Property feature that can ‘decrease your house value by 30 percent’ and put off buyers (Image: Getty)
are expected to rise ahead of stamp duty increases, yet certain features can rapidly diminish a home’s value. The exterior of a can influence its worth, but the interior may cause even greater harm if it doesn’t appeal to buyers.
and Watson Buys founder and CEO Jennifer Spinelli has shared a few house characteristics that “devalue your house and put potential buyers off buying a home”. With her expertise in turning properties into welcoming abodes and successful investments, Jennifer offers invaluable guidance. These features can slash the property value by five to 30%.
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Neglected exteriors can ‘turn off potential buyers’ (Image: Getty)
1. Poor curb appeal
Curb appeal is what greets a prospective buyer when they first lay eyes on a property. It encompasses the house’s external appearance, including the paintwork, landscaping, and overall tidiness.
Neglected exteriors can “turn off potential buyers”, suggesting the property hasn’t been well-maintained, potentially reducing its value by 10 to 15%.
2. Outdated kitchens
The , often the hub of the home where families gather and meals are made, is a “crucial room for many buyers”.
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Outdated kitchens can decrease your house’s value by 20 to 30% (Image: Getty)
Jennifer cautioned that an old-fashioned kitchen with tired appliances, worn cabinetry, and dated worktops can “decrease your house’s value by 20 to 30%”.
If the budget allows, investing in modern amenities like vertical storage, a pantry, or a built-in utility area can be worthwhile.
3. Unappealing bathrooms
Much like the kitchen, a bathroom that doesn’t hit the mark can also “turn off potential buyers and decrease the value of a house”, but by 15 to 25%.
This could be due to outdated fixtures, cracked tiles, or poor ventilation. Buyers are looking for bathrooms that are clean, modern, and functional.
4. Lack of storage
Another issue is a lack of storage space. In this day and age, people have a lot of belongings and need plenty of storage space. A home without enough storage options can be a “major turn-off for potential buyers,” says the estate agent. This might mean small closets, a lack of shelving, or no garage.
Jennifer stated: “The value of a house can decrease by 5% if it lacks proper storage space.”
5. Poor location
While not part of the house itself, location is a “crucial factor” in determining its value.
A house in an undesirable neighbourhood, near busy roads or industrial areas, can “significantly decrease its value by 20 to 30%”. Buyers want to live in safe and convenient locations, so if the house’s location is undesirable, it can be a “major deal-breaker”.