As sellers are up against it in an increasingly competitive market, one housing expert has revealed the key upgrades which will make your property stand out – and they needn’t be expensive.
TV presenter Phil Spencer – of Location, Location, Location fame – has shared the subtle tips and tricks which make buyers more likely to put an offer down.
The prospect may seem daunting, with UK house prices falling by 3.1 per cent year-on-year and the cost-of-living crisis continuing to tighten everyone’s purse strings.
And with people trying to get on the ladder – and looking to put a deposit down on a ‘move-in-ready’ place – it can feel tougher than ever to make interiors changes without breaking the bank.
Phil, who has partnered with DIY retailer Wickes, however, told the Daily Mail that ‘you don’t need a full renovation to impress buyers – far from it’.
‘In my experience, it’s the small, thoughtful touches that really help a home stand out,’ he continued.
‘Storage is an absolute must in my opinion – clear, clutter-free spaces instantly make a home feel calmer and more inviting.
‘Add to that a fresh coat of neutral paint, and you can completely shift the mood of a room, making it feel brighter, more spacious, and easier for buyers to picture themselves in.
‘With the right know-how and a few clever products, you can make all these changes for under £500. It’s about smart upgrades, not big spends.’
‘We know how important it is for homeowners to make a great first impression when selling,’ Chris Moorhouse, Category Director of Timber, Building, Decor, and Gardens at Wickes, added.
‘That’s why we’re proud to offer affordable, easy-to-use solutions that help transform spaces without breaking the bank.’
SMART STORAGE
Clutter, Phil said, is a deal-breaker. Buyers are drawn to homes that feel organised and serene – not crammed and chaotic.
To help with this, he recommended built-in shelving, hallway cupboards or stylish storage units that hide the mess and highlight the space. It’s not just storage – it’s breathing room.
FRESH WALLS
The background of the interiors should make those doing viewings imagine a ‘fresh start’, Phil revealed.
Peeling paint and bold colours can make buyers hesitate, but calming neutrals help people imagine their lives unfolding in your space.
For this, he advised, freshen up with soft greys, warm whites or earthy tones that create an instant sense of calm, light and possibility.
NATURAL LIGHT
Light, Phil recommended, makes everything feel bigger, better and more inviting.
You can bounce it around with mirrors, swap heavy curtains for sheers, and keep windowsills clear.
This achieves airy, open rooms that make buyers say ‘ahh’ the moment they step in.
GOOD FIRST IMPRESSIONS
You never get a second chance at a first impression – so make the most of your property’s entrance, Phil said.
A clean, well-painted front door, a smart doormat and a potted plant or two make your home feel loved and looked after – before they’ve even stepped inside.
NATURAL CHARM
Modern buyers love charm and soul when it comes to their homes, the pro revealed.
Whether it’s a decorative fireplace, exposed floorboards or a heritage-style detail, a little character gives your home a heart. It’s what makes people remember your space – and feel emotionally drawn to it.
