Posted on
Monday, July 15, 2019
While moving home can be an exciting experience, there are some things you will need to be aware of when you come to sell. One of them is knowing what could decrease the value of your property and put off prospective buyers.
Some features may not be appealing to potential buyers, meaning that even if you’ve spent money on them, they might not necessarily add value to your asking price.
A recent study by NAEA Propertymark highlighted the key things that have a negative impact on a property’s value, such as bad presentation and lack of planning permission.
Here at Keys & Lee, we have taken a closer look at four of the issues and why they’re potentially off-putting to prospective buyers.
The home is over personalised
When you decorate your home, it’s common to design it to suit your personal taste. However, if your style is bold or unorthodox, you may want to consider redecorating before you begin to market your home.
Modestly decorated homes with neutral coloured walls and plain furniture are typically more desirable, as they enable potential homeowners to envision their own belongings in the space without any distractions.
There’s a swimming pool
While swimming pools can be fun in the summer, for many buyers they’re not actually considered an attractive feature – especially in Britain where warm weather can sometimes be scarce. The reality is that they are expensive to maintain and take up a lot of space – meaning they’re sometimes a lot more trouble than they’re worth.
If your property does have a swimming pool that has been run down from the winter months, consider filling it in before the warm weather hits. If it is in good condition, though, then think about selling your home in the summer when the pool is looking its best.
It has Japanese Knotweed
One of the most invasive species of plant, Japanese Knotweed can damage the foundations of your home – significantly decreasing its value if it’s at risk of subsidence.
While the plant can be tricky to identify, a key feature is its small cream flowers and the leaves which tend to grow in a distinctive ‘zigzag’ pattern during summer. If you think you can spot any in your garden, it’s best to call a professional to excavate it as soon as possible.
The rooms are too dark
If you have two properties – one that is bright and airy and one that is dark and dingy – the chances are that prospective buyers will be more attracted to the brighter one. This is because a bright room alludes to a bigger, tidier space, while a dark room can appear bleak, abandoned and unloved.
Additionally, even if the room is naturally light, having plants near the windows can darken the space, which may change the buyer’s perspective. Netted curtains and frosted glass can also have the same effect.
All in all, when you consider selling your property, it’s important to think about which alterations can boost the value of a home and which could have a negative impact. By doing so, you can improve your chances of selling quickly and securing your asking price or above.
At Keys & Lee, we can assist you through every step of the selling and buying process in Romford and the surrounding areas. To find out more about our services, please contact us on: 01708 766 241.
We also offer a free instant online valuation if you’re eager to know how much your property could be worth on the current market.
