How to Sell an Empty House Without Losing Buyer Appeal

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Photo by Gustavo Galeano Maz

Selling a home is often easier when it feels lived in, at least many property agents assert. While you may think a household has to be perfectly clean and minimal in order to showcase its best assets to prospective buyers, the truth is that people want to imagine themselves living there. If they can imagine you living there, or at least your comforts and decorations nearby, then that’s easier.

Sure, they’re liable to change everything to their tastes once moving in, but it’s understandable why this is more relatable to people. However, it’s also true that if you’re selling an unoccupied house, such as an inherited home, or one you simply manage, that might not be possible.

In these circumstances, curating a more pleasant household for sale could take some inspiration from that prior advice. However, more than anything, the place has to look maintained, as someone might invest in it while living there full-time. With that in mind, you’re liable to find some value in the following advice:

RELATED ARTICLE: Why Your Home Looks Older Than It Is—And How to Fix It Fast

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Selling An Unoccupied House? Consider This

01) Check For Any Pests

An empty house can feel like an invitation for all kinds of pests to move in, because when there’s nobody there to scare them away, they can establish themselves pretty quickly in the walls or attic. You should definitely look for droppings, nests, or any other signs that little creatures have been around. 

You can always use pest control services to attend to the problem or inspect it further quickly. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way; however, if you hear heavy buzzing in an outbuilding, it’s best not to check if it’s a wasp’s or hornet’s nest and just call in the expert.

02) Check All Insulation

It’s always a necessary idea to inspect the insulation in an unoccupied house before selling it. Poor insulation can be a major red flag for discerning potential buyers because it suggests high energy costs and a home that could have further systemic issues, even if it doesn’t. Moreover, if the house is freezing during the winter, people are less disposed to buy or see themselves in the home, or it will at least be more difficult to. You'll want to check the attic and walls for any signs of damage or wear. That should also include damp and moisture marks on the walls that could otherwise be present.

03) Tend To The Garden & Pathways

A neglected garden and overgrown pathways can make a house look abandoned and poorly maintained, even if the interior is lovely, as it gives the impression that the entire property has been left to decay, which is something you want to avoid when trying to sell. You should clear any weeds and trim back the hedges at a minimum. You could also use this opportunity to make some features work, like refreshing the bulbs in any outside lights instead of just leaving them off. 

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Final Thoughts

With this advice, you’ll have re-curated a household to look as special as possible and potentially improve your sale chance, even if no one lives there right now. The key is to strike a balance between maintenance and creating an inviting atmosphere so buyers can envision the home’s potential. Whether it’s fresh landscaping, improved insulation, or ensuring the space is pest-free, small steps can make a big difference in the impression your property leaves.

Have you ever bought or sold an unoccupied home? What stood out to you most during the process?

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