Homeowners eager to add value to their properties might be making costly mistakes that could actually deter potential buyers and leave their homes languishing on the market.
According to recent analysis from estate agency comparison site GetAgent.co.uk, certain popular home improvements are having the opposite effect of what owners intend, making properties significantly harder to sell.
The Top Offenders Putting Buyers Off
GetAgent's research, which tracked thousands of property listings across the UK, identified several common renovations that are red flags for potential purchasers:
- Removing bedrooms to create larger spaces ranks as the number one mistake, with affected properties taking 36% longer to sell
- Over-personalised decor including bold wallpaper and highly specific colour schemes
- Converting garages into living spaces, particularly in family-oriented areas
- Poor quality DIY projects that scream 'botched job' to discerning buyers
- Over-development of smaller gardens with excessive paving or structures
Why These 'Improvements' Backfire
Colby Short, co-founder of GetAgent, explains the psychology behind buyer resistance: "While you might love your lime green feature wall or converted garage gym, potential buyers see these as problems they'll need to fix. They're visualising their own life in the space, not yours."
The bedroom removal issue is particularly problematic in the current market. "Bedroom count remains one of the most significant factors in property valuation," Short notes. "Reducing this number, even to create a more spacious layout, often diminishes both appeal and value in buyers' eyes."
What Buyers Actually Want
Instead of dramatic transformations, experts recommend focusing on neutral, quality improvements that appeal to the broadest possible audience:
- Modern kitchens and bathrooms with timeless designs
- Ample storage solutions that maximise space without reducing room count
- Neutral colour palettes that serve as a blank canvas
- Energy efficiency upgrades that promise long-term savings
- Well-maintained outdoor spaces that offer potential rather than prescriptive use
As Short concludes: "The most successful home improvements are those that enhance functionality without imposing the current owner's personal style. When preparing to sell, think like a buyer, not a resident."
