If you’re thinking about putting your house on the market any time soon, then it’s worth thinking about how to appeal to buyers. That fresh coat of paint you put on could actually turn off interested buyers if it isn’t what they’re looking for.
According to Kevin Barzegar, managing director of Kaybridge Residential, there are three colours that can harm your chances of a good sale. The first is slate or charcoal greys. Although these are modern choices that look fabulous in photographs, in real life they can be a little drab. Kevin said: “I’ve walked into countless properties where beautiful rooms have been made to feel like caves because of dark grey paint.
“It’s particularly problematic in British homes where we’re already dealing with limited natural light for much of the year.”
A good alternative to this cold, dark colour is a warmer ‘greige’. This blend of grey and beige oozes sophistication without the cold factor.
Kevin said: “Warm greige gives you that modern, neutral look buyers want, but it reflects light rather than absorbing it.”
The second thing to avoid is a feature wall, especially in red or deep purple.This can age your home, and make it hard for buyers to envision their own style and belongings in the home.
Kevin said: “When someone walks into a room with a deep red feature wall, they’re not seeing the room – they’re seeing that wall.
“It becomes the focal point whether you want it to be or not, and most buyers find it distracting rather than appealing.”
It also means that buyers start mentally calculating how much a repaint would cost before they even make an offer.
For those who want to add character without overwhelming buyers, Kevin suggests accent colours through removable elements.
He said: “Soft sage green or muted navy blue work well if you must have colour, but keep it subtle. Better yet, add personality through artwork, cushions, or plants that buyers can easily imagine changing.”
The third thing to avoid is bright, stark white. Although this is frequently considered a classic, it can be off-putting and feel sterile.
Kevin said: “Stark white usually just makes British homes feel like hospital corridors rather than family spaces.
“Buyers want to feel warmth and comfort, not like they’re touring a medical facility.”
It will also highlight every scuff and mark on your walls and cheapen them. Instead opt for cream and pearl shades that give that tidy modern look without being too cold.