A property expert has revealed the simple mistakes you could be making when selling your home – and has shared the things you can do to make your house more appealing
As exciting as the prospect of moving homes can be, selling your existing property isn’t always a walk in the park – though there are things you can do to make things a little easier.
One person who knows this all too well is interior expert Liv Conlon. Having run the property staging business The Property Stagers (thepropertystagers.co.uk) for a decade, Liv has firsthand experience getting homes ready for sale, and has even transformed properties that have remained on the market for years.
From unexplained furniture placement to dreary-looking gardens, Liv explains some ways you could potentially stop buyers from snapping up your home…
Unconventional furniture placement
For Laura, furniture placement that doesn’t immediately make sense for prospective buyers can hinder a sale as buyers are keen to envision themselves living in the property. In one case, she came across an £800,000 property that featured a pool surrounded by massage chairs that also happened to be next to the living space.
“I’m all in for creativity, but buyers struggle to envision themselves living in a space when its function isn’t clear,” she explains. “Use furniture to clearly define each room’s purpose. Avoid overcrowding and stick to layouts that maximise space and functionality.”
Ignoring the garden
When people are coming to view your home, it’s easy to get caught up on the insides of the house. Besides, that’s where any prospective buyer will be spending most of their time. That being said, you’re also selling your garden too, so don’t let a dreary looking outside space stop your home from being snapped up.
“The right aesthetic begins not just within the property but from the moment you approach it, starting at the curb,” she says. “Make sure clutter is stored away, creating a tidy and organised look even for the outside of the home. Mow your lawn and keep bushes trimmed whilst potential buyers are examining your property.”
Focus on the curb appeal
Similarly, ignoring maintenance tasks is an easy way to put buyers off a property and could signal that your home has some underlying issues. “I’ve seen all sorts of things in homes (including high-priced-homes) that would make your eyes water, such as scuffed paintwork, peeling wallpaper, and worn-out flooring,” reveals Liv.
“These seemingly minor flaws can snowball into major deterrents for potential buyers, prompting concerns about the overall condition and upkeep of the property. Furthermore, neglecting regular maintenance can lead to costly repairs down the line, exacerbating the depreciation of your home’s value.”
Too much colour
One perk of being a homeowner means putting your own stamp on your property. While you may have lived in rentals filled with white walls, having your own home means you can paint the walls with whatever colours you please. However, if selling your home, having too much of an intense colour palette might distract viewers, so it’s worth considering opting for more neutral tones when deciding to go on the market.
“Neutral tones are your friend when preparing a property for sale. Soft greys, creams, or beiges create a blank canvas that allows buyers to envision their own style. If you want to add personality, do so with removable accents like cushions, throws, or artwork. This keeps the home appealing to a wider audience while still feeling inviting,” says Liv.
Too little colour
On the other hand, when things feature too little colour, things can seem a little boring. Instead of opting for no colour at all, adding colourful pieces of decor or soft furnishings can add extra personality to a space without making things overwhelming.
“To make any space feel more inviting, introduce pops of colour through cushions, rugs, and artwork. These simple touches can transform a neutral space into a more dynamic and appealing environment for potential buyers,” the property expert adds.
