3 property features deterring buyers - one seen to devalue home by 37 percent of people
House prices have grown in the first quarter of 2024 across the UK, but do you have some features that could be dragging down the purchase price?
Spring and summer are the ideal times to put your home on the market due to brighter and longer days, which can make house hunting for prospective buyers more fun.
Nationwide reported that there has been an annual house price growth of 1.6 percent, which is most likely helped by the cut to mortgage rates.
Yet, by putting your property on the market, there is no guarantee you are going to have a quick sale.
Findings from Hammonds Furniture pointed out three features that could be putting people off from putting in an offer.
One of the first features that could deter buyers from putting down an offer is the way your home smells.
According to the research data, up to 37 percent of prospective buyers would be put off if you have "pet smells".
How to get rid of a doggy smell in your home
According to professional cleaning services Maid Bright, there are steps you can take to eradicate pet smells.
Steps include vacuuming curtains, furniture and the floors; mopping floors with white vinegar and water solution; and washing dog beds, toys, and bowls often.
"Baking soda is a great neutraliser for pet odour," Maid Bright noted.
Don't miss...
I'm a property expert - one thing tin your garden will knock £2k off house price [EXPERT]
Rats and mice reduce house value by 20% - use 24p item they hate to deter them [LATEST]
'I use £2.50 Ikea item to stop neighbour parking over my driveway' [INSIGHT]
"You should sprinkle baking soda on fabrics, dog beds and carpets and let it sit for a few minutes.
"Wipe the area that has baking soda with a wet cloth or vacuum it to eliminate the unpleasant pet smell."
Pets should be bathed regularly, and if the smell still lingers, consider hiring a professional cleaning company.
Another off-putting feature could be only having a shower – and not a bath, with 34 percent of respondents in the survey by Hammonds Furniture agreeing.
And one more thing - "ugly wallpaper" can be off-putting as it's simply harder work to get off than repainting a wall.
What you may consider to be lovely, others may not have the same taste as you, and prospective buyers will consider how much work they are willing to take on.
If prospective buyers are wanting to put their own stamp on the place with minimal effort, they will be judging the decor choices.
Thus, in order to improve the likelihood of a higher offer, make sure the home smells clean, has a bath (if possible), and is decorated plainly.
