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8 surprising things that devalue your property

You might think having a swimming pool, hi-tech lighting and a colorful kitchen add to the value of your home but that isn't always the case. We spoke to the experts about the surprising things that can knock thousands of pounds off the value of your property.

1. Gold and copper fittings

Gold and copper fittings in kitchens and bathrooms are currently having a moment — but a moment is all it is according to those in the know.

"Gold and copper hardware, like other metallics, are likely to fall back out of fashion

"You might think they’re timeless classics, but just take a look at brass fixtures and fittings. They were big in the 1980s but quickly looked dated and chintzy in our homes."

Play it safe and stick to silver — it goes with everything and isn’t going to turn anyone off

2. Too much tech

Several experts flagged overly sophisticated tech as a big minus when buying a house.

"Complicated lighting and audio-visual systems almost always go wrong. Buyers generally spend considerable sums removing these and installing simpler, easier-to-use systems

Both inside and outside, technology should simplify rather than complicate. Steer clear of any technologies that may be obsolete in function 3-5 years later," he adds.

3. Swimming pools

Surprising as it may seem, in the UK swimming pools add very little to a property and may even deduct from its value.

In this country, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to use an outdoor swimming pool for a significant amount of the year, but they still require a lot of maintenance that can be costly.

4. TikTok-inspired interiors

TikTok might seem like a great place to go for interiors inspiration but beware as some of its ideas might actually do more harm than good.

  1. nside Nature — adding natural materials such as rattan and bamboo to your interiors

  2. Maximalism — based on busy gallery walls, mis-matched furniture and loud, bright wallpaper

  3. Dark Hues — painting certain parts of your home in bold black rather than the typical neutral shades

"Social media is a double-edged sword in terms of interior design. It’s ideal for sharing ideas between enthusiastic homeowners and renovators but, although it’s great for providing endless inspiration, it can’t provide amateurs with the skills they need to create a cohesive room or a good finish,

5. Nice-to-haves

While it may seem like a great idea to install fancy features such as wine cellars, saunas and treatment rooms, like a pool, they tend to require maintenance and be based on a personal choice rather than necessity.

"These additions will almost certainly have been added at great expense to a property to suit the current owner's requirements but may have little or no appeal to prospective buyers

6. Artificial grass

Anything low maintenance tends to add value to a home, but that can’t be said for artificial grass. While it’s easy to keep looking good, buyers still want the real thing for their garden — for both aesthetic and environmental reasons

7. Basement dig-outs

Basements dig-outs can add much-needed square footage but, before you take on a big project, be aware that this space is not as "valuable" as if it were above ground.

"Basement dig outs can add valuable space but will always lack natural light,"  "Due to the lack of light and, with space to fill, architects will often suggest a home cinema or games room which sound fun but realistically can often be very under-used."

8. Colorful kitchens

It’s a truth widely acknowledged that kitchens sell houses, and, for this reason, you need to really think about the way this room, in particular, is decorated.

Avoid bold colors on the walls and cupboards and keep tiles plain rather than patterned, as these might put-off a would-be buyer

"If you’re decorating your house to sell, and not for you to stay in long-term, I would stay away from making any design choices that are too bold in the kitchen. Keep it simple."

If you want to increase the value of your property, as well as speaking to architects and interior designers, talk to a local estate agent who knows your street and can advise you on what is likely to demand a premium.

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