Homeowners who are going through the lengthy and tiresome process of putting their properties up for sale may believe their beloved houses are ready for the market, but they might want to think again.
While homely touches are recommended, buyers may not be fond of old photograph memories, garish wallpaper or dated curtains.
Average property prices had risen by more than £12,000 in the last 12 months – and the biggest winners in this property boom are homeowners in suburban areas, where prices have surged significantly.
But some sellers shouldn’t get too confident with the asking price, as their eccentric homes can easily sit on estate agents’ websites for months on end without a single offer.
Property staging expert Liv Conlon, CEO of ThePropertyStagers.co.uk, said if house hunters can’t see themselves living there, they’ll more than likely walk away when it’s time to put an offer in.
Liv, who is originally from Glasgow but who now lives in Marbella, said that outdated decor, cluttered rooms, and a messy front garden can kill a sale before anyone’s even stepped inside to view it.
From underestimating kerb appeal to ignoring the lack of lighting in your home, here are the biggest mistakes sellers make and how to fix them.
Property staging expert Liv Conlon said if house hunters can’t see themselves living there, they’ll more than likely walk away when it’s time to put an offer in
Neglecting your home’s ‘kerb appeal’
Liv says that kerb appeal plays a crucial role when viewing a home because first impressions are important to potential buyers.
She said: ‘An unkept exterior sets the tone for a prospective buyer before they’ve even stepped foot inside.
‘Things like overgrown shrubbery, chipped paint on the front door or window ledges, broken gates and large cracks on the pathway can be the difference between someone feeling welcomed by your home or wanting to make a hasty exit.
Liv says that those serious about shifting their property should invest in landscaping services, fixing the paint work and upping the charm factor with hanging baskets, window boxes or stylish doormats.
Ignoring the noticeable wear and tear
While homes are meant to be lived in, the chaos of a busy household can naturally lead to wear and tear.
However, Liv says there’s a big difference between a home that’s well-loved and one that’s worn out.
Liv says that you have to ensure prospective buyers can easily envision turning your house into their home
Liv says that subtle pops of colour and decorations are the way forward if you want to successfully sell your home
‘Peeling wallpaper, chipped tiles, or scuffed flooring can make a property seem neglected and less appealing to buyers,’ she said.
‘Try and stay on top of maintenance to avoid small issues getting bigger than they have to.
‘Clever styling can also help. Large rugs or furniture can conceal imperfections, while stylish decor can draw the eye away from imperfections.’
Going overboard with photos and sentimental items
What makes a house a home is often the number of treasured keepsakes and sentimental photographs hanging on the walls and scattered across the fridge on magnets.
However, these items can make it hard for a potential buyer to see your house as a place they could call home.
Liv said: ‘Personal items can also clutter a space, distracting from striking pieces of art or ornate original features that make a house more appealing.
‘Strip back on the personal photos and keep your decor more neutral, creating a space that feels streamlined. When it comes to styling your home for resale, less is always more.’
Not following a consistent theme throughout
The property design guru says that sellers should aim to achieve a consistent interior theme throughout their property so that they can ‘work in harmony rather than feeling disconnected’.
She added: ‘Mismatched styles can create a chaotic flow, so try to choose one colour palette and pick a leading colour that you can add to every room – whether that’s in a rug, a statement piece of decor or an art print on the wall.
‘I often say the look of a home is dictated by the kitchen, so if you’ve gone for a traditional style, reflect this throughout the rest of your space.’
Letting your space fall flat with colourless rooms
Liv says that while bright colour clashes and loud patterns may be unappealing to buyers, an all-white space can also feel soulless.
She instead suggests experimenting with subtle splashes with bright cushions, rugs or artwork.
She said: ‘Fresh greenery can also bring real warmth to a room, or you could add pops of colour with vibrant bouquets of fresh flowers.’
Turning a blind eye to the lack of lighting
The property expert also says that one of the biggest things prospective homeowners want from a space is plenty of natural light.
‘Depending on the direction your home faces or the size of your window space, there may be rooms that feel a little dark during the day,’ she said.
Liv says that while bright colour clashes and loud patterns may be unappealing to buyers, an all-white space can also feel soulless
‘But it’s easy to create a brighter feel. Cleverly-placed mirrors can reflect the light and open up the space.
‘Lighting is also key, especially when it’s layered. For the most effective results, consider your ambient lighting, which is typically ceiling fixtures, task lighting, which refers to reading lamps or under-cabinet lights, and accent lighting, such as artwork. When the three work in unison, a room feels instantly lighter.’
Letting clutter build up
Clutter can often make spaces feel smaller, less organised, with Liv adding that it can distract from your home’s features and potential.
‘Strip back room by room, clearing your kitchen countertops, bedside tables and bathroom sinks of unnecessary things,’ she said.
‘Invest in clever storage solutions that can conceal the clutter without skimping on style, such as velvet ottomans, woven baskets, under-bed bags, sleek wooden toy boxes, and hanging door organisers.’
Forgetting to add homely touches
The property design guru says that sellers should aim to achieve a consistent interior theme throughout their property so that they can ‘work in harmony rather than feeling disconnected’
While Liv says that you should strip back your home, sellers should take care not to remove all the warmth from their homes.
‘An overly bare room can feel cold and uninviting. Even in spare rooms or spaces you hardly use, try to add soft furnishings, like rugs, throws, and cushions, which can introduce warmth and texture,’ she said.
‘Something as small as a potted plant can add character without overwhelming the space, while floor lamps can help to create a cosy and welcoming ambience.’
Opting for garish bedding
Bedrooms are one of the most important parts of a home, mainly because they represent a space for rest and retreat, according to Liv.
So, using patterned or ‘busy linens’ can put buyers off as it makes the bed feel cluttered.
She added: ‘It’s always worth investing in crisp white sets that create a sense of calm and luxury and exude that five-star feeling.
‘A clean base can also let you experiment with brighter decor, such as statement cushions and throws, or add snug and inviting touches, like a quilted bedspread.’
