A UK property expert has revealed the common household items that can instantly reduce a home’s value by up to £85,000.
Rubbish clearance company Rainbow Rubbish joined forces with experts Matt Lanninge and Heath Alexander-Bew from Alan Boswell Group to reveal the possessions that can instantly reduce a house’s sale price.
The first thing that they warned about was clutter, which can be an instant turn-off for potential buyers.
According to the brand, a London property could lose up to a staggering £85,000 due to clutter.
‘Decluttering is one of the most effective things homeowners can do to make their home more attractive,’ Matt of the Property Expert Group said via the Mirror.
So, what are the items that make a house lose appeal when cluttered? The experts revealed that tools come out on top.
It’s also bad news for book worms because a build-up of books around the house is also likely to make the home go down in value.
Next on the list was collectibles, with the property expert warning against keeping too many collectibles.
UK property experts have revealed the common household items that can reduce a home’s value (stock image)
Newspapers came fourth on the list, so sellers should make sure to remove old newspapers from inside their home.
Keeping children’s possessions in order can be tricky, but ensuring there aren’t too many toys in one place is essential, because cluttering them is a major turn-off.
The final item on the list is kitchenware, so all pots and pans must be stored away to maximise value.
According to Lanninge, the build-up of items can arise quickly and often go unnoticed in places like garages and sheds, but after a certain point, they can reduce a home’s appeal.
It comes after a property expert revealed her top tips for homeowners looking to sell their homes this summer.
Liv Conlon, 26, originally from Glasgow, runs an award-winning property staging business that furnishes over 400 homes a year to make them more appealing to potential buyers, as well as StagerBoss – a coaching business that teaches other women how to do the same.
This summer, experts are predicting a summertime boom with increased interest from potential buyers, Liv explained, adding that property prices are also expected to rise.
However, she added, ‘This doesn’t mean your house sale is guaranteed – nor that you’ll be able to sell it at the fee you want for it, or even above.
The experts warned against cluttering items, including tools, books, newspapers and kitchenware (stock image)
‘As the CEO of a multi-award-winning property staging business, ThePropertyStagers, this is where my expertise comes in. I’ve helped thousands of homeowners sell their homes faster and for above the asking price.
‘Whether you have a sprawling garden or a cosy top-floor flat with no outdoor space, summer is the season to make the most of your entire home.
‘This doesn’t have to mean expensive renovations or a full décor overhaul. Sometimes, small, inexpensive changes can have the biggest impact.’
As such, Liv, who now lives in Marbella, has shared her top ten affordable furnishing tips that might help a home stand out from the crowd.
First, property expert Liv advised sellers to switch up soft furnishings inside the home.
She said, ‘One of the quickest ways to signal a new season is with your textiles. Swap heavy throws and dark cushions for lighter, brighter options.
‘Think jewel-toned velvets for a bold look or soft lavenders, pale greens, and sunshine yellows for a subtler summer palette. Lightweight linen or cotton fabrics also keep your space feeling breezy and fresh.’
Next, she said seasonal tableware can make a world of a difference in creating a summer haven.
‘You don’t need a garden to embrace alfresco vibes,’ she said, adding, ‘Treat yourself to colourful outdoor-style tableware – melamine plates, acrylic tumblers, or bamboo salad bowls – that feel fun, casual, and summery.
‘Lay your table with a vibrant runner, some woven placemats and enjoy meals that feel like mini holidays.’
Liv also said that adding fresh or faux flowers in every room can help attract potential buyers.
She said, ‘Flowers are the ultimate seasonal refresh. Dot fresh blooms around your home – in the hallway, on coffee tables, even the bathroom.
‘If you’re on a budget or want longevity, high-quality faux stems can have the same uplifting effect and last all summer long.’
Liv’s fourth tip was to alter the scent of the home depending on the season, adding that it’s a ‘powerful’ tool.
She said, ‘Swap out woody or spiced winter candles for fresh citrus, coconut, sea salt or fig-inspired fragrances.
‘A diffuser or a few scented tealights in summery notes can subtly transform the atmosphere of your space.’
Liv’s next tip explained the importance of using mirrors to reflect natural light during the summertime.
She said, ‘Summer is all about sunshine. Reflect more natural light by adding mirrors to darker corners, or repositioning existing ones to catch the morning or evening light.
‘You could even pick up inexpensive stick-on mirror tiles to create a bespoke reflective feature wall.’