Is an Outdated Home Hindering your Sale?

When you decide to sell your home, you are effectively inviting people to make judgement. Of course, the size, architectural style and location of your property are of paramount importance but purchasers have been proven to make snap judgements based purely on aesthetics.

And how quick is snap? The average Brit was found to take just 38 seconds to judge someone’s home when they arrive, according to a survey of 2,000 adults by Independent Network powered by VEKA.

There are really obvious red flags that can put buyers off – mould, cracks in walls, single glazing and signs of pests are some of the most common – but there are some more cosmetic aspects that may cost you a sale.

Why do appearances matter?

In early 2024, new research by Moverly revealed the top 10 issues that deter homebuyers. A poorly kept home and garden made the list, with buyers who came away from a viewing with a bad first impression potentially reducing their offer by almost 13%.

Other research relating to judgements made by prospective purchasers found a home’s appearance on the surface can lead to speculation about what’s underneath. Old or outdated fixtures and fittings can give the impression that the owner is not invested in the upkeep of the property, leaving viewers wondering what they may have to improve or update at their own cost.

Pebble dash? It’s a hard pass

Some off-putting aspects straddle the two camps. For example, pebble dash instantly pins a home to a certain era and is costly to remove, while the presence of stones stuck in render can knock a reputed 10% off of a home’s value. In fact, a survey by Hammonds found 25% of home movers questioned would be put off a property if it was covered in pebble dash.

Interior style is, of course, totally subjective but if you’re wondering whether your home looks dated to the average onlooker, you may be interested in the results of a new survey by Daikin UK. The views of 2,000 adults were taken into consideration to produce the top 20 features in the home that people consider outdated. Have you got any of the following?

1. Landline phone
2. Wood chip wallpaper
3. Single glazing
4. DVD/CD player on show
5. Coloured bathroom suite
6. Carpeted bathroom
7. Net curtains
8. Lace tablecloths
9. Pebble dash
10. A separate dining room
11. Word art, such as a Live, Laugh, Love sign
12. Cottage-style kitchen units
13. Floral patterns
14. Shag-pile carpets
15. Cream or white-painted walls
16. Bean bag furniture
17. Wooden decking in the garden
18. Frosted glass
19. A fishpond
20. Shabby chic furniture

Do purchasers really care?
We don’t suggest for one moment that everything on the list will instantly devalue your home. Net curtains can be taken down, bean bag furniture will move on with the outgoing owner and lace tablecloths are temporary.

Granted, an aspect such as single glazing will usually be flagged up in a survey and can have a detrimental effect on a home’s value. Other major elements, such as dated bathrooms and kitchens, may have a potential buyer totting up how much it may cost to replace them. The net result could be a lower offer.

Don’t immediately purge your property

Other aspects on the list can be considered as assets. Cream or white-painted walls? Perfectly fine. Wooden decking? Many purchasers love this if it’s in good condition and well installed.

As the saying goes, there’s no accounting for taste. Having seen and sold 1,000s of homes between us, the White & Brooks teams have a good idea of what helps sell a property and what has buyers running for the South Downs hills!

We’d be happy to give you presentation advice ahead of coming to market – get in touch for a gentle appraisal of your home and an accurate valuation.