Mop, scrub and polish your way to a more valuable property

A clean home will not only increase your property’s appeal when it’s on the market, it also has the potential to increase its value. That’s the findings of a new study by trade finder website HaMuch.

It found a little elbow grease can help a property achieve a better sales price. The biggest return was gained when a home’s exterior was clean, tidy and decluttered, adding 10% to a home’s value (or £26,809 using the UK’s current average house price). A deep clean inside the home can also increase a home’s worth by 2.8% - a monetary equivalent of £7,506.

This new research adds to the findings of a previous Hammonds Furniture survey, which resulted in a list of 19 things that may dent your home’s value. The top two aspects that would prompt buyers to make a low offer were mould/damp and signs of a pest infestation. Also on the negative list were pet smells and stained carpets.

Sellers should be aware of how buyers’ minds work. If they see small patches of mould, stains, scuffs and unidentifiable deposits, they’ll be calculating how much it will cost to make good, or they’ll worry it’s a sign of a bigger, costly, problem. Conversely, a dirt-free home makes a statement that it’s a loved and cared for property.

It’s best to come to market with the cleanest home possible, concentrating on the following areas:

• Property exterior: people will judge your home on its exterior, so cleaning here really counts, especially as grime builds up over time from traffic and inclement weather. Jet wash any path and steps, clean the exterior of your windows, remove any cobwebs from porches and wash down your front door.

• Garden: neglected outside spaces can really let your property down. Jet wash decks and patios to remove moss and dirt, sweep away fallen leaves and hose down any garden furniture that’s uncovered.

• Kitchens: stainless steel appliances and shiny surfaces show up smears, so ensure they’re wiped down and buffed with a dry cloth. Pay attention to splashbacks and extractor fans as they can be a magnet for cooking splashes and grease. Pet bowls and litter trays are best removed ahead of a viewing. 

• Bathrooms: extra effort may be required in bathrooms as there can be multiple issues to tackle. Remove limescale from shower screens and taps, clean mirrors to remove watermarks and flecks of toothpaste, use a specific remover to treat any signs of mould, and check toilet bowls for stains and deposits. 

• Bedrooms: mirrored wardrobes always draw the eye, so make sure they’re dusted and sparkling. Ensure any bedlinen is freshly laundered, and free of stains and pet hair.

• General: clean door handles and the area around them as this is where dirty fingerprints are often found. Dust all surfaces and ledges, remove cobwebs and wipe down skirting boards. Clean the inside of windows and check sills for dead insects, removing as you go. Vacuum and mop throughout. Use a lint roller to remove pet hair and ensure all reflective surfaces are buffed to a shine.

A spring clean can be performed at any time of year but especially before you sell your home. Contact us when you’re ready for a valuation – we can arrange a time that suits your schedule.