5 things that can reduce the value of your property

It’s always important to think carefully before decorating or making any drastic home altering decisions because even if you don’t plan to move the value of your home is something you’ll want to keep as high as you possibly can.

After all, things can change without much warning can’t they?

You might find yourself needing a bigger property and will have no choice but to sell your home only to find that its value has dropped considerably because of something that seemed trivial at the time. Of course, some things that reduce a property’s value will be beyond your control but today I’m looking at the things you can avoid.

Pets

Let’s get one of the more controversial things out of the way first shall we? Many households love their pets but they can reduce the value of a property. Whether it’s a cat, dog, rabbit or pretty much any other kind of possible pet this will be a very real risk and the more pets you have the bigger the possible reduction in value.

So, what can you do about it? Well, don’t worry you don’t have to get rid of a beloved pet you just have to make sure they are properly looked after. This will likely mean doing more housework to ensure your home still stays clean and tidy but it will be worth it, we’d also strongly advise only have the one pet as well especially if it’s a big animal like a large breed of dog.

Messy Rooms

Don’t expect a messy home to reach a high-value, things like damaged wallpaper, poor storage, and just general clutter will drag your home’s value down. So, make sure everything is neat and tidy before you call any estate agents in to value your property. You might also want to invest in some storage options like shelving units to help things look more organised and tidy.

Unusual Design Choices

Yes, your home should be a representation of you, so if you want a room that is decorated with gold stars and pink polka-dots you should go right ahead and do it. However, don’t expect more unusual design choices to be beloved by everyone.

More quirky or unusually designed properties will likely have a lower value, so if you are selling your home you might want to first make it a bit more neutral. Yes, it might seem like a waste decorating a property you’re selling but making it look more neutral can help boost its value.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is one of the main things people looking to buy a home will want, so it’s important that your home is as energy efficient as possible. You should ensure you have proper insulation and might even want to invest in some energy efficient light bulbs as well. Remember if you’re selling your home you’ll need an energy performance certificate (EPC) and the higher your score the better value you’ll have.

A Poor Exterior

I talked about the importance of having a neat and tidy home already but the same principles apply to the outside as well. Your home could look beautiful indoors but if the outside is messy then your home’s value will still be affected. Remember the exterior of your home will also be the first thing any potential buyers see so you’ll want to make a good first impression.

So, make sure your front and back gardens are neat and tidy, clean your windows and maybe even give your front door a fresh coat of paint. A few little touches like that can help ensure your home’s value doesn’t drop.