
EXCLUSIVE Property expert reveals the big mistakes that are making your home look tacky and putting off potential buyers
While homely touches are recommended, buyers may not be fond of old photograph memories, garish wallpaper or dated curtains.
Average property prices had risen by more than £12,000 in the last 12 months - and the biggest winners in this property boom are homeowners in suburban areas, where prices have surged significantly.
But some sellers shouldn't get too confident with the asking price, as their eccentric homes can easily sit on estate agents' websites for months on end without a single offer.
Property staging expert Liv Conlon, CEO of ThePropertyStagers.co.uk, said if house hunters can't see themselves living there, they'll more than likely walk away when it's time to put an offer in.
Liv, who is originally from Glasgow but who now lives in Marbella, said that outdated decor, cluttered rooms, and a messy front garden can kill a sale before anyone's even stepped inside to view it.
From underestimating kerb appeal to ignoring the lack of lighting in your home, here are the biggest mistakes sellers make and how to fix them.
Neglecting your home's 'kerb appeal'
Liv says that kerb appeal plays a crucial role when viewing a home because first impressions are important to potential buyers.
She said: 'An unkept exterior sets the tone for a prospective buyer before they've even stepped foot inside.
'Things like overgrown shrubbery, chipped paint on the front door or window ledges, broken gates and large cracks on the pathway can be the difference between someone feeling welcomed by your home or wanting to make a hasty exit.
Liv says that those serious about shifting their property should invest in landscaping services, fixing the paint work and upping the charm factor with hanging baskets, window boxes or stylish doormats.
Ignoring the noticeable wear and tear
While homes are meant to be lived in, the chaos of a busy household can naturally lead to wear and tear.
However, Liv says there's a big difference between a home that's well-loved and one that's worn out.
Liv says that subtle pops of colour and decorations are the way forward if you want to successfully sell your home
'Peeling wallpaper, chipped tiles, or scuffed flooring can make a property seem neglected and less appealing to buyers,' she said.
'Try and stay on top of maintenance to avoid small issues getting bigger than they have to.
'Clever styling can also help. Large rugs or furniture can conceal imperfections, while stylish decor can draw the eye away from imperfections.'
Letting a unique interior taste overwhelm the space
Those who enjoy personalising their spaces with vibrant and unique furnishings may be at risk of not being able to sell if it reflects their personality too much.
Liv says that you have to ensure prospective buyers can easily envision turning your house into their home.
'Bright colour schemes and quirky decor pieces may appeal to you, but they may be off-putting to others,' she said.
'Opt for neutral colour palettes where you can, even if this means repainting a wall or swapping out your current soft furnishings for something simpler.
'A bold outdoor style may also prove divisive for buyers, so replace ostentatious finishes or kitsch ornaments with something minimalist, like stone or marble accents.'
Going overboard with photos and sentimental items
What makes a house a home is often the number of treasured keepsakes and sentimental photographs hanging on the walls and scattered across the fridge on magnets.
However, these items can make it hard for a potential buyer to see your house as a place they could call home.
Liv said: 'Personal items can also clutter a space, distracting from striking pieces of art or ornate original features that make a house more appealing.
'Strip back on the personal photos and keep your decor more neutral, creating a space that feels streamlined. When it comes to styling your home for resale, less is always more.'
Not following a consistent theme throughout
The property design guru says that sellers should aim to achieve a consistent interior theme throughout their property so that they can 'work in harmony rather than feeling disconnected'.
She added: 'Mismatched styles can create a chaotic flow, so try to choose one colour palette and pick a leading colour that you can add to every room - whether that's in a rug, a statement piece of decor or an art print on the wall.
'I often say the look of a home is dictated by the kitchen, so if you've gone for a traditional style, reflect this throughout the rest of your space.'
Letting your space fall flat with colourless rooms
Liv says that while bright colour clashes and loud patterns may be unappealing to buyers, an all-white space can also feel soulless.
She instead suggests experimenting with subtle splashes with bright cushions, rugs or artwork.
She said: 'Fresh greenery can also bring real warmth to a room, or you could add pops of colour with vibrant bouquets of fresh flowers.'
Turning a blind eye to the lack of lighting
The property expert also says that one of the biggest things prospective homeowners want from a space is plenty of natural light.
'Depending on the direction your home faces or the size of your window space, there may be rooms that feel a little dark during the day,' she said.
'But it's easy to create a brighter feel. Cleverly-placed mirrors can reflect the light and open up the space.
'Lighting is also key, especially when it's layered. For the most effective results, consider your ambient lighting, which is typically ceiling fixtures, task lighting, which refers to reading lamps or under-cabinet lights, and accent lighting, such as artwork. When the three work in unison, a room feels instantly lighter.'
Letting clutter build up
Clutter can often make spaces feel smaller, less organised, with Liv adding that it can distract from your home's features and potential.
'Strip back room by room, clearing your kitchen countertops, bedside tables and bathroom sinks of unnecessary things,' she said.
'Invest in clever storage solutions that can conceal the clutter without skimping on style, such as velvet ottomans, woven baskets, under-bed bags, sleek wooden toy boxes, and hanging door organisers.'
Forgetting to add homely touches
While Liv says that you should strip back your home, sellers should take care not to remove all the warmth from their homes.
'An overly bare room can feel cold and uninviting. Even in spare rooms or spaces you hardly use, try to add soft furnishings, like rugs, throws, and cushions, which can introduce warmth and texture,' she said.
'Something as small as a potted plant can add character without overwhelming the space, while floor lamps can help to create a cosy and welcoming ambience.'
Opting for garish bedding
Bedrooms are one of the most important parts of a home, mainly because they represent a space for rest and retreat, according to Liv.
So, using patterned or 'busy linens' can put buyers off as it makes the bed feel cluttered.
She added: 'It's always worth investing in crisp white sets that create a sense of calm and luxury and exude that five-star feeling.
'A clean base can also let you experiment with brighter decor, such as statement cushions and throws, or add snug and inviting touches, like a quilted bedspread.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Independent
14 minutes ago
- The Independent
Get your act together on immigration, Trump tells Europe as he lands in Scotland
Europe 'better get your act together' on immigration, US President Donald Trump said as he landed in Scotland. Mr Trump is in the country for a four-day visit to both of his golf clubs in Aberdeen and Ayrshire. Landing at around 8.30pm on Friday, the president was greeted by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray before speaking to reporters. Asked about illegal immigration – which successive UK governments have sought to curb – Mr Trump said: 'On immigration, you better get your act together. 'You're not going to have Europe anymore, you've got to get your act together. 'As you know, last month we had nobody entering our country – nobody, (we) shut it down.' He added: 'You've got to stop this horrible invasion that's happening to Europe.' Immigration, Mr Trump said, was 'killing Europe'. Some European leaders, he continued, 'have not let it happen' and are 'not getting the proper credit they should', though the president did not say who he was talking about. Mr Trump said: 'Many countries in Europe, some people, some leaders, have not let it happen, and they're not getting the proper credit they should.' The president also praised Sir Keir Starmer ahead of a meeting between the two at one of his courses in the coming days, describing him as a 'good man'. 'I like your Prime Minister, he's slightly more liberal than I am – as you probably heard – but he's a good man. He got a trade deal done,' he said. 'You know, they've been working on this deal for 12 years, he got it done – that's a good deal, it's a good deal for the UK.' The president's motorcade – which contained more than two dozen vehicles – passed a small group of protesters as he entered his Turnberry golf club. Mr Trump also suggested he would be meeting Sir Keir 'tomorrow evening', although it is understood the pair will not meet until Monday. As well as the Prime Minister, Scottish First Minister John Swinney will meet with the president, as will European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who confirmed on X she will come to Scotland on Sunday in a bid to hash out a trade deal between the US and Europe. Mr Trump told journalists there was a 'good 50/50 chance' of a deal being struck, adding that it would be the 'biggest deal of them all'. The president and Sir Keir are expected to discuss potential changes to the UK-US trade deal which came into force last month. Mr Swinney has pledged to 'essentially speak out for Scotland'. Speaking as he boarded Air Force One in the US, Mr Trump said he would be having dinner with the Prime Minister at Turnberry, before 'going to the oil capital of Europe, which is Aberdeen'. He said: 'We're going to have a good time. I think the Prime Minister and I get along very well.' Mr Trump added: 'We're going to be talking about the trade deal that we made and maybe even approve it.' He also told journalists he was 'looking forward' to meeting with the 'Scottish leader' Mr Swinney, describing him as a 'good man'. During his time in Scotland, the president is also likely to spark a number of protests, with concerns being raised about how such demonstrations are policed. Police Scotland has called in support from other forces in the UK to help bolster officer numbers, though senior officers and the organisation which represents the rank-and-file have accepted Mr Trump's visit will have an impact.


Daily Mail
14 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Australia and UK to sign 50-year defense agreement
Australia and the UK are pledging a half-century alliance, shifting the two nations closer together while the US wavers in its support for a crucial nuclear submarine program. A 50-year treaty to underpin the three-nation security pact will be signed after Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Defense Minister Richard Marles meet their counterparts for talks in Sydney . The AUKUS security partnership involves the US, UK and Australia, but the fresh treaty is only between London and Canberra. In opening remarks with UK leaders, Marles said the two nations' relationship might be Australia's most important partnership. 'We rely on each other in so many ways and obviously, combined, we are part of a system that gives us tremendous intelligence capability and military capability,' he said. While negotiations over the defense agreement were flagged before US President Donald Trump took power, the document's inking shows the UK and Australia are strengthening ties in the face of American tariffs and the Pentagon's yet-to-be-completed AUKUS review. But the planned sale of US-built boats has been up in the air since the Trump administration launched a review of the deal to examine whether it aligns with his 'America first' agenda. Defence analysts believe a likely outcome of the US review will be a request for more money from Australia to support its submarine industrial base. Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Alex Bristow said holding ministerial meetings every six months, rather than the traditional annual timeline, highlighted strengthened ties between the two nations. 'The tempo of it increasing, I think, is a signal that Britain is moving into an elite category,' he said. The UK's Carrier Strike Group, led by the Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales, arrived in Darwin on Wednesday during Talisman Sabre multi-nation military exercises hosted by Australia. It's the first UK carrier strike group to visit Australia since 1997. The international task group includes five core ships, 24 jets and 17 helicopters, centered on the flagship aircraft carrier.

Leader Live
19 minutes ago
- Leader Live
Get your act together on immigration, Trump tells Europe as he lands in Scotland
Mr Trump is in the country for a four-day visit to both of his golf clubs in Aberdeen and Ayrshire. Landing at around 8.30pm on Friday, the president was greeted by Scottish Secretary Ian Murray before speaking to reporters. Asked about illegal immigration – which successive UK governments have sought to curb – Mr Trump said: 'On immigration, you better get your act together. 'You're not going to have Europe anymore, you've got to get your act together. 'As you know, last month we had nobody entering our country – nobody, (we) shut it down.' He added: 'You've got to stop this horrible invasion that's happening to Europe.' Immigration, Mr Trump said, was 'killing Europe'. Some European leaders, he continued, 'have not let it happen' and are 'not getting the proper credit they should', though the president did not say who he was talking about. Mr Trump said: 'Many countries in Europe, some people, some leaders, have not let it happen, and they're not getting the proper credit they should.' The president also praised Sir Keir Starmer ahead of a meeting between the two at one of his courses in the coming days, describing him as a 'good man'. 'I like your Prime Minister, he's slightly more liberal than I am – as you probably heard – but he's a good man. He got a trade deal done,' he said. 'You know, they've been working on this deal for 12 years, he got it done – that's a good deal, it's a good deal for the UK.' The president's motorcade – which contained more than two dozen vehicles – passed a small group of protesters as he entered his Turnberry golf club. Mr Trump also suggested he would be meeting Sir Keir 'tomorrow evening', although it is understood the pair will not meet until Monday. As well as the Prime Minister, Scottish First Minister John Swinney will meet with the president, as will European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, who confirmed on X she will come to Scotland on Sunday in a bid to hash out a trade deal between the US and Europe. Mr Trump told journalists there was a 'good 50/50 chance' of a deal being struck, adding that it would be the 'biggest deal of them all'. The president and Sir Keir are expected to discuss potential changes to the UK-US trade deal which came into force last month. Mr Swinney has pledged to 'essentially speak out for Scotland'. Speaking as he boarded Air Force One in the US, Mr Trump said he would be having dinner with the Prime Minister at Turnberry, before 'going to the oil capital of Europe, which is Aberdeen'. He said: 'We're going to have a good time. I think the Prime Minister and I get along very well.' Mr Trump added: 'We're going to be talking about the trade deal that we made and maybe even approve it.' He also told journalists he was 'looking forward' to meeting with the 'Scottish leader' Mr Swinney, describing him as a 'good man'. During his time in Scotland, the president is also likely to spark a number of protests, with concerns being raised about how such demonstrations are policed. Police Scotland has called in support from other forces in the UK to help bolster officer numbers, though senior officers and the organisation which represents the rank-and-file have accepted Mr Trump's visit will have an impact.