An expert has warned that flying an England flag outside your home could cost you thousands.
Over the past month, thousands of St George’s flags have been seen across cities, towns and villages nationwide.
However, one specialist suggests that homeowners might be taken aback to learn that displaying one outside their homes could negatively impact them, even to the tune of thousands of pounds.
Jack Malnick, managing director of property website Sell House Fast, stated that flying the nation’s flag when attempting to sell a home “could alter buyer perceptions” and “therefore affect viewing bookings”.
He further explained that this could then “impact offers and the overall speed of the sale”, reports Birmingham Live.
If a property lingers on the market for too long, homeowners will inevitably be advised to lower their asking price.
“There is no statistical proof showing that property prices have dropped due to St George’s flags being flown,” Mr Malnick clarified.
“However, some estate agents and property experts may advise sellers against displaying, due to negative associations some demographics have with the flag.
“Though equally depending on the area, it may have the opposite effect.
“For the sake of selling your property, presenting your home as a space that any buyer can imagine themselves in, is your best bet and the easiest way to do this is to remove a certain amount of personalisation.”
For those worried about whether their neighbours’ flags could influence a property sale, Mr Malnick advised homeowners to “focus on strengthening” their own appeal.
“Focus on strengthening your own property’s appeal,” he said.
“Make sure your home looks and feels as welcoming as possible with clean and tidy outdoor spaces.
“Make sure the garden is looking well-kept. Perhaps the fence needs a lick of paint? This kind of detail will draw attention away from the flag next door.
“Ultimately a buyer needs to know the kind of area they are moving into and who their neighbours are so it will either work for them or it won’t and you are better off knowing that sooner rather than later.”
