I'm a property expert – 10 major mistakes that will put off a buyer and how to fix them

Scottish Sun

11-07-2025

HOME HELP I'm a property expert – 10 major mistakes that will put off a buyer and how to fix them
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IF you think your home is ready for the market, think again.
According to the experts, you might love every inch of your property - but buyers don't care about your memories your wallpaper, or your gran's old curtains.
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Liv is an expert property stager
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The expert says you have to strike a balance between homely and too unique
Property staging guru Liv Conlon says if they can't see themselves living there, they'll walk away.
Outdated decor, cluttered rooms and a messy front garden can kill a sale before anyone's even stepped inside, she insists.
And Liv, 26, CEO of ThePropertyStagers.co.uk, says sellers shouldnt get too confident with their asking price.
The Glasgow-born entrepreneur said: "If your place looks tired or too you, it'll sit on the market for months."
Here she shares the biggest mistakes sellers make - and how to fix them.
Neglecting your home's curb appeal
Curb appeal plays a crucial role when viewing a home because first impressions count.
An unkept exterior sets the tone for a prospective buyer before they've even stepped foot inside.
Liv said: "Things like overgrown shrubbery, chipped paint on the front door or window ledges, broken gates and large cracks on the pathway can be the difference between someone feeling welcomed by your home or wanting to make a hasty exit.
"If you're serious about selling, invest in landscaping services, fix the paint work and up the charm factor with hanging baskets, window boxes or stylish doormats."
I'm a 25-year-old single mum running two seven-figure businesses, this is my daily routine - including getting up at 4am
Ignoring wear and tear
Homes are meant to be lived in and the chaos of a busy household can naturally lead to wear and tear.
But there's a big difference between a home that's well-loved and one that's worn out.
The expert explains: "Peeling wallpaper, chipped tiles, or scuffed flooring can make a property seem neglected and less appealing to buyers.
"Try to stay on top of maintenance to avoid small issues getting bigger than they have to. Clever styling can also help. Large rugs or furniture can conceal imperfections, while stylish decor can draw the eye away from imperfections."
Letting unique interior taste overwhelm the space
Our interiors typically become a reflection of our personalities, but when it comes to reselling, you have to ensure prospective buyers can easily envision turning your house into THEIR home.
Bright colour schemes and quirky decor pieces may appeal to you, but they may be off-putting to others.
Liv says: "Opt for neutral colour palettes where you can, even if this means repainting a wall or swapping out your current soft furnishings for something simpler.
"A bold outdoor style may also prove divisive for buyers, so replace ostentatious finishes or kitsch ornaments with something minimalist, like stone or marble accents."
Going overboard with photos
While family pictures and treasured keepsakes may hold a lot of sentimental value for you, these items can make it hard for a potential buyer to see your house as a place they could call home.
The property stager said: "Personal items can also clutter a space, distracting from striking pieces of art or ornate original features that make a house more appealing.
"Strip back on the personal photos and keep your decor more neutral, creating a space that feels streamlined. When it comes to styling your home for resale, less is always more."
Not following a consistent theme
You should try to achieve a consistent interior theme throughout your home, so your rooms work in harmony rather than feeling disconnected, Liv says.
Mismatched styles can create a chaotic flow, so try to choose one colour palette and pick a leading colour that you can add to every room - whether that's in a rug, a statement piece of decor or an art print on the wall.
The expert added: "I often say the look of a home is dictated by the kitchen, so if you've gone for a traditional style, reflect this throughout the rest of your space."
Letting your space fall flat
While bright colour clashes and loud patterns may be unappealing to buyers, an all-white space can also feel soulless.
Liv said: "If you're cautious when experimenting with colour, why not add subtle splashes with bright cushions, rugs or artwork? Fresh greenery can also bring real warmth to a room, or you could add pops of colour with vibrant bouquets of fresh flowers."
Ignoring the lack of lighting
One of the biggest things prospective homeowners want from a space is plenty of natural light.
Depending on the direction your home faces or the size of your window space, there may be rooms that feel a little dark during the day. But it's easy to create a brighter feel.
Liv explains: "Cleverly-placed mirrors can reflect the light and open up the space. Lighting is also key, especially when it's layered.
"For the most effective results, consider your ambient lighting, which is typically ceiling fixtures, task lighting, which refers to reading lamps or under-cabinet lights, and accent lighting, such as artwork. When the three work in unison, a room feels instantly lighter."
Letting clutter build up
Clutter does a disservice to a house by making spaces feel smaller, less organised and distracting from the true beauty and potential of your home's features.
Strip back room by room, clearing your kitchen countertops, bedside tables and bathroom sinks of unnecessary things.
The guru says: "Invest in clever storage solutions that can conceal the clutter without skimping on style, such as velvet ottomans, woven baskets, under-bed bags, sleek wooden toy boxes, and hanging door organisers."
Forgetting to add homely touches
Clearing clutter and personal items often requires a thorough declutter, but be careful not to remove all the warmth from your home.
An overly bare room can feel cold and uninviting.
Liv says: "Even in spare rooms or spaces you hardly use, try to add soft furnishings, like rugs, throws, and cushions, which can introduce warmth and texture. Something as small as a potted plant can add character without overwhelming the space, while floor lamps can help to create a cosy and welcoming ambience."
Opting for garish bedding
Bedrooms can be a focal point of a home as they represent a space for rest and retreat.
Patterned or busy linens can make a bed feel cluttered, so it's always worth investing in crisp white sets that create a sense of calm and luxury and exude that five-star feeling.
The home expert added: "A clean base can also let you experiment with brighter decor, such as statement cushions and throws, or add snug and inviting touches, like a quilted bedspread."