Terry Fisher, a property expert from We Buy Any Home, emphasised the importance of “curb appeal”, which refers to the way the outside of your home looks to potential buyers.
Whether it’s a house, maisonette, or apartment, there are ways to spruce up people’s first impression of your home – and Terry shared his top recommendations.
“The outside of your home is the first thing anyone notices about your property, so it’s important to think about your ‘curb appeal’ as this can set the tone for the entire viewing experience,” said Terry.
“If your front door is looking a bit tired, giving it a lick of paint can make a world of difference and make your home look and feel more inviting before any prospective buyer steps foot inside.”
Terry added: “A vibrant colour like blue or red colour can make your property stand out and attract potential buyers as they walk or drive by, while a more subdued hue can appeal to those looking for something more traditional.”
Terry advised: “Just make sure to choose a colour that compliments the colour of the outside of your home and doesn’t clash as this can make your home look ‘cheap’ and be off-putting.”
In addition to a good paint job, small details like the numbers on your door matters. Terry elaborated: “Don’t forget small details like your house number, door knockers and letter boxes.
“Giving these a polish or replacing them if they are old and faded can significantly improve a buyer’s impression of your home for just a few minutes work.”
Moving to the inside of your home, Terry recommended repainting the home to “make a huge difference to your house’s value”.
He explained: “A fresh coat in a neutral colour palette such as grey, beige or white can transform any space, making it feel brighter and more inviting.
“Plus, this blank canvas makes it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves in the space, which can be difficult when viewing a home with a very set style.”
Lighting is another factor that could sway a buyer to purchase your home when considered in the correct way, and could potentially “have a big impact on your home’s value”.
Terry said: “Upgrading old fixtures or adding more sources of light can change the ambience of a room instantly and make a space far more appealing to a buyer.
“For example, you can use carefully placed lighting to help brighten up rooms that struggle with natural light, making them feel far less dreary and making them seem larger.
“Dimmer switches in areas like the living room or bedroom can allow buyers to adjust the lighting to their needs, making them both a desirable but easy DIY job that can give you a good boost to your home’s value.”
As for the easiest and cheapest ways to entice higher bids, decluttering and depersonalising the space to make the home feel larger enables potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home with their belongings.
Terry added: “You can either pop these in storage or ask a family member to hold onto them while you’re dealing with viewings.”
