Research has shown that more Brits are selling their homes now with areas experiencing a buyer’s market seeing a particularly high interest in sales.
David Wilson Homes conducted a survey, with results finding that 27% of Brits are considering selling their home. Within the almost quarter of Brits looking to sell, research also found that 47% are looking to upsize as opposed to 29% who are looking to downsize. Regardless of the reasons, there are a few vital tips involved when it comes to selling your home, with experts warning of the one “deal breaker” which will sabotage your house sale. Further looking into the biggest visual dealbreakers in online property listings, David Wilson Homes surveyed 500 UK adults and found that signs of pets living at your property was among the biggest saboteur for quick home selling.
A total of 36% of Brits surveyed admitted that “seeing evidence of previous pets in a home can be a dealbreaker due to lingering odours and potential allergens”.
David Wilson Homes further explained: “Common signs include food bowls, pet beds, and litter trays, as well as less obvious signs like scratches and chew marks on furniture.”
Experts further add that buyers may be reluctant to homes with pets as they’re turned off by odours, perceived damage caused by them and hair.
The research further proves that while pet ownership may be common and beloved in the UK, visible signs of pets can often be a deterrent for a potential buyer and may even delay a quick sale with the likelihood of a sale for your home coming down to removing these pet signs.
But the research found two bigger concerns for UK home buyers and were labelled the biggest deal breakers.
Just over half (54%) said signs of poor maintenance, while igns of smoking in your home came top with 65%.
“The main red flag for UK homebuyers is evidence of smoking, with 65% noting it as a top concern with signs including ashtrays or yellow stains on walls and curtains,” added David Wilson Homes.
“To make your home more appealing for potential suitors, deep clean carpets, repaint affected walls, and air out spaces before listing.”
Evidence of poor maintenance includes signs of peeling plaster or mould with experts strongly advising to “address these issues” or if not, it’s “best to be upfront and honest rather than trying to disguise them in online pictures”.
The biggest concerns for UK home buyers:
- Signs of smoking – 65%
- Signs of poor maintenance – 54%
- Evidence of pets – 36%
The research also revealed the giggest image mistakes:
- Dishes left on the side – 25%
- Unmade or messy bed – 21%
- Overly personal decorations – 20%