The significance of the 22nd September probably escaped your notice but you may already be feeling its effects. It’s the date the Autumn Equinox fell this year and from now until the Spring Equinox, nights will be longer than days.
For those coming to market or in the early days of selling, how your home is illuminated matters more after the Autumn Equinox. Day length will rapidly decline in the coming months, with the sun setting before 4pm on the longest night.
An early sunset, combined with the grey, groggy weather the UK is renowned for, may leave your property looking rather dingy – something that won’t impress potential buyers. In fact, results of a new survey among 1,000 UK homebuyers, published in September by PropertyReporter, found a lack of natural light was ranked third in a list of property turn offs.
Sellers may need to counteract dark areas with artificial light, especially if they are hosting viewings in the late afternoon and evening, or when there’s thick cloud cover. Don’t forget, there’s a psychological element to presenting a well-lit property – visitors may wonder what’s hiding in the shadows.
Drawing on inspiration provided by professional interior designers, the aim will be to achieve an inviting level of illumination using different light levels and sources.
There are four main sources of light in the home: ambient, task, accent and decorative. Knowing what each is and where it can be used will help you brighten every room.
Ambient: ambient lighting is usually provided by the main ceiling-mounted fixture or in more modern settings, could be the light coming from recessed spotlights.
Task: task lighting refers to smaller lights that illuminate set areas, especially where people are performing tasks. Table/desk lamps, floor standing lamps and ceiling-hung pendants all fall in the task lighting category.
Accent: accent lighting shines light on a particular feature, such as a picture or an architectural detail, so it becomes a focal point. Track lighting, picture lights and wall sconces are all classed as accent lighting, as are strips of LEDs.
Decorative: decorative lighting is more a stylist’s tool to add an extra layer of warm, subtle light. Sources generally include candles and fairy lights.
Rarely will a dim room’s appearance be corrected by using just one of the above. Instead, a seller should use a combination of light sources to address problem areas. While it’s easy to simply flick on the main overhead light, this can be harsh and actually leave corners unlit. It’s here where a small table with a lamp and floor standing lamps can be used to banish shadows.
Uplighters, where the shade’s widest opening points to the ceiling, are a great way to lighten gloomy upper reaches. Alternatively, there are floor lamps that feature more than one light, with each being adjustable so you can choose where the beam is directed.
If you’re worried about power sources, a quick online search will reveal a whole host of chargeable and battery-operated lamps. Without trailing wires, your light source can be placed where it’s really needed – this could be on high shelves or in alcoves.
Decorative light is a great finishing touch, especially if you’re hoping to sell a cosy lifestyle. A storm lantern with a lit candle inside can look stunning as a coffee table centre piece, while a string of fairy lights draped over a mantlepiece or mirror will cast a soft glow.
If you’d like more advice about selling your home, please contact the team.
As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise. Whether you're a landlord in Cardiff or across South Wales, understanding what makes a great home office can help boost your property's appeal, reduce void periods, and attract quality long-term tenants.
At RedKey, your local Cardiff and Newport property experts, we know how to position your rental to meet modern tenant expectations. Here are five key features that make a home office truly desirable — and how you can use them to your advantage.
Tenants value properties with plenty of natural light, and this is especially important in a home office. Natural light not only boosts productivity but is also linked to better sleep, improved mood, and fewer headaches.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If your rental’s home office has limited light, use mirrors to reflect brightness, opt for light-coloured furniture, and choose pale window dressings that let the sun in. Small changes can make a big impact when staging.
Remote workers spend hours at their desks, so comfort and functionality matter. A desk cramped against the wall may look space-saving, but it lacks practicality.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
If space allows, pull the desk away from the wall to give the illusion of more room and improve comfort. Legroom is a key feature tenants now look for in Cardiff rental homes with workspaces.
Adding plants to a home office doesn’t just improve the aesthetics — it also boosts health and wellbeing. Studies show greenery can reduce stress, improve air quality, and increase focus and happiness.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
When staging your Cardiff rental, place low-maintenance plants or high-quality faux greenery in the office. It adds instant charm without requiring tenant upkeep.
Clutter is a productivity killer, and tenants want tidy, organised workspaces. Office essentials like chargers, stationery, and documents quickly pile up without the right storage.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Install floating shelves, built-in cabinets, or stylish storage baskets to help tenants keep the space organised. Highlight these features in your rental listing for extra appeal.
Wall colour plays a huge role in a home office environment. While tenants may personalise later, neutral shades are universally appealing and help stage the space in a way that feels calm and professional.
✅ Top Tip for Landlords:
Stick to pale greens, cool blues, light greys, or off-whites. These tones help promote focus and relaxation — exactly what remote workers need.
With more tenants than ever working from home at least part-time, the home office has become a major selling point. Properties that include a functional and attractive office space stand out in the competitive Cardiff rental market.
By making just a few simple upgrades, landlords can:
Increase rental appeal
Reduce void periods
Attract high-quality, long-term tenants
Enhance rental value
At RedKey, we specialise in property management and marketing in Cardiff and South Wales. We know exactly what tenants are looking for and can help you present your property at its very best — including highlighting work-from-home features that drive results.
👉 Get in touch today for expert advice on staging, letting, or managing your rental property:
📞 Call 02920 090690 / 03333 447850
📧 Email hello@redkeylets.co.uk
Let us help you turn your rental into a high-demand property in the Cardiff rental market.
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As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid working, demand for well-designed home office spaces is on the rise.
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