When it comes to selling a property, first impressions count – especially in today’s market, where buyers are more clued-up than ever. Minor issues can have a huge impact on your property's desirability.
Everyone has their own bugbears when it comes to style, but some features are universally disliked. We’ve updated our list of the top five property turn-offs, so you can avoid falling into the same traps.
1. Visible damp and mould
Damp patches, mouldy walls or a musty smell are some of the biggest red flags for buyers. In fact, a 2023 survey by Purplebricks found that 70% of potential buyers are put off by signs of damp or mould, and 56% would turn their noses up at mould and limescale in the bathroom.
What you can do: Tackle the root cause – whether that’s poor ventilation, roof leaks or insulation issues. Redecorating with mould-resistant paint can make all the difference.
2. Pest infestations
Nothing sends buyers running faster than the sight of mouse traps or pest control bait. These can signal an ongoing infestation, which is a major concern for prospective homeowners.
What you can do: Make sure your home is pest-free and remove any visible traps or deterrents before anyone comes to view it.
3. Bad smells
Unsurprisingly, a smelly house can instantly turn off a buyer.
Lingering pet odours, cigarette smoke or damp smells can be absolute deal-breakers. According to the Purplebricks survey, over half of buyers said bad smells impacted their perception of a home.
We tend to associate bad smells with dirt and germs, so it's no wonder it will turn people off.
What you can do: A deep clean is the best place to start. Open the windows to get fresh air circulating and invest in a few scented candles or diffusers. Anything you can do to help create a more welcoming environment will increase your chances of selling (for the right price).
If you can't tell whether your home smells, ask someone you trust for their honest opinion – especially if you have pets or smoke indoors.
4. Old-fashioned décor
Buyers often want properties they can see themselves living in straight away. Outdated kitchens and bathrooms are high on the list of turn-offs, along with boldly decorated rooms. That said, avocado bathroom suites are enjoying a surprising comeback for 2025, having been out in the cold for decades.
What you can do: Bear in mind that a neutral palette is best, so viewers can imagine their own furniture in a space. If you have a traditional kitchen, a complete renovation can be costly. But small updates – like new handles and fresh paint – can update the look without breaking the bank.
5. An overgrown garden
The outside of your home sets the tone for what's inside. Poor kerb appeal can damage first impressions and even reduce the value of your home. Cracked walls, broken garden furniture and overgrown weeds will put prospective buyers off before they've even stepped inside your home.
What you can do: Take broken pots, old toys and other clutter to the tip. Then, trim back hedges/plants and sweep the pathways. Keeping windows and doors clean can also make a big difference.
Other things to consider
Structural issues: Cracks in the walls or water stains could indicate subsidence or poor maintenance, potentially reducing your home’s value by up to 20%.
Energy efficiency: With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, buyers prioritise well-insulated homes with good EPC ratings. Double glazing, loft insulation and modern boilers are key selling points.
Artex ceilings: There’s nothing like an Artex ceiling to take you right back to the 1980s. Artex is a type of plaster applied to ceilings or walls to give a textured finish. The trouble is, until the mid-80s, Artex was made with white asbestos to make it stronger.
What you can do: Before you touch Artex, get an expert to check whether it has asbestos in it. If it does, find out what to do on the Health and Safety Executive’s website.
