AS the property market heats up, we reveal the 20 insider tips to help you secure a successful sale. Homeowners wanting to speed up their property sale don’t need to splash their cash on pricey renovation projects. Some simple tweaks can boost your pad’s appeal in an instant, leaving buyers eager to make that all-important offer. And there’s never been a better time to sell. Britain is currently seeing a house-buying boom, with Rightmove reporting a 19 per cent jump in enquiries since the Bank of England cut the base interest rate by 0.25 per cent at the start of August. But before you put your home on the market, it’s important to amp up its appeal. “It’s about stepping outside yourself and seeing your home through the eyes of the buyer,” says property expert Louise Bastock of comparison site Finder. “Lovely homes can be ruined by a garish statement door, or too many nicknacks. But presenting it as a blank canvas changes the game.” Here, Louise shares 20 tips guaranteed to get buyers to bite. UP YOUR GADGET GAME Stash kitchen clutter in cupboards and put your fanciest appliances front and centre. Air fryers, Nutribullets and classy coffee machines look sleek and modern. Showing them off will subtly influence buyers, who will imagine themselves using the gadgets in their new home. PLAY SWEET MUSIC If your home is prone to noise, such as traffic or overhead planes, put some music on. Go for something soothing and middle of the road — and don’t have it too loud, or people might wonder what you’re trying to cover up. PARK OUTSIDE YOUR NEIGHBOUR’S PAD If your car has seen better days, pop it down the road during viewings. If an old banger is parked outside, prospective buyers might make a judgement on your property — however smart it is — and think: “I don’t want to live here.” TUCK AWAY THE TRASH First impressions count, so a gaggle of unsightly bins by the front door is a no-no. Stash them in the shed or garage instead. Tucking them away shows buyers you take care of your property — and everyone wants to inherit somewhere that’s been loved. REMOVE QUIRKY ORNAMENTS Knick-knacks often have sentimental value, but it’s best to remove your personality when selling your home. If a place is cluttered with ornaments and quirky decor, the buyer has to go that extra mile to imagine it’s theirs — so hide that faux-fur tiger rug in a cupboard. SELL A NEW LIFESTYLE If your neighbourhood has a posh tennis court nearby, leave some rackets out. It’ll get buyers thinking about their fabulous new way of life in their new home. Similarly, if you’re by the coast, a paddle propped up by the door could help them imagine days spent boating. PICK UP POO If you’re a dog owner, check that your four-legged friend hasn’t left any “presents” on the lawn. Foxes can also leave a mess, so even if you’re not a pet owner, scan your outside area for any unpleasant surprises before viewings. LEARN ABOUT YOUR BUYER Tap up your estate agent and find out about your potential buyers. Knowing a small detail about a buyer’s lifestyle could swing a sale. If you’ve got sporty buyers, a strategically placed yoga mat could work. It’s about tailoring your environment to them. SAY NO TO GNOMES You might think they’re cute, but many people find garden gnomes cringey or tacky, so it’s best to banish them to the shed. Stone gargoyles can also be a turn-off, so stash them behind a bush until buyers are out of sight. WELCOME FEATHERED FRIENDS Nothing looks sadder than an empty bird feeder dangling from a tree, so if you have one in your garden, make sure it’s filled and looks like it’s in use. It’ll give your property a wholesome vibe. Beware of bird droppings on nearby patio furniture, though! DO A SNIFF TEST We get used to smells inside our homes, but to potential buyers they can be a huge turn off. Go round checking each room for unsavoury pongs — or get a friend to. They’re likely to notice things you won’t. Scented candles can help, but avoid anything too overpowering. DITCH THAT MANKY MAT Old bath and shower mats harbour smells and look unappealing. Buy a cheap replacement and bin the musty one. Switching up tired towels for a matching set will make things look uniform and give your bathroom a fresh hotel vibe. MOW NEIGHBOUR’S LAWN A friend once didn’t put in an offer on a house because the neighbour’s garden was so overgrown. To improve your property’s kerb appeal, offer to tidy their outside space if it’s messy. It could add value to your home, plus every buyer likes to think they’ll have nice new neighbours. REPAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR Buyers are drawn to sober colours, so give garish front doors a lick of paint — ideally white or a classy dark blue or green. A smart front door gives off a feeling of security, so make sure yours looks sturdy. If you’ve got a broken catflap, replace it. EMBRACE THE POWER OF PLANTS Plants can help owners sell more quickly, according to recent research. They breathe life into your home and some, like aloe vera, can even help absorb unpleasant smells. But fake plants will make your house look like an office. ELIMINATE PET HAIR Some buyers are put off properties if an animal lives there, so get your neighbour to look after your pets during viewings. Even if buyers are pet-friendly, vacuum well and go over upholstery with a lint roller to eliminate tell-tale dog and cat hair. SQUEEZE A LEMON Limescale makes taps look dull and dated, but a squirt of lemon juice restores the shine in no time. It also leaves your bathroom with a fresh scent — unlike chemical cleaners that can make your home smell like a gym. Apply the juice, leave for ten minutes, then wipe. SWITCH UP YOUR SEAT A tired, stained toilet seat is guaranteed to give buyers the ick. Fit a cheap replacement and you’ll instantly make your throne look more inviting. Avoid black toilet seats, though — they will show up dust and water marks. BANISH SIGNS OF SMOKING Non-smokers are judgmental of cigarette smells, and even a clean, empty ashtray could be off-putting. Even if you don’t smoke indoors, tell-tale jars half-filled with cigarette butts and rainwater on the patio are unsightly. DELETE DIRTY MARKS We don’t notice just how dirty our skirting boards are until we clean them. While we might be used to those scuff marks, buyers home in on them and make judgments about cleanliness. Buy a magic eraser from the DIY shop and whiten them until they pop.
Subscribe
Login
0 Comments
