Mistakes that could reduce your house price by £56,000

When it comes to selling a home, sellers often do everything they can to ensure they get maximum value.

However, new data analysis from Yopa, the full-service estate agent, has unveiled the simple things that can knock thousands off the value of a home.

The experts said: “If a garden is in a state of disrepair, unloved, unkempt, messy and overgrown, it destroys first impressions.

“Sellers need buyers to fall in love with a property the moment they set their eyes on it, so showing them mess and mayhem can damage your chances of receiving a good offer.

“It’s estimated that an out-of-shape garden can knock between 8.2 percent and 20 percent off a home’s value, which, even in the best case scenario, is equivalent to an average loss of £23,188 based on the current average house price.”

First impressions count for a lot, so tidying the home before potential buyers come to view it is the easiest way to achieve the highest possible price.

The experts estimate that an immaculately presented home can increase the value of offers by an average of 4.7 percent.

This means if your house is untidy or dirty, homeowners could be waving goodbye to a possible £13,290.

The pros continued: “We are a nation of pet loves. But that doesn’t mean we’re attracted to the hair, mess, and odour of other people’s pets when looking to buy a home.

“It’s not that pet hair is a huge turn-off, but it gives an impression of uncleanliness that potential buyers will fear runs through the rest of the property too.

“It’s estimated that the unwanted evidence of pets results in losing four percent of a home’s potential value, equivalent to an average loss of £11,311.”

Outdated decor, a dirty bathroom and kitchen as well as poor lighting can all devalue a home.

A dirty bathroom or kitchen tells prospective buyers that the home may have not been cared for.

The experts noted: “This is scary because it means there might be further issues of bad maintenance throughout the home.

“As such, buyers reduce their offer by an average of 3.2 percent which means the price you achieve could be £9,049 less than it should be.”

CEO of Yopa, Verona Frankish, commented: “Selling a home is not always simple, and there’s often a lot of work that needs putting into a property in order for it to present well and achieve the best possible price.

“All of these seemingly minor issues can cost you thousands of pounds, but the good news is that for the most part, they’re generally easy to address and rarely cost much to rectify.

“Just remember, the more welcoming and cared for your home appears to be, the more comfortable and attractive it will appear to buyers. A home is worth what someone is willing to pay for it, so do everything you can do to make it irresistible.”