There are all manner of common issues and noticeable problems which can reduce the value of your premises. In advance of receiving a property valuation, looking out for these prominent problems should give you ample opportunity to cut them out – and sell your home at an appropriate price point. The market is unpredictable, and a helping hand can streamline processes. Allow Watsons to take you through some of the more notable factors which could result in a lower valuation, including shoddy presentation, recklessness with energy usage and nightmare neighbours.
When selling, valuing or preparing a property for the market, some issues can affect how buyers view the home and how confident they feel about making an offer.
Some factors are cosmetic, while others relate to condition, energy efficiency, maintenance or the surrounding area. Understanding what can devalue your property can help you decide what to improve, what to investigate and when to seek professional advice.
Exterior Presentation
The exterior presentation of your premises will be the first thing visitors notice, and as such, special attention should be given to this immediate space. Overgrown weeds, broken fencing and uneven brickwork can all provide a poor impression to first-time visitors, while a well-maintained front garden with thoughtful attention-to-detail will paint an altogether different picture. Make the most of the time available to you, and organise the outside of your home in an orderly manner before valuation.
Overpersonalisation
We all have those personal tweaks and touches which characterise a home as our very own, but could this be detrimental to the way in which a property is valued? Overpersonalisation can act as a deterrent to potential buyers, with kooky design features, needless conversions and unique individual additions simply inconvenient for prospective buyers. Many registered property agents will be looking for a home which is basic in terms of design, or one which represents a minimalistic ‘blank canvas’.
Poor Energy Efficiency
Especially significant considering the current crisis, energy efficiency is becoming a real factor when determining the valuation of a property, with poor efficiency potentially knocking down the value of your building. Energy efficiency represents the amount of energy required to provide sufficient heat and a level of comfortable living within the home, and can be aided by additions such as insulation, double glazing and more.
Visible defects and maintenance issues
Visible defects or unresolved maintenance issues can affect buyer confidence. Damp staining, cracks, roof concerns, damaged windows, tired finishes or signs of poor upkeep may make buyers question what else could need attention.
Some issues may be minor, while others may need more detailed inspection. If there are specific concerns about a property’s condition, a Specific Defect Survey can provide focused advice on a particular issue.
Neighbours And Surroundings
The surrounding area or a property will of course affect the valuation it receives, while neighbours and residents nearby may even influence the value. Generally speaking, similar properties within the same area and in a similar condition should give you a fair idea of the market value, so this can be used as a rough estimation – though a thorough professional opinion will highlight anything you may have missed. To request a quick quote, you can simply consult this form and we’ll be in touch.
Value My Property
Having a professional valuation completed by Watsons allows you to avoid additional costs down the line, providing an early estimate of the value held by your property. Experts in all aspects of property ownership and tenancy, we offer a wide range of surveys and helpful interventions. Any questions? Contact our team at your earliest convenience, for property valuation and much more.
