Whether you’re looking to sell your home or are just curious about its value, getting an estate agent valuation will be useful. An estate agent’s valuation of a property takes into account both its strengths and weaknesses to arrive at an accurate price. It’s easy to highlight the features you adore in your home, but have you considered what might deter potential buyers and decrease its value?
Property guru Danny Johnson from Danny Buys Houses has shared details on factors that can lower a property’s worth. He said: “After having bought and sold hundreds of houses, I found the following to devalue a house in most people’s opinion.”
Outdated windows
Nobody fancies living in a draughty home or one that fails to keep the warmth in. Subpar windows are a significant determinant in a property’s value.
This is because inadequate windows will inevitably require replacement. Buyers typically expect double-glazed windows as a standard feature in their new homes.
Danny suggested that outdated windows could lead to a dip in house value by about five to 10%.
Ugly bricks
According to the expert, many older homes from the 60s and 70s feature “horrible brick colours” which can instantly repel buyers.
Danny stated, “This quickly turns off a lot of buyers and can devalue a house by as much as 10%.”
Bad additions
The most substantial reductions in property value stem from shoddy DIY work. While DIY can be a cost-effective method for home improvements, it must be executed properly.
Poor craftsmanship, subpar painting and unapproved alterations can send potential buyers “running for the hills” and are an “immediate turn-off”.
Danny warned that these “bad additions” could “quickly devalue the home by as much as 20%.
It’s worth splashing out on professional decorators, builders and home renovation experts if you’re looking to boost your property’s value.
Outdated carpets
The majority of contemporary homes favour hardwood flooring over carpet, and there’s a good reason behind this design decision.
Danny explained: “Having outdated carpet reduces the value of a house by 5% or more, depending on how much of the house has it.”
Bedroom accessibility
Bedrooms that can only be accessed through other bedrooms can be a major turn-off for buyers.
The property expert stated: “This negatively impacts the house in the same way as having one less bedroom would.”
