Decorating to sell on a low budget: 10 tips for impressing buyers

If you want to sell your home, but don’t have the budget for a complete makeover, think about the small touches you can add to your property that will make all the difference when impressing potential buyers.

Here are some suggestions to get you inspired:

1. Declutter

This is perhaps the most important thing you can do. If you have lots of clutter, it could detract viewers from seeing the potential your home has to offer. Why not give yourself a head start on packing to move and put some of your items in storage, ready for moving day? This will help you to impress buyers with a nice clear space that complements your property’s best features.

2. Storage

Renting storage space is not expensive – a small storage unit (big enough for a 1 bed flat) can cost in the region of £15 per week with BigYellow Self Storage*, though costs can vary depending which company you choose. Read our blog about storage for more information.

3. Depersonalise

Aside from clutter, personal items like family photos could also distract viewers from looking at the actual property, and make it more difficult to imagine living there. So put these out of sight when showing viewers round, and avoid having too many ornaments on display.

4. A lick of paint

This is one of the easiest ways to make your rooms look fresh again. A pot of paint or two won’t cost a fortune and a new colour can completely transform the look and feel of a room. When you are decorating to sell, it’s best to stick to neutral colours, and you’ll be able find a whole range of cool and warm tones available to suit every kind of space.

5. Go Neutral with splashes of colour

It is likely that a neutral colour scheme will help attract buyers, but this doesn’t mean it has to be boring! You can jazz up neutral tones by adding a splash of colour here and there with the accessories you choose. Try adding a few homely, yet impersonal items; like cushions, throws, candles, or flowers.

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Nervous about moving? Our Guide to Selling your House could help.

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6. Clean kitchen and bathroom

If you need to update your kitchen but don’t have the money for a new one, perhaps you could paint your existing cupboards for a fresh new look. You can buy specialist paint, made specifically for this purpose and you’d be amazed at the difference it can make to your kitchen’s appearance. Also, clearing your kitchen’s work surfaces will create the illusion of having more space instantly.

7. Replace or re-grout

If you can’t afford to renew a tired bathroom suite, you could just replace your old tiles. This is a much cheaper option and you can find tiles to suit any kind of budget. If you are doing the tiling yourself, choosing larger tiles will cut down the time the job will take.  Alternatively, re-grout the old tiles and replace any mouldy sealant, which instantly lifts your bathroom.

8. Finish all those little DIY jobs

If you’ve got a list of repairs that need doing, this is your last chance to do them! If there is anything that looks unfinished, it may lead buyers to worry about larger issues lurking beneath the surface.

9.  Wash your curtains

Particularly if you have net curtains....  clean nets will let in more light.  Cleaning old curtains will help eradicate any smells, and you may be able to sell them with your home.

10. Don’t forget your exteriors.

A lick of paint to your front door or even a good clean down with a damp cloth will make a good first impression.  Clean the windows inside and out to maximise natural light. Mow the lawn as well, for instant neatness and tidy up the edges of your garden.

Don’t forget to read our other blog posts for more helpful advice for attracting buyers.

*Estimate is correct at time of publishing  Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net