How can future buyers visualise the hidden potential in your home? Well, the answer doesn't necessarily have to lie in a big renovation or spending a fortune on a makeover.
'There are several cost-effective things you can do to ensure you're utilising the space you already have and that your property really does have the wow factor,' says Elliot Castle, property expert at home buying company Webuyanyhome.com. 'If you prepare your home in the right way, you are not only more likely to sell the property faster, but you might increase the value too.'
From clever storage solutions to creating the illusion of space, Elliot shares some top tips on how to impress potential buyers and ultimately add value to your home, in the most practical way possible.
1. Revamp your front door to make a welcoming entrance
The front door is the first thing any potential buyer will notice, so it's important to make first impressions count. If your front door is looking a bit shabby, buy a new doorknob, a brass letterbox or a stainless steel house number; these small touches can instantly make your home appear more welcoming. If you need some inspiration, browse Pinterest or Instagram – you'll be surprised how many people share beautiful imagery of exterior doors!
2. Hang a mirror in the hallway to create an illusion of space
Once inside the house, the hall is the first space the buyer sees, yet it is often narrow, cramped and full of clutter such as prams, bikes and trainers. Ensure the hallway is decluttered and tidy to stop it looking too cramped, and hang a mirror on either side of the wall, to give the illusion of a bigger space. A vase of fresh flowers in the hallway also goes a long way and can add an instant homely feel to it, which will make potential buyers feel relaxed.
3. Give the house a lick of paint
A fresh lick of paint goes a long way, as it helps keep the interior of the house or flat looking neat and fresh. Never underestimate the power of white walls to not only give the illusion of a bigger space, but also an all-over clean and slick look. A fresh coat of paint will cover up any marks that have amassed on the walls over the years and don't forget to pay the windows some attention with a good clean, inside and out.
4. Make the most of your furniture and be storage savvy
Clever storage solutions are a must for any room with limited space. Make the most of multi-purpose items such as trunks which can be used as coffee tables and a place to store household bits and bobs. If you're struggling to find space to hide everything away, why not consider having a clear out and selling everything you don't need at a car boot sale? That way you'll earn some extra cash for the home improvements!
5. Put those paintings and prints to good use to create height throughout the house
Adding the perception of height to your room is the perfect way to make it seem like you have a larger space. Tables and chairs that are set on high legs will also elevate the room to help create a more spacious environment and a good way to draw the eye up is by hanging standout pieces on the walls such as bold paintings and prints.
6. Use the right accessories for your colour scheme
Dark colours can easily make a space feel small. If your home has dark coloured walls add cream and white accessories like rugs and throws. Neutral and airy tones can help to bring 'light' into a room. Remember to keep the colour palette soft with whites, beiges, light blues and greys to maximise the space. Rugs and carpets that have a similar colour tone will fit in with the theme and further increase the illusion of space.
First time seller? Read this beginner's guide to selling your first property, detailing every step from setting your sale price to choosing a solicitor and negotiating the contract. And find out the biggest reason why your house fails to sell as new research reveals what house hunters really focus on when viewing a property.
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