will dramatically improve and rejuvenate a tired looking kitchen. Putting in a new sink at the same time will also work wonders.You can also just replace the cabinet fronts, rather than the whole cabinet

7. Deep cleanse

Pay for a professional and thorough house clean- including steam cleaning the kitchen to get rid of grease- and shampooing the carpets. It may cost a few hundred quid but your home will be given a new lease of life, and any musty or animal smells eradicated.

8. Replace old and worn carpets

Old carpets smell, look and feel terrible. If they’re beyond cleaning, replacing them with even budget carpet will give a very positive impression and at £1.99 a sq m, won’t cost a lot!

9. Replace old light switches and taps

Accessorising with quality (but not expensive) fixtures and fittings will again give a very positive impression. The internet is a good source of discounted fixtures, fittings and building and renovation materials. £500 taps can often be found for £20 - £30

10. Give the house some TLC

In general do anything that makes the house feel loved and looked after- from fresh flowers in the rooms, to happy family photographs. You want to create the impression that you are moving because of other reasons than you don’t like the house or are desperate to do so.

For more information on this topic, please visit the site store to order your SIGNED copy of Martin's book, 'Teach Yourself: Making Money From Property' available for just £9.99 plus P+P.

Alternatively join me and my team on one of my Special 3 day Property Training Weekends, when we'll teach you what you need to know to become successful as a property investor or developer - and help you avoid costly mistakes.