Every vendor hopes that when they take their home to the market, it will sell quickly.
Once you’ve made the decision to sell, you may find yourself moving on emotionally from that home – and spending most of your time thinking about your next one. But if your house does not sell quickly, it can be unsettling.
Every consideration about your onward purchase (if you are planning to make one) can’t be properly thought through until you have sold your property. Even if you don’t need to sell to move, houses that stay on the market for a long time can be a burden both financially and emotionally.
Many people believe that house price and market movement are the main factors in selling a home; while marketing and presentation are sometimes seen as secondary factors. But at Douglas Joshua, we understand how to sell a house quickly in Bishop’s Stortford, regardless of price.
It’s all about turnkey properties.
What does turnkey mean?
The term ‘turnkey’ is used to describe a property that is completely finished, and ready for immediate use. But doesn’t this mean any property that is already being lived in? No, it doesn’t – because lived-in properties full of visible wear and tear aren’t always at their best!
Turnkey properties are so appealing because they make a buyer feel that the house they are buying is the house they are going to live in; so the purchase price really is the true cost, and they won’t need to make any immediate tweaks or upgrades as soon as they move in. A turnkey property is an advertisement not only for the property, but the home and the way of life. And that’s what sells a house quickly.
What this means in practice is that the property is not only clean and uncluttered, but that all those small jobs you’ve been putting off – fixing a broken curtain rail, de-scaling the shower, touching up the paintwork – are all done.
Even furniture and styling can make a difference; much like a show home in a brochure, a beautiful piece of furniture or even a lamp placed in the right way can draw the eye and show a room off in its best light.
Emotionally, you may not want to put time, money and effort into upgrading the house you’ll no longer be living in; but the likely increase in your offer price will far exceed your investment.
And crucially, that offer may arrive much quicker.
“People buy into the way other people live.” Josh Davison, Douglas Joshua.
To illustrate exactly how to sell a house quickly in Bishop’s Stortford, we’re sharing two real-life examples from 2026.
Two houses that sold in under two weeks
Two houses with different price ranges, sizes and features
Two houses with one common denominator: Turnkey
Newtown Road, £535,000
This beautifully presented Victorian end of terrace cottage on Newtown Road delivers far more than its façade suggests. Characterful, generous and completely turnkey.
Listed: 8th April 2026
Viewings: 5
Offers: 2
Offer accepted: 13th April 2026
Price: 99% of the guide price
Grange Park, £1,100,000
A four-bedroom detached home of real quality and considered design. Turnkey, versatile and ready to move in.
Listed: 27th May 2026
Viewings: 7
Offers: 3
Offer accepted: 11th June 2026
Price: 101% of the guide price
In January 2026, Zoopla reported that the average estate agent started this year with the highest number of homes for sale in more than eight years; but that well-presented homes continue to sell.
So how do I make my house turnkey, and how much do I need to spend?
This isn’t just about investment in a home you’re selling; it’s about flipping your thought process on its head. We’ve put together eight suggestions that could transform your property into a turnkey home, take weeks off its time on the market, and sell your house quickly in Bishop’s Stortford.
1. If you’re planning to buy furniture for your new home, buy it now instead
Furniture can truly bring a room alive and show potential buyers what it could be like to live in the house with their new furniture. And of course, you can take it with you!
2. Finish those small jobs you’ve been meaning to do
Skirting need fixing? Cupboard doors need tightening? These might seem like such small things that you’d be forgiven for thinking buyers won’t notice. But a loose door or wonky rail can draw the eye and stick in the mind.
3. Deep clean
A deep clean can transform a viewing experience and make the home more comforting and attractive.
4. Re-painting
Re-painting the property you’re selling is an excellent investment if you want to sell a house quickly. A DIY session or a small investment will pay dividends in the time you save.
5. Tidy up the garden
Mowing the lawn, cleaning the patio, weeding and putting a few pots of flowers out can transform the look of a garden – and allow buyers to visualise themselves sitting out on summer nights.
6. Make an entrance
What does the entrance to your home look like? Is it tidy and inviting? A great first impression can influence the rest of the viewing, too.
7. De-clutter
If you’re able to, removing clutter as far as you can allows potential buyers to see the rooms underneath – making it much easier to visualise your property as their new home.
8. Accessorise
Style your home with small accessories to give it a great finish. Lamps, throws, candles and vases are very affordable, but can give a room a comfortable, stylish feel that’s very easy on the eye.
Turnkey isn’t about turning your property into a show home or trying to hide the fact that it is lived in; it’s about the direct connection between what a potential buyer sees, and how that influences their imagination. Because to want to buy a property, a buyer should be able to imagine themselves living there. If they can, you’re highly likely to sell your house quickly.
Furniture, tidiness and accessories can all help with that visualisation; while taking care of small jobs and touching up the paintwork gives them comfort that there won’t be much to do, other than move into the home – and start living in it!
