Certain interior design choices may not stand the test of time and could inadvertently affect both the number of offers you receive and the price buyers are willing to pay, according to one industry expert
Giving your property a home makeover can be a great way to add some personality to it.
But while it’s key to love where you live, you should also think about how it might affect your finances. Some people make changes to suit their own tastes, while others do it to boost the value of their home if they plan to sell it in the future. On the other hand, some design choices might not age well and could accidentally affect how many offers you get and how much buyers are willing to pay.
According to an expert in the field, there are certain design trends that don’t add any value or might even make your home’s price drop. To guide homeowners, Thomas Goodman from MyJobQuote.co.uk has pointed out four DIY projects that are best avoided.
Making an open-plan living space
The appeal of open-plan living areas in UK homes has decreased, and they’re no longer the best way to increase a home’s value. The expert notes that switching to an open-plan layout “won’t add much value, if anything” and “can actually devalue it”.
These layouts can also make it hard to have privacy, especially for families with kids or pets. Open-plan designs can also make noise levels louder, which might turn off potential buyers. Thomas warns: “This can be a turn-off for potential buyers, who may prefer separate rooms for different activities.”
Opting for an all-white colour scheme
While going for an all-white look can brighten your space and create a sleek vibe, Thomas cautions that it “won’t add value to your home” and might even “reduce the value” if buyers aren’t keen on the idea.Some folks are into more classic colours like beige or brown, which Thomas believes can really affect their view of your place.
Adding in a walk-in wardrobe
Dreaming of a fitted walk-in wardrobe in that extra bedroom? Thomas advises that while it might be lush for you, not everyone digs it. A lot of buyers would rather have a room that’s a blank slate, ready for whatever they fancy, instead of something fixed. Walk-ins don’t just cost a bomb to put in, but there’s a good chance you won’t get that money back come sale time. They hog precious space and Thomas reckons this can be “a real turn-off for buyers” who crave more versatility.
Using expensive wallpaper
Sprucing up with posh wallpaper might feel swish, but Thomas has some hard truth – slapping on expensive wallpaper “won’t add value to the home”. He further explained: “For starters, wallpaper is often chosen for its personal appeal, and while it may seem appealing to you, it may not be to the taste of everyone.”
“Expensive wallpaper will also be subject to what is trending. This means that it could become outdated very quickly. If your wallpaper is no longer in style, this could even reduce the value of your property.” Wallpaper can also be quite challenging to remove. This can make it costly to remove or change in the future, and, for this reason, “potential buyers may be put off” as they won’t want to put in extra effort to take off the wallpaper.
