A UK survey asked members of the National Association of Estate Agents what they believe is the best way to increase the saleability of a home. These are not necessarily the elements that will increase the value of your home, but rather the smaller, overlooked factors, which can make a massive difference when encouraging the sale of your home. Decluttering was seen as a key step to getting a house sold ...

The survey looked into ways to help increase the chance of a sale with many members placing a huge emphasis on first impressions and how crucial it is to make sure the home is free of clutter. 45% of agents said that tidying up clutter is extremely important. This is an approach that is crucial and cheap, yet missed by so many home sellers. Redecorating was close behind with 22%.

Members were then asked about their thoughts on other ways to ensure the sale of a home, looking particularly at the exterior of a property and whether they thought a well presented garden can potentially make a difference. The survey showed that 96% of members agreed that a garden plays an important role and should not be disregarded as it is essential to the sale of a home.

Peter Bolton King, Chief Executive of The National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), the residential sales arm of the National Federation of Property Professionals (NFOPP), comments: “It is the little things that can make a difference when wanting to make your home easier to sell. Concentrate on the presentation of the home – clear the mess away and have a dust and vacuum of the place. Make sure the garden is presentable and that the lawn is freshly cut, there are no weeds and adding coloured plants and pots can make a real difference. Landscaping is also crucial and decking remains a popular feature.

“It is always best to seek the advice of a local NAEA agent who can advise you on what to do and what homes sell best in your area.”

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