Features That Put Brits Off Buying a Property

Homebuyers Reveal Features That Put Brits Off Buying a Property.
VonHaus has revealed the top 10 features that would make Brits less likely to buy a property. Chris Lawton, Managing Director of CK Architectural has offered insight into how interior choices can impact the value of your home.

A third (33%) of Brits would be hesitant to buy a property if it had a bad smell.

Over the past 12 months, search terms such as ‘what can add value to my home’ (+40%) and ‘tips for moving house’ (+60%) have seen a big increase. It’s well known that selling a property can be a stressful and competitive experience, so which features should you be paying extra attention to when looking to sell your home?

VonHaus has conducted research to find out the top 10 features that would make Brits less likely to buy a property, as well as revealing expert advice on the creative touches that are guaranteed to add value to your home.

In first place is mould, which can devalue the average UK home[2] by up to £61,000[3]. As well as this, bad smells (which came in third place) such as cigarette smoke can reduce a home’s value by a shocking £77,000[4].

Percentage of Brits less likely to buy a property with this feature

Mould 37%
Damp 37%
Bad smell 33%
Cracks in the walls 32%
No garden 28%
Cracks in the floor 26%
Lack of storage 22%
Stains on the walls 20%
Dark rooms 19%
Not having a bath 16%

Less Likely to Buy a Property
VonHaus’ research also found that 32% of Brits would be less likely to buy a property if there were cracks in the walls, so if you’re looking to sell up, it might be time to purchase some filler.

With nearly one in five (19%) Brits stating that they’d be put off by a dark room, VonHaus spoke to Chris Lawton, Managing Director of CK Architectural to gain some insight into how interior choices can impact the value of a property. Lawton explained; “Using lighter colours in the décor will help create a more open and spacious feeling and this itself can be a big contributor to higher prices for properties.”

16% of Brits said that they would be less likely to purchase a property due to the absence of a bath. Lawton offers his advice on how to make your smaller bathroom more attractive: “Bathrooms can have a dramatic impact on the value of a property. Showers and baths of course have the biggest impact on this but so do things like the sink, the materials used throughout and the overall practicality and atmosphere of the room.”

Adele Brennan, Buyer for Kitchen and Home Electricals at VonHaus also adds, “When designing your bathroom incorporating stylish storage racks and mirrored cabinets will help transform the room whilst also adding value.”

Finally, the kitchen is the heart of the home and therefore it’s no surprise that it’s “the main selling point” of a property. When styling your kitchen, take into consideration the finer details as Lawton highlights that “islands and more intricate furnishings certainly help to create value both in practicality and in social potential”.

Additionally, Adele Brennan says, “If you’re looking to enhance your kitchen, coordinating your appliances can be a great way of adding flair. When choosing your pots and pans, maintain the same style selection throughout to encourage a smarter and more sophisticated feel. When purchasing your appliances and kitchen accessories, don’t be afraid to experiment with light colours.”

For more information please visit VonHaus’ blog.