A recent survey from independent estate agents Move with Us has highlighted the most off-putting cosmetic flaws that potential buyers just can’t see past when house hunting.
The survey, which was conducted amongst 100 independent estate agents from the Move with Us Partner Network, found that unpleasant odours came in as the number one factor that potential buyers just can’t overlook, with 22 per cent reporting this as the top turn-off when dismissing a property as their potential new home.
A shabby, tired kitchen was next at 21 per cent and a rundown bathroom came in third at 20 per cent.
On the other hand, the survey also revealed the cosmetic flaws that potential buyers are most likely to be able to see past during a viewing. A bad paint job was cited as most easy to get over with a 22 per cent response, clutter and an unruly garden came in joint second at 20 per cent, followed by poor carpets at 16.85 per cent.
Robin King, Director at Move with Us, says: “Some cosmetic flaws are easy to see past and potential buyers can normally visualise what they’ll do with the space regardless of a bad paint job or a bit of mess on the floor. Others however prove much more troublesome and can often mean that a property ends up sitting on the market for longer before being sold or the vendor having to sell at a reduced price. With higher numbers of new properties entering the market, sellers should pay extra attention to making their property stand out against the competition.”
“Sellers who want to make their kitchen or bathroom more desirable to potential buyers without the expense of purchasing new ones can opt to replace cupboard doors or give walls a lick of paint. Elsewhere in the house, sellers can help potential buyers to visualise themselves living in the property by neutralising any bright colour schemes and taking down personal photos. Ensuring the property can be seen as a blank canvas is a great psychological technique to help sell it.”
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