Top home turn-offs when you’re looking to sell

Selling a property can be difficult and the last thing you want to do is actively put off buyers.

With this in mind, it pays to know what the biggest turn-offs are for purchasers so you can ensure you put your best foot forward during the selling process.  

From unsightly décor to a medieval boiler, research conducted by GoCompare home insurance revealed the top 20 purchase deal breakers. Unsurprising, damp, poor maintenance and bad smells make up the top three most undesirable aspects, with a lack of parking and broadband blackspots slightly behind.

What do househunters not like when they are looking to purchase a new home?

TOP 20 DEAL BREAKERS 

1. Damp stains on walls and ceilings – 69%

2. Bad smells (e.g. damp, food, cigarettes, pets, etc.) – 63%

3. Property in poor state (rotten window frames, peeling paintwork, etc.) – 59%

4. No parking – 56%

5. Broadband blackspot – 53%

6. Unfinished building work – 53%

7. No garden – 52%

8. Property not connected to mains gas – 51%

9. Rubbish strewn in neighbouring gardens – 48%

10. A dirty house – 46%

11. Out dated electrics/wiring – 46%

12. Poor natural light/dark rooms – 43%

13. Dilapidated neighbouring property – 43%

14. Proximity to major road or motorway – 43%

15. Small room sizes – 40%

16. Small kitchen – 39%

17. Bad DIY – 38%

18. Student let next door – 37%

19. Old boiler or central heating system – 37%

20. Stone cladding, render or pebble dash exterior walls – 31% 

So, what do you do if you fall into one of the above categories? 

Firstly, don’t panic as some of the many of the deterrents listed can be easily fixed. For example, deep cleaning the property can help banish unpleasant smells and freshen-up the interior, while taking the time to finish started DIY projects can instantly provide a face lift. Other aspects – damp, rewiring and unfinished building work, for instance – can be costly, however, worth sorting if you want the property to sell sooner rather than later.

An untidy neighbourhood and a hub of local student let properties are two points which can’t be helped; after all, you can’t choose your neighbours. Luckily, both fall outside of the top 10.

The key is to make the best out of what you have. Instead of trying to second-guess potential buyers, ensure the property is clean, tidy and inviting. This will increase your chances of attracting interest, and possibly seize a sale.  

For further information on how to get your home ready to sell, read our articles: ‘Four tips to help you sell your house this summer’ and ‘How to add value to your home’. 

If you would like to discuss your mortgage options, please contact us or visit your local branch to arrange an appointment. We offer face-to-face, telephone and video advice mortgage appointments for those who cannot make it to a branch. 

YOUR MORTGAGE IS SECURED ON YOUR HOME. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.