For many people, the pandemic has changed the way they view their homes. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) report that 36% of Brits saw their home also become their office during 2020, as remote working became the “new normal”.
Since so many people were spending more time at home, they also spent more money on home improvements. In fact, Yahoo Finance UK report that £110.3 billion was spent on home improvements during lockdown.
Now more than ever, your home is the place where you spend the most quality time. This has meant that many Brits have been considering moving house to a property that better suits their needs.
For example, according to an article by the BBC, house prices surged by 10.9% in the year to May 2021 as many people re-evaluated their housing needs. In particular, many prospective buyers wanted to search for a property with a garden.
With so many people looking to move home, and so many properties on the market, you might be wondering how can you make your house more appealing to potential buyers. If you are, read on for five tips that can help you sell your home faster.
1. Clean and declutter, but don’t depersonalise
Everyone prefers the look of a tidy home, whether they’re visiting in person or simply viewing photos online. Leaving various items on every spare tabletop or, even worse, the floor could put off potential buyers and make the rooms look and feel smaller.
Removing limescale from the bathroom or marks and stains in the kitchen will make these rooms stand out. This is especially important because, as studies show, the kitchen is one of the top two rooms that can make or break buyer interest.
However, just because you’re cleaning doesn’t mean that you should take away all the personality of your home. Making it feel lived-in can encourage potential buyers, so you may want to take the opportunity to spruce up your interior design. Plants, artwork, and colourful wallpaper can all add to the overall feel of your home.
2. Fix any glaring issues around the house
Taking the time to add a fresh coat of paint wherever it’s needed and repairing any obviously broken items could make a world of difference for a potential buyer. They all add up to make a house more comfortable.
If DIY isn’t your strong suit, you may want to hire someone to fix things for you. The less work a potential buyer needs to do, and the less money they’ll need to spend when they move in, the more likely they are to choose it.
3. Trim and maintain your garden
The external appearance of your home can be just as important as how it feels inside. Especially since most of us have been locked inside our home for the last 18 months and may be looking for an outside area to relax in.
A well-kept garden can add a great deal to a property. From the front, it can help make your property look that little bit prettier, while the back it can provide a buyer with their own beautiful pocket of nature.
Don’t forget to trim your bushes and mow your lawns if you’re expecting potential buyers.
4. Advertise the opportunity for an office space
With the possibility that remote working is here to stay, a home office can be a great way to attract potential buyers. Having a designated at-home workspace could be vital to future home sales.
Even if you don’t work from home, or don’t have the luxury of your own office, identifying a space that could be used as such might just sway someone towards your property. Think creatively and imagine what could be ideal for someone working from home.
For example, a spare bedroom or attic space could both be easily converted to a home office, if that’s what a buyer is looking for.
5. Aim for a “light and airy” feel
According to the HomeOwners Alliance, having windows in good condition is the number one aspect that people look for in a home. This can help to ensure that your property feels bright, which can help create a positive atmosphere for buyers.
A well-lit property with plenty of space is an attractive combination as many people would obviously prefer a warm, inviting, and spacious home. Light colours also help to create a more welcoming feeling, so consider taking pictures to show off your property on sunny days.
All the above come together to make any house feel more like a home. In 2021, what used to be nice additional features to have, like office space and a garden, have become a priority. Taking the time to show off these spaces and improve the overall look of your home could significantly improve your chances of selling your home in the near future.
Get in touch
If you’re moving to a new home, we can help to ensure that your mortgage application process is smooth and as hassle-free as possible. To find out more, email enquire@london-money.co.uk or call us at 0207 808 4120 to find out more.