What Not to Fix When Selling Your House in the UK

When preparing to sell a home, many sellers assume they need to fix every minor flaw to attract buyers and secure the best price. However, not all repairs are worth the time or expense. In the UK property market, where buyers often expect to make their own improvements, spending money on certain fixes can take away your time and money for no benefit. 

In this article, we’ll explore which repairs you need to look into when selling a house and those that you can skip, helping you save money while still making a great impression on potential buyers. Whether it’s cosmetic updates, outdated fittings, or minor wear and tear, knowing what not to fix can be just as important as knowing what to repair. 

Do I need to fix everything before selling my house?

No, you do not need to make full repairs or complete renovations to sell your house in the UK. In fact, there are options to well properties with major repairs being needed through selling methods such as property auctions. 

7 home fixes you do not Need to complete before selling

When selling a property, it’s natural to want it to look its best. However, not every issue needs to be fixed before putting your home on the market. Some repairs can be unnecessary, expensive, or even offer little return on investment. Here are seven things you can skip fixing when selling your house in the UK.

1. Outdated but functional kitchens and bathrooms

While modern kitchens and bathrooms can add value, a full renovation is rarely worth the cost if the existing fixtures are functional. Many buyers prefer to update these spaces to their own taste. Instead of a full remodel, consider minor cosmetic touch-ups, such as regrouting tiles or repainting cabinets, to freshen up the space without breaking the bank.

2. Minor Cosmetic Imperfections

Small scratches on walls, slightly worn carpets, or outdated wallpaper are unlikely to be deal-breakers. Most buyers understand that minor cosmetic issues come with any lived-in home. Rather than spending money on superficial updates, focus on ensuring the house is clean and well-presented.

3. Partially Renovated Rooms

If you started a renovation but didn’t finish it, resist the urge to rush through it just before selling. Buyers often prefer a blank slate rather than a half-finished project completed in a hurry. It’s usually better to price the home accordingly and let the buyer take over the improvements.

4. Old Windows That Are Still Functional

Replacing windows can be a costly upgrade, and if your current windows are intact and free from major damage, it’s rarely necessary. Buyers looking for energy efficiency may opt to replace them after purchase, but it’s not an urgent fix if they’re still in good condition.

5. Dated Decor and Fixtures

Trendy light fittings, outdated cabinet handles, or older bathroom fixtures might not be the latest style, but replacing them isn’t essential. Many buyers plan to update these elements to suit their taste. Instead of replacing fixtures, ensure they are clean and in working order.

6. Garden Landscaping and Extensive Outdoor Upgrades

A tidy garden adds curb appeal, but there’s no need to invest in expensive landscaping projects. Buyers often have their own ideas for outdoor spaces and may make changes after moving in. A simple garden tidy-up, such as mowing the lawn and trimming overgrown bushes, is usually enough.

7. Small Electrical or Plumbing Quirks

A loose socket cover or a slightly dripping tap might not be perfect, but these minor issues don’t usually put buyers off. Unless there’s a major problem with the plumbing or electrical system, small fixes can be left for the new owner to handle.

By focusing on essential repairs rather than unnecessary upgrades, you can save money and sell your home without making costly improvements that won’t significantly impact the sale price.

7 Home Fixes You Must Complete Before Selling

When preparing to sell a property, it can be difficult to identify what you should be doing to help improve the value of your property and attract buyer interest. By addressing these seven key repairs, you’ll present your home in the best possible light, helping it sell faster and potentially increasing its value. 

​​1. Fix Structural Issues

Major structural problems, such as subsidence, damp, or roof damage, can significantly affect your home’s value and mortgage lenders could be reluctant to offer mortgages to buyers for properties with such damages. A professional survey can identify any issues, and repairing them before selling will make your property more appealing and prevent last-minute deal collapses.

2. Address Damp and Mould

Damp patches and mould growth can put off potential buyers. These issues often indicate ventilation problems or leaks, and they can make a home feel neglected. Simple fixes such as improving ventilation, repairing leaks, and treating affected areas with anti-mould solutions can make a big difference to buyers viewing your home. 

3. Repair Plumbing and Heating Systems

Leaking pipes, dripping taps, and outdated or faulty boilers can be costly for buyers causing them to lose interest in your property. Ensuring that your plumbing and heating systems are in good working order is crucial, especially in the UK, where a functioning boiler is a major selling point. Consider having your boiler serviced and fixing any visible plumbing issues before listing your property.

4. Patch Up Cracks and Peeling Paint

While minor cosmetic imperfections can often be overlooked, large cracks in walls or ceilings can become unsightly to potential buyers. Filling cracks, repainting peeling walls, and giving your home a fresh coat of neutral paint will make it look well-maintained and more inviting. 

5. Ensure Windows and Doors Are in Good Condition

Faulty locks, sticking doors, or draughty windows can give buyers the impression that the house is not secure or energy-efficient. Repairing or replacing damaged window frames and ensuring all doors and locks function properly will add to your home’s overall appeal and security.

6. Tidy Up the Exterior and Garden

Overgrown gardens, broken fences, or a neglected front door can create a negative first impression. Mowing the lawn, fixing damaged fencing, cleaning driveways, and giving your front door a fresh coat of paint can make a property look more attractive without major expense.

7. Fix Any Electrical Issues

Outdated wiring, broken light fixtures, and faulty sockets can be a turn-off for buyers. If your property has visible electrical issues, consider hiring an electrician to ensure everything is safe and up to standard. A valid Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) can also reassure buyers that the electrics are in good condition.

What brings down the value of a house in the UK?

When selling a property, it can be frustrating if valuations or buyer offers are lower than anticipated. It is easy to assume the reasons for this but there are several factors that can bring down the value of a house in the UK. Below we list the most common reasons why a property’s value may drop. 

• Structural Issues – Structural issues can be difficult to identify and address. Depending on the issue, it can be costly for a buyer to repair and can make the structural integrity of the property come into question. Problems with subsidence, roofs, or damp can significantly reduce a property’s value and deter buyers.
• Poor Maintenance – A home that appears neglected, with peeling paint, broken fixtures, or an overgrown garden, can lower its market appeal as it will require time and effort by the buyer to bring the property back to a good condition. This neglect can also make buyers question the property’s previous maintenance for more important repairs such as boiler maintenance. 
• Broken Kitchens and Bathrooms – Old kitchens and bathrooms with poor layouts, minimal space or unfixed cabinets can make a property less desirable due to the costs involved in renovating these rooms. 
• Energy Inefficiency – Poor insulation, single-glazed windows, or an inefficient boiler can make a home more expensive to run, reducing its value. Similarly to those discussed previously, these repairs can be very costly to buyers. As the UK has harsher winters and longer periods of cold weather than other countries, good energy efficiency is desirable in the property market. 
• Poor EPC Rating – A low Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating can be a red flag for buyers concerned about running costs and sustainability. Energy Performance Certificates must be legally provided when selling a property. 
• Legal or Planning Issues – Properties with unclear boundaries, disputes, or unapproved extensions can make buyers hesitant and reduce value. Easements and restive covenants are checked by conveyancing solicitors to protect buyers from potential issues.
  
• Nearby Developments – Large construction projects, such as new roads or high-rise buildings, can negatively impact views, privacy, and desirability. Planning permission applications are available to the public and buyers or solicitors could be reluctant to buy a property nearby future developments causing the property to lower in value if there is less buyer demand. 

At Auction House London, we offer a free property valuation service for sellers wanting to auction their property. 

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We recognise the challenges involved in selling a property and how stressful the process can be for both sellers and buyers.  Our experienced team specialises in supporting sellers to auction their home and successfully sell a property. To learn more about how we can assist you, please contact our property experts today.