When it comes to selling your home, every detail matters – including the colour of your walls. While a fresh coat of paint can make a property look modern and inviting, the wrong shade could actually lower its value and turn off potential buyers.

In a new survey by Ronseal, some 41% of British homeowners worry that their interior choices would impact the property’s appeal when it’s time to sell up. To give homeowners some guidance, Ronseal’s interior expert and brand manager Clara Dursent shared which paint shades could devalue your home.

Paint colours that can devalue your home

Pink

While pink is more popular than ever, homeowners should hold back from using the colour liberally.

“Pink gained a lot of popularity in the last two years after the success of Barbie; however, the colour is best kept in small doses rather than painted across an entire room as it can be quite an overpowering colour,” said Clara.

Black

While black can make a room feel cosy, Clara says the shade can also make rooms feel smaller than they actually are.

She added: “Black is a modern and sophisticated colour, used increasingly in interior decor in the past few years. It’s very good at making a home look cosy, but this can cause the room to appear smaller than it is, which is worth considering if you’re trying to sell your home.”

Yellow

“Yellow is typically regarded as a happy and uplifting colour, however, its intensity means overusing or incorrectly using it could put potential buyers off, so it’s best to avoid painting every wall yellow, instead look to paint alcoves or upcycle furniture,” said Clara.

Paint colours that can add value to your home

White

Clara describes white as a “fail-safe” colour to improve the chances of selling your home.

She added: “It immediately makes a room look bigger and brighter, and when paired with wooden furniture and colourful accessories it makes the space look clean, airy and perfect to move straight into.”

Green

“Sage and emerald green shades have become the go-to for many homeowners wanting to modernise their interiors. It therefore sends an immediate signal to potential buyers that this home has been looked after and regularly updated, making it a great colour to go with when selling your home,” Clara said.

Warm neutrals

Warm neutrals such as stone, beige, cream or off-white are other good options.

Clara said: “A good alternative to painting walls white, is going for a warm neutral as these shades can help to make a room feel cosier and more lived in, whilst still allowing the space to feel open and bright.”