5 Common Mistakes That Can Reduce the Value of Your Property

Letting your property in South Wales can be a huge undertaking, so of course, you want to make the right decisions to achieve the best price for it.

Some of the decisions surrounding resale value are more involved than the basic preparation you do when putting your home on the market. Of course, these specific decisions can be made months or years before you actually consider letting your home, so you may not even think about it until it’s too late, and the value of your home has suffered. 

If you’re considering letting your home anytime soon, it’s time to start thinking about your property through the eyes of potential tenants.

As experienced property experts, the RedKey team understand the common mistakes you may make that can reduce the value of your home. But we also know how to remedy them!

Let's take a look at 5 common mistakes - and how to fix them !

Mistake #1: Setting the price unrealistically high

Everyone would like to think their home is worth more than their neighbours’ homes, especially after finishing a renovation or upgrade. 

However, the truth is that your home is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it. You must be realistic about the value of your home when setting your price. 

If you set your price at an unrealistically high number, it could sit on the market for months without selling. The longer a property is on the market unsold, the more unattractive it becomes to potential buyers. 

You may inevitably end up slashing the price to meet expectations, which may make potential tenants question why the price has been reduced so much. It’s a position you don’t want to put yourself in, so getting a realistic valuation from the start is crucial. 

Tip: At RedKey, we will always provide you with an honest valuation to ensure your property attracts interest from the start. Call us on 02920090690 / 03333447850 to book a valuation.

Mistake #2: Not deep cleaning your home before viewings

Nobody wants to view a home that is dirty for two main reasons: one, it’s definitely not appealing, and two, it invariably means that the new tenant will eventually need to spend time, money and effort cleaning it themselves. 

Major issues like carpet stains and grubby or mouldy tile grout can leave a poor impression on potential buyers when they view your home. In terms of carpet stains, you may be used to ignoring them every day, but an interested tenant will notice them immediately. 

If an offer is forthcoming, your buyer may then look to negotiate on the asking price to cover the cost of replacing the carpet or having it professionally cleaned before moving in.

Ignoring tile grout is detrimental to the sale of your home. It’s one of the most tedious chores, yes, but leaving dirt along your tile grout can create permanent discolouration, ruining the look of your tiles forever. Even worse, if the area is humid, mould and mildew can build up and become a major problem. 

When it comes to cleaning, being proactive is the best course of action. Make sure you regularly clean your home and deal with any spills immediately, to avoid difficulty removing them later on. 

Tip: Pay extra attention to high-traffic areas and overlooked spots like skirting boards, door handles, and light switches. A sparkling clean home not only looks great but also reassures tenants that the property has been well cared for.

 

Mistake #3: Not properly maintaining your home

Taking care of the mechanics of your home is important, especially when it comes to your plumbing and heating. These are directly related to your monthly utilities and can be costly to repair when a big problem arises. 

Sometimes, these issues are unavoidable, but with the right maintenance and care in the long term, smaller problems can be taken care of with plenty of time before they get worse. 

Potential tenants are likely to ask questions about the state of the plumbing and heating and will be less likely to want to offer on a home that has a history of high utility bills or will need major repairs in the near future. 

Tip: Keep a record of any maintenance work, from boiler servicing to roof repairs. Tenants appreciate a well-documented history of upkeep, as it reassures them that the property has been looked after and won’t bring unexpected costs.

 

Mistake #4: Not updating decor

Old, outdated design trends will make your home look dated, which can lower the value of your home simply because potential buyers know they will need to spend money once they move in. Viewers will be more inclined to offer on your property if the decor is modern and fresh.

Tip: If a full refresh isn’t in the budget, focus on small, affordable updates like swapping outdated light fixtures, repainting in neutral tones, or replacing worn-out handles on cupboards. These small changes can make a big difference to how fresh and modern your home feels.

Mistake #5: Letting personal taste get involved

When showing your home to potential tenants, you’re trying to get them to imagine their new life in their new home, so having your personal taste right in front of their noses can make this difficult for them. 

Brightly painted walls in colours that are unusual, having too much wallpaper, or having unique or over-the-top design elements throughout your home is a turn off. It just means more work once the new owners move in as they try to get the property back to a neutral state. 

Before putting your home on the market, try to make it look as neutral as possible so it can appeal to a wider number of people. Painting the walls and stripping the wallpaper is a good start!

Tip: If you're unsure what neutral décor looks like, visit local show homes or browse interior design websites for inspiration. Stick to soft, neutral tones that create a blank canvas, helping buyers imagine their own style in the space.

 

Learn More About Your Property Value Today

For no-obligation advice on letting or renting a home please contact our expert property team at RedKey on 02920090690 / 03333447850. We look forward to seeing you.

In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about selling your home.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Home

My house is looking a little tired. Should I deep clean before viewings?

Absolutely! A clean and well-maintained home makes a positive impression on potential buyers. Tackle major issues like dirty carpets and mouldy grout to avoid them impacting your asking price.

What about the plumbing and heating? Do they affect the sale?

Yes! Potential buyers want a home with functioning utilities. Regular maintenance ensures your property avoids expensive repairs and reduces the risk of high utility bills for the new owner.

Should I update my décor before selling?

Modern and neutral décor appeals to a wider range of buyers. Consider removing bold colours, excessive wallpaper, and unique design elements that may require changes by the new homeowner.