Make sure your home is functional

Budgets are under pressure, and home sizes are shrinking. This makes functionality a prime concern to most home buyers.

WATCH : Upgrading your home? Find out which home improvements pay off.

Most buyers focus on finding a home with a layout, space and finishes that will suit their lifestyle without having to make too many changes before they move in.

If you are considering selling your property, there are several ways to demonstrate its efficiency and practicality. This will generate greater buyer interest and ensure a faster sale.

Inspection

The first step is to look over the interiors as if you are seeing it through the critical eyes of a prospective buyer. As you go from room to room, make notes of what needs to be tidied, cleaned, repaired or replaced. Be sure not to overlook familiar items like the cluttered dining table or pile of books on the floor. Then clean and tidy up as needed.

Do the same for the exterior of your property as well as the garden and outbuildings.

If you are repainting walls, opt for neutral colours – especially in the most used rooms. Some potential buyers might like a bright red feature wall, but for the most part, home viewers will probably prefer pale pastels.

Fixtures

Make sure that fixtures like countertops are made of materials that can endure daily use and are easy to clean. Granite, engineered stone, steel and laminates are safe choices.

Flooring is important to most buyers, so if your floors are old or worn out, it is probably worthwhile replacing them. Tiles and laminated floors are popular options, and modern buyers also like vinyl flooring as it is easy to keep clean and is available in a wide range of designs and colours.

Additional cupboards or bookshelves can be a dealmaker – particularly in smaller homes where space is at a premium. Make sure they match the scale of the room and are in the right position. Cupboards that are too big or awkwardly placed can make a room look cramped.

Additional bathroom storage is sure to appeal to many prospective buyers. Install a sizeable wall cabinet, attractive and practical bath and shower organisers and enough towel rails in strategic spots. Make sure there is room for a laundry hamper and paint or tile in fresh-looking neutral pastels.

Working order

A home in a condition suitable to move into will be the first choice for most buyers. Above all, you should ensure everything in your home is in working order.

It will be well worthwhile spending some money on getting everything shipshape and working perfectly. This means no flaking paint or varnish, no dripping taps or cracked tiles and no worn-out patches in the carpets.

Writer : Sarah-Jane Meyer