House prices have been rising in recent months and experts predict they will continue to increase between now and the end of the year.
It’s likely to tempt many property owners into putting their houses on the market in a bid to benefit from the market frenzy.
Before making the step, many homeowners often look to carry out DIY improvements to ensure they eventually land the best price possible.
But although making small tweaks can have the desired impact, certain changes made to your property can in fact have the total opposite effect and drive down the value.
As an interior design expert, I’m often asked the things to best avoid when renovating a property. Tastes will always differ. But generally, there are seven rules which when followed can give you the best chance of securing the highest price for your home.
Bold design choices can put buyers off
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Stay off Tik Tok
When it comes to interior design, most things look great on social media. But there is a massive danger in buying into social media fads as they so often prove to be fleeting and overexposure can lead us to tire of them. TikTok trends are, by definition, just that.
So rather than impulse installing viral trends, aim to create your own cherished space adding furniture and accessories gradually, creating a unique and timeless home aesthetic that will stand the test of time. It will also help increase the value.
Pull the plug on freestanding baths
Generally synonymous with fancy hotels and A-list pads, freestanding baths are great for Instagram. But did you know that there are a lot of practical issues which make them unattractive to buyers?
Freestanding baths are far higher maintenance than normal varieties. You may need to make extra room under your floor for additional pipes and plumbing. If these pipes leak, they can be incredibly expensive to access and can create bad smells. It can really put people off and drive down the value of a home.
Think carefully about that home gym
Having a workout room at home was a must-have during lockdown, but they now divide opinion.
They generally take up space which could be used for something more beneficial and can sometimes put off prospective buyers. So, while you think a home gym can pump up the value, in reality, it often drives it down.
Avoid over-the-top colours
First impressions matter, so your home should be ready to impress straight away as potential home buyers walk through the front door. If the entrance is dark, dingy and lacking in interior flair, it instantly feels uninviting. And with over-the-top colours and too much furniture, it can feel overwhelming and cramped.
Instead, opt for neutral and uplifting tones, along with staple pieces of decor to demonstrate the potential of the space, such as a stylish rug or runner and a neat console table dressed with a lamp and fresh flowers.
Let there be light
A dark home is a big red flag on many people’s perfect home checklist. So, if you have a space in your house that doesn’t get a lot of natural light, avoid having dark features in that room as this will only enhance the gloominess of the area.
Instead, paint the walls a light shade, opt for a pale carpet or lightwood flooring – and if this isn’t possible with your timeframe or budget, a pale rug can do the job – and ensure pieces of furniture are lighter.
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Be mindful when picking paint colours
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Ditch clashing decor throughout the home
You may enjoy loud, creative decor with clashing colours and statement pieces, but this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. It’s much safer to have a home interior with a consistent colour scheme or accent colour throughout, often more tailored to neutral tones.
This makes it easier for viewers to be able to picture their own style and furniture in the house, and also encourages a heightened sense of flow from room to room, rather than having a disjointed feeling as they explore your home.
Avoid a messy, untamed garden
It’s important to take note of the outside space, and not just your home’s interior. For many home buyers, the garden is just as important as the house, and ensuring it looks its best is a sure-fire way to show it in its best light.
Have the grass freshly mowed, ensure your patio if free of weeds, and tidy up the front garden to create a promising first impression.
Whether big or small, any effort to give your home and garden a more polished look can work wonders for its commercial viability.
