The New Year is nearly upon us, and many people will be thinking about selling up – but one expert has revealed one thing prospective buyers cannot stand.
A property expert has revealed that housing prices are increasing, which means that more people will be considering selling their homes in 2025. However, property and interiors specialist Liv Conlon, has warned of one, very deliberate, choice which can have a huge impact on property price – or even whether the property sells at all. There are numerous factors that impact house prices, ranging from structural problems to badly kept interiors.
While some of these factors can be changed, others are more tricky to deal with, such as if you have a neighbour from hell or live on a main road. In these instances there’s only so much that you can do, Liv warns. However, the main issue that the property expert is warning about can be easily fixed.
“Having an overly cluttered home can impact the value of a property,” the 26-year-old, from Glasgow, warned. “Viewers will be unable to see beyond it to imagine themselves living in the property.” Liv specifically means intentional clutter, a trend which has run rampant on Instagram and TikTok.
She explains that things like overflowing bookshelves, walls creaking with pictures, and umbrella stands that are overstuffed with umbrellas are all prominent features – in addition to carefully curated surfaces that are covered in bags, clothes, and hats.
Live explained: “The reason behind the cluttered craze is a lust for personal expression and a feeling of comfort. People are seeking more authenticity in their spaces, filling their homes with meaningful items rather than sterile, minimalist designs. In a world where we’re surrounded by technology, some are leaning toward environments that feel lived-in and rich with history.”
The property expert revealed: “It’s a way to showcase personality, memories, and eclectic styles, which resonates with those wanting more individuality in their decor.” But the property pro – who began her property staging business, ThePropertyStagers, when she was just a teenager and has recently launched her charity, Too Big For Your Boots which helps ambitious young people launch their own companies – predicts that the cluttered look trend will also be short lived.
Liv explains that she doesn’t think the ‘cluttered look’ will have ‘lasting power’, she explained: “The cluttered look can quickly become overwhelming, and over time, people tend to crave more balance and serenity in their living spaces.” She also added that often trends will swing back and forth between extremes and revealed that things that are ‘popular today’ may begin to feel outdated tomorrow.
Often, people begin to gravitate back towards more ‘timeless, clean-lined styles, that promote calm and clarity’. Liv originally began her staging property when her mother struggled to sell a property that had been bought at auction. After Liv, who was just 16 at the time, had staged the property, it sold within just three days for more than its original asking price. Now 25, Liv has spent years practicing as a property stager and now knows exactly what it takes to make a space shine.
She added: “I personally oppose the cluttered interior trend because it can lead to visual chaos. A cluttered environment often creates mental clutter, making it harder to relax and focus.” The property stager also explained that: “There’s a fine line between curated maximalism and a space that feels disorganised. I believe in intentionality — every piece in a home should have a purpose, whether functional or aesthetic, rather than adding items just for the sake of it.”
