Marketing Your Property

Property Photography

Photography is the single most important element of your listing. Buyers scroll through hundreds of properties online — if the photos don't grab attention, they'll never book a viewing. Most estate agents include professional photography in their service, but quality varies.

If your agent's photography doesn't look professional, or if you're selling privately, hire a specialist property photographer (£100–£300). They use wide-angle lenses, correct lighting, and know how to make rooms look their best.

Floor Plans

Floor plans are the second most-viewed element of a listing after photos. They help buyers understand the layout, room sizes, and flow of the property before visiting. Listings with floor plans receive significantly more enquiries than those without.

Most good estate agents produce floor plans as standard. If yours doesn't, or you're selling privately, services like ScanPlan or a local floor plan provider charge £80–£200. It's money well spent.

Writing the Listing Description

Your property description should paint a picture that makes buyers want to visit. Lead with the strongest selling points — don't bury them in paragraph three. Be specific: "south-facing 60ft garden" is far more compelling than "lovely garden."

Include practical details buyers search for: number of bedrooms and bathrooms, parking, garden, EPC rating, council tax band, tenure (freehold/leasehold), and proximity to schools and transport. Be honest — misrepresentation leads to wasted viewings and potential legal issues.

Avoid cliches like "deceptively spacious" or "must be seen to be appreciated" — they signal that the photos don't do the property justice, which is a problem in itself. Let the facts and quality imagery do the selling.

Property Portals

The vast majority of buyers search online. The main UK property portals are:

The major UK property portals attract millions of buyers each month. Most estate agents list on multiple portals as standard — when choosing an estate agent, check which portals they use and how many they list on. The wider your reach, the more potential buyers will see your property. Make sure your property is properly prepared before any photography or marketing begins.

You can also list your property on Home.co.uk, which offers property search alongside house prices data, market trends, and comprehensive agent coverage across the UK.

For Sale Boards

Don't underestimate the humble for sale board. It catches the attention of people already in your area — neighbours who might know someone looking, local buyers who haven't searched online yet, and passers-by who already love the street. Always have a board up unless your property is in a managed development that prohibits them.

Social Media & Word of Mouth

Share your listing on social media — Facebook Marketplace, local community groups, Instagram, and Nextdoor can reach buyers that portals miss. Ask friends and family to share. Tell your neighbours directly — word of mouth is surprisingly effective for attracting local buyers.

Some estate agents also offer paid social media advertising, targeted at people searching for properties in your area. Ask whether this is included in their marketing package or an additional cost.

Virtual Tours & Video

Video walkthroughs and 360-degree virtual tours have become increasingly popular. They help remote buyers assess the property before travelling for a viewing, reducing time-wasters and attracting serious enquiries. They're particularly valuable for premium properties or if you're targeting buyers relocating from another area.

Professional video tours cost £200–£500 but can be a worthwhile investment for higher-value properties. Some agents now offer these as standard.