Property experts have identified a slew of items that, while common in many British households, could drastically affect the value of the house when it is on the market
A property expert has unveiled seven items commonly found in British homes that can actually lower property value. These are found in all areas of the house and can range from the normal to the bizarre.
People are incredibly proud of the property they own, as they like to carve out a little space to call their own. It also means they can decorate their house as much as they want.
But while some of the features can add quirkiness and character to the house, some experts have revealed these decisions can impact the value of the house in the future and could even knock thousands off the overall worth.
Estate agent Kevin Barzegar, CEO of Kaybridge Residential, identified a total of seven different items that have caused havoc for buyers, having seen firsthand how these can cause disdain within buyers.
He said: “When buyers walk into a property, they’re imagining their own lives there. Certain dated features can make that difficult; they see extra work and expense rather than a move-in ready home.”
Kevin revealed the number one item bringing down the value of your house would be a garden gnome or other garden ornament.
While Kevin admitted garden elements are not a problem, they can end up being neglected overtime and end up being swallowed by the rest of the garden, making it look worse as a result.
Instead, Kevin suggested these ornaments be cleared away if looking to sell the house. As well as this, he said that a “tidy garden with defined borders” will do wonders during viewings and help buyers immerse themselves in their fantasies.
Another issue for prospective sellers is having brown or orange cabinets in their kitchen, as Kevin insisted that darker and wood-style cabinets are now incredibly dated, screaming out for replacement.
Kevin suggested the possibility of light-coloured cabinets in soft greys, whites, and creams instead of their darker counterparts to open the kitchen to more light and brightness.
Net curtains are also a big no-no for buyers, according to Barzegar, despite being a common staple in many British homes.
He said that they are the main culprits for blocking natural light from entering a room, as well as making the property look outdated and shut off from the rest of the world.
A modern alternative for Kevin would be to scrap the net curtains in favour of something more sleek, such as roller blinds, which help to maximise the light whilst still offering privacy.
He added: “These create a cleaner, more contemporary look that appeals to buyers.”
Heavy drapes and curtains are also falling foul for buyers, as Kevin said the luxury that long curtains used to represent has fallen away to feeling old-fashioned.
Instead, Kevin says to choose curtains that use light fabrics and are more minimalist, or go to blinds instead, as it creates a cleaner aesthetic.
Other items that cause headaches for sellers include plastic or fake plants, as they make the place look “cheap and dusty”.
Patterned carpets are also out of fashion, especially in places such as hallways and stairs, as buyers find them tacky and tired.
Wall-to-wall wood panelling is also a tired aesthetic that impacts house prices, despite once being the epitome of premium style, Kevin said.
He said that while it is possible to maintain some panelling, too much can cause it to become overbearing.
Kevin added: “These aesthetic updates equate to presenting your property in the best possible light.
“A few strategic changes can genuinely boost your home’s market appeal and help you achieve a stronger sale price.”