11 Ways you could be devaluing your property without realising it
Mon 03 Mar 2025
By Martin McKelvey
When it comes to selling your home, presentation is everything. Even small details can impact your property's value and how quickly it sells. Over the years, we’ve seen common mistakes that can turn buyers off or reduce your asking price. Here’s how to avoid them:
1. Reducing the number of bedrooms
Converting a third bedroom into an upstairs bathroom or a walk-in wardrobe might suit your lifestyle, but it can reduce the overall value of your home. Buyers typically place a higher value on the number of bedrooms than a secondary bathroom.
2. Poor DIY work
Home improvements are great, but bad DIY jobs—such as uneven tiling, messy paintwork, or poorly fitted shelves—can make your home look neglected. Consider hiring a professional for key updates or making sure any DIY projects are done to a high standard.
3. Untidy front garden
Kerb appeal matters. If your front garden is overgrown, cluttered with bins, or unkempt, buyers may be put off before they even step inside. A tidy garden with a neat lawn and well-placed plants can make all the difference.
4. Neglecting your front door
First impressions count, and your front door is the first thing potential buyers will notice. A fresh coat of paint, polished door handles, and a clean, welcoming entrance can create a great first impression.
5. Overly personal décor
Brightly coloured feature walls, busy wallpaper, or highly personalised décor can make it harder for buyers to picture themselves living in your home. Neutral tones create a blank canvas and make rooms feel bigger and brighter.
6. Cluttered and untidy interiors
Buyers want to see the space, not your personal belongings. Decluttering makes rooms feel larger and allows buyers to focus on the property’s features rather than distractions like overflowing bookshelves or surfaces covered in trinkets.
7. Pets during viewings
Not everyone loves animals, and pet hair, odours, or even an excitable dog greeting buyers at the door can be a turn-off. If possible, remove pets during viewings and ensure your home is fresh and clean.
8. Unpleasant odours
Strong smells—whether from damp, mould, smoke, or even last night’s dinner—can put buyers off instantly. Address any damp or ventilation issues, and make sure your home smells fresh before every viewing.
9. Wasted space & too much furniture
Overcrowded rooms can make your home feel smaller than it is. Reposition furniture to highlight the best use of space—if a spare room is used as storage, consider staging it as a home office or guest bedroom to help buyers see its full potential.
10. Unsightly views
If your garden backs onto a busy road or unattractive building, strategic landscaping can help. Adding fencing, trellises, and plants can create privacy and make the view more appealing.
11. Alterations that don’t suit the property
Ultra-modern features on a period home, stone cladding on a Victorian terrace, or bright exterior paint can make your house stand out for the wrong reasons. If your home is in a conservation area like the Lakes Estate in Southgate, you may need permission for changes to the exterior.
Thinking of Selling?
If your property has been on the market for a while or you’re unsure if anything is affecting its value, we’re here to help. Contact Martin McKelvey for free, expert advice on how to maximise your home’s appeal on 020 8882 7888.