Whether you’re looking to sell your property or just want to boost its value a little, there may be some features in your home you may want to change.

Kevin Shaw, national sales director at estate agents Leaders, claims that many sellers are unaware that the way they present their property has a “tremendous impact” on how well received it is by those looking to buy.

He said: “Looking to avoid the most common mistakes and rectifying issues before they reach the eyes of buyers is the best way to achieve a quick sale at a great price.”

Kevin has picked out several things that are “guaranteed to put off buyers” and make it “more difficult to sell”.

1. Clutter 

Less is definitely more when it comes to selling, both inside and outside of the house. 

Don’t leave clothes or other possessions on the floor and keep photos, ornaments and personal items on display to a minimum. 

Some decor choices can often be overlooked by potential homeowners, but if they can’t imagine themselves living there with their family and own furniture they won’t consider putting in an offer.

Kevin wanted: “Clutter makes your home seem smaller and can be difficult for buyers to see past.”

2. Extravagant fixtures and fittings

Some people will be “immediately put off” by over-the-top fixtures and fittings. 

A beautiful chandelier may bring life to the dining room of a stately home but could be “overpowering” in a two-bedroom terraced house. So keep things clean, modern and functional.

3. Poor kerb appeal 

Many buyers make up their minds within a minute of seeing your home so first impressions are “critical”. 

Interestingly, the property experts at Sell House Fast found that 20 percent could be “knocked off” a property’s asking price if it looked “unappealing from the outside”.

Painting the front door, mowing the lawn, tidying the path, trimming bushes and clearing away rubbish or bins are good ways to improve kerb appeal.

4. Coloured bathrooms 

While brightly coloured bathroom suites may have been considered the height of fashion in the 1970s and 1980s, they are certainly not well regarded by most modern buyers. 

Buying and fitting a stylish white suite won’t cost the earth but “could add thousands to the selling price”, according to Kevin.