HOMEOWNERS could be losing thousands of pounds without even realising it, thanks to outdated features that put buyers off.
Experts say it’s often not big structural problems that scare buyers away, but small, overlooked details that create doubt about a property.
Chris Hodgkinson, managing director of property company HBB Solutions, explained that a badly kept driveway, tired windows or a scruffy front door can seriously damage a buyer’s first impression.
Mr Hodgkinson said: “People generally want to buy a property they can move into without then spending thousands of pounds.”
If small jobs look like they’ve been neglected, buyers start wondering what else might be wrong with the house.
Conservatory – 10% house price hit
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One of the biggest culprits is the once-loved conservatory, which has fallen out of favour with modern buyers.
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They’re often seen as impractical, too hot in summer and too cold in winter.
Instead, buyers now prefer insulated extensions or open-plan living spaces that work all year round.
However, this mismatch in taste can create a real gap between what sellers think their home is worth and what buyers are actually willing to pay.
According to HBB Solutions, an outdated conservatory can create a 5-10% cent difference in how a buyer and a seller value a property.
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If you are currently trying to sell a property that features an older conservatory, there are several strategies you can use to increase its appeal.
One solution is to upgrade to a solid, insulated roof, which immediately transforms the structure into a functional, year-round living space.
For a more budget-friendly approach, you can improve temperature control by installing thermal blinds and adding a dedicated heating source.
Plus, you should always stage the room carefully for viewings by furnishing it as a practical space, such as a home office or a dining room, to help prospective buyers envision its true potential rather than seeing it as a redundant add-on.
Turning a bedroom in to an office – £15,000
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Another common mistake is turning a spare bedroom into a home office, a trend that took off during the pandemic.
Mr Hodgkinson said most family buyers still value an extra bedroom more highly than a dedicated workspace.
He warned: “So if you’ve changed your three bedroom property into a two bed with office, then you will be limiting your potential buying audience.”
He estimates this switch could cost sellers around £15,000 on an average property, with other experts putting bedroom losses as high as £40,800 depending on the home.
His advice is to turn the room back into a bedroom, and simply mention its flexibility for other uses when marketing the home.
Messy garden – £5,000
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Another major issue is letting the outside of a home look neglected, whether it’s an overgrown garden or a messy driveway.
Poor kerb appeal can knock as much as five per cent off a buyer’s offer, according to HBB Solutions, while other experts say an unkempt garden alone can wipe up to £5,000 off a sale price.
To easily spruce up your outdoor space before viewings, start by tackling the absolute basics such as mowing the lawn, weeding the flowerbeds, and trimming back any overgrown hedges or unruly bushes.
Power-washing your driveway, pathways, and patios can also instantly refresh the property’s exterior by stripping away years of built-up dirt and grime.
Finally, adding a fresh layer of mulch to your borders and placing a few brightly coloured potted plants or hanging baskets near the front entrance will create a welcoming first impression that immediately draws prospective buyers in.
Dated interiors and kitchen – £13,000
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The same is largely true of a home that looks tired inside too, unless it’s being sold to an investor eyeing up a renovation project.
A dated kitchen can also put buyers off, with one property expert suggesting a tired kitchen alone could cost sellers up to £13,000.
Buyers may reduce their offer by several thousand pounds because they believe they will need to replace the kitchen immediately.
But you don’t need a whole refit to salvage the value.
Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance, said: “Sellers shouldn’t assume they need to spend tens of thousands on a complete refit.
“Relatively inexpensive changes such as new cabinet doors, handles, worktops or fresh grout can make a huge difference.
“If you are selling soon, the aim is to make the kitchen look clean, well maintained and appealing rather than creating your own dream kitchen.”
Energy efficency – £11,000
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Energy efficiency has become another key factor, with poor insulation, single glazing and old boilers making a home less appealing while bills remain high.
Fortunately, homeowners looking to improve their energy efficiency before selling can take advantage of various government schemes to help offset the costs.
Initiatives such as the Great British Insulation Scheme and the Boiler Upgrade Scheme offer financial support and grants to eligible households for upgrading loft and cavity wall insulation or replacing inefficient heating systems.
Rightmove data shows that improving a property’s Energy Performance Certificate from D to C can add around 4% to its value, equivalent to almost £11,000 on the average home.
The good news is that fixing these problems doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
Hodgkinson said: “Sellers can often protect their property’s value through relatively low-cost improvements such as tidying the garden, refreshing dated décor, improving kerb appeal and ensuring any extensions, alterations or repairs are properly documented.”
He added that buyers are willing to pay more when a home feels well looked after and doesn’t raise worries about hidden costs.
His overall advice is to focus on small, affordable jobs rather than big renovations before putting a house on the market.
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Mr Hodgkinson said: “Generally our advice would be to do the little DIY jobs that don’t cost much, declutter and decorate before looking to sell.”
He warned against splashing out on a new kitchen or bathroom purely to boost a sale price, as these upgrades “rarely pay for themselves” when done with selling in mind.