7 Things That Might Be Devaluing Your Home (Without You Realising)
When it comes to selling your home – whether now or in the future – your property’s value isn’t just shaped by location or square footage. In fact, there are a number of surprisingly common issues that could be quietly knocking thousands off the price of your home without you even realising.
At Zest, we work closely with homeowners across Bath to prepare their properties for sale – and time and time again, we see the same avoidable problems crop up. Whether it’s cosmetic quirks or more serious structural issues, knowing what to look out for can help you protect your investment and make informed decisions when it’s time to move on.
Here are seven things that could be devaluing your home, and what you can do about them.
1. Outdated Kitchens and Bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms are among the most scrutinised rooms in any home – and they can make or break a buyer’s first impression.
While a dated bathroom suite or tired kitchen might feel “good enough” to live with, buyers tend to view them as expensive to replace. Even if your home is otherwise in great condition, old-fashioned tiles, worn worktops or mismatched fixtures can create a mental ‘deduction’ in a buyer’s mind – often to the tune of several thousand pounds.
You don’t necessarily need a full renovation. Sometimes, simple updates like repainting cabinets, upgrading taps, or replacing worn flooring can breathe new life into the space without a major outlay.
2. Poor Kerb Appeal
We all know first impressions count – and that goes double for property viewings. If your home looks tired or neglected from the outside, it can affect how buyers perceive everything that follows.
Cracked driveways, chipped paintwork, overgrown front gardens, or even a scruffy front door can suggest to potential buyers that the property hasn’t been well cared for – even if the inside tells a different story.
A weekend’s worth of effort – jet washing the path, repainting the front door, tidying plants and adding a welcoming touch like a clean doormat – can add real perceived value.
3. Unfinished DIY Jobs
You might be used to that half-painted skirting board or the light switch that doesn’t quite sit right – but to a potential buyer, small unfinished tasks can signal bigger problems. At best, they suggest hassle; at worst, they can raise doubts about the overall maintenance of the property.
Buyers rarely want to inherit someone else’s to-do list, especially when they’re already facing the stress and cost of moving.
Before putting your home on the market, take time to finish up any lingering odd jobs. It not only boosts confidence in the condition of your property, but also shows care and pride in your home.
4. Over-Personalised Décor
Your home should reflect your personality – but when it’s time to sell, overly bold or niche décor choices can get in the way of a buyer imagining themselves living there.
Bright feature walls, patterned wallpaper, or very unique interior styles can be off-putting to some buyers, especially if they can’t visualise how to “make it their own”. In many cases, they’ll factor in the cost (and effort) of redecorating when making an offer.
A more neutral palette helps create a blank canvas, allowing your home’s layout and features to shine through. That doesn’t mean stripping all character – just aiming for broad appeal.
5. Lack of Storage
Storage is one of those features that buyers don’t often talk about – until it’s missing. A lack of built-in storage, cluttered rooms, or overstuffed wardrobes can give the impression that a property lacks space, even if the square footage tells another story.
Buyers want to see practical living, and excessive clutter or visible overflow can unintentionally signal that the home just “isn’t big enough”.
Before viewings, it’s worth decluttering and making sure storage areas are organised and tidy. In some cases, simple additions like built-in shelving or under-stair cupboards can make a real difference to perceived space and functionality.
6. Noise or Neighbour Problems
You can’t choose your neighbours – but unfortunately, they can influence your home’s value. Noise complaints, disputes, or even just visibly neglected neighbouring properties can have a knock-on effect when buyers assess the street as a whole.
While you might not be able to control everything, there are ways to manage the impact. For example, soundproofing a party wall, adding fencing for privacy, or simply being honest and reassuring about any historic issues can go a long way.
A well-maintained exterior and a calm, tidy garden can also help set the tone – showing buyers that your property is a peaceful retreat, regardless of the surroundings.
7. Structural or Damp Issues
Finally, while cosmetic issues can often be overlooked or forgiven, serious structural concerns or signs of damp will almost always be flagged in surveys – and can quickly reduce a buyer’s offer, or scupper a sale altogether.
Even minor damp patches or hairline cracks can cause alarm if left unaddressed. Buyers worry about the cost and complexity of repairs, and mortgage lenders may hesitate if a property appears to have unresolved structural problems.
If you suspect any underlying issues, it’s wise to consult a surveyor or damp specialist before listing your home. In many cases, tackling the problem early – or even just showing that it’s been properly assessed – can help maintain buyer confidence and value.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re thinking of selling, the key takeaway is this: small details really do matter.
Many of the issues that impact property value are surprisingly easy to overlook – especially when you’ve lived in a home for years. But buyers tend to spot them quickly, and their perception directly influences what they’re willing to pay.
The good news? Most of these things are relatively simple to fix, and don’t require a huge budget. Whether it’s a lick of paint, finishing some DIY, or getting advice on trickier concerns, a little effort now can save you money – and stress – down the line.
Thinking of Selling? Zest Can Help.
If you’re unsure where to start, Zest is here to guide you through every step of preparing your home for sale. We know the Bath property market inside out, and we’ll offer honest, expert advice on how to make the most of your home’s value.
From pre-sale walkthroughs to smart marketing and stress-free viewings, our team is here to make the process smooth, professional, and – above all – effective.
Get in touch with Zest today to book your valuation or chat with our friendly team about your next move.
