HSBC research suggests that householders looking for a fast property sale should worry less about cleaning windows and buying fresh flowers, and spend more time repainting the front door and replacing old gates.
The bank’s 2012 HSBC Home Improvement Survey revealed that many homeowners have misconceptions regarding factors which may help them to sell their property.
52% plan to spend time over the Bank Holidays this spring making home improvements. The research, which questioned householders and property valuation experts, also revealed the smaller jobs around the house which can help homeowners to sell their property.
60% of property valuers said that the number one way to increase a property’s chance of selling quickly, and for a healthy price, was to de-clutter. Cutting the grass and repairing paint chips will also improve house-selling prospects.
However, 69% of homeowners thought cleaning the windows would be worthwhile, compared to just 44% of the property experts. Also, while 63% of the experts said that repainting or varnishing a front door would make a difference, only 23% of homeowners recognise this.
Peter Dockar, head of mortgages at HSBC, said: “Many householders spend the Bank Holidays on DIY projects to help boost property value and saleability. However it is often the smaller jobs like painting the front door that can make all the difference when looking for a quick sale.”