During the winter season, Christmas decorations have become a customary feature in many homes, extending beyond the traditional indoor setup to include outdoor displays. However, when it comes to selling your home, could an excess of festive decorations diminish its property value?
In a survey of 500 people, 60% think Christmas decorations can affect a home’s curb appeal. Almost a quarter (23%) have avoided buying a property due to seasonal decor.
Sharon Hyde, Senior Sales Manager for Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire East unveils the holiday decor trends that might decrease your home’s value. From crowded lights to oversized trees, which Christmas decor trends could hinder a successful sale?
“The holiday season is a thrilling time for decorating your home, and while it’s tempting to go all out, it may not be the wisest decision if you’re selling. Christmas decorations can divert buyers’ attention from your home, potentially leading them to lower their offer or refrain from making an offer at all.“
- Oversized trees
While bigger Christmas trees may feel more festive, they can take up precious space in your home and make the room they’re in feel cramped. To avoid this, you can opt for a smaller Christmas tree which won’t take up as much space and prevent your rooms from looking small.
- Cluttered presents
Save the gifts for Christmas day. Having lots of presents under the tree can make the space feel very cluttered. Remember, until you open your gifts, they’re acting as decoration in your home. One or two gifts under the tree may look tasteful, but filling the floor with presents can look disorganised.
- Tinsel
Tinsel can be one of the most divisive forms of festive decor, being loved and hated in seemingly equal measure. Of 500 people surveyed, a quarter (25%) admitted they had negative or very negative feelings towards tinsel. When selling your home in winter, it’s best to play it safe and avoid this marmite decoration.
Christmas decorations can bring warmth to your home over the festive season but they can also leave your property looking cheap to potential buyers. When it comes to decoration, less is generally more; you should always opt for quality over quantity. You want any decoration or ornaments to enhance your home, not to distract buyers’ attention.
- Poor lighting
The initial impression of your property is formed by its front, the first thing potential buyers encounter. Avoid cluttering the front with excessive Christmas lights, as it can divert a buyer’s attention. In our previous study, two-thirds of homeowners contemplated skipping Christmas lights altogether.
Alternatively, make sure that the inside of your home is well lit. Every winter, more people adopt edison bulbs for their lamps to provide a warmer, dimmer light to give a cosier feeling to their space. When selling, this is a trend to stay clear of. Dim bulbs can make a perfectly good room appear small and dingy.
- Clashing colours
If you’ve invested in interior design, ensure your holiday decorations harmonise with your rooms. Christmas colours like red, green, blue, silver, and gold can clash with your existing palette. David Wilson Homes found that over a third of people (35%) felt this trend detracted from a home’s aesthetic.
Opt for minimal decorations that align with each room, considering colours that complement your furnishings. Gold or silver decorations are versatile and can enhance your home’s existing elements. Ensure all additions are tasteful.
- Loud displays
Steer clear of overly comical or whimsical decorations. Inflatables on the roof or singing snowmen in the hallway can be distracting, potentially leading to lower offers. According to David Wilson Homes’ survey, 45% of people said that loud displays detracted from a home’s aesthetic, making it the most disliked Christmas decor trend.
Not only can these decorations be off-putting for buyers, they can also land you in hot water legally. If Christmas displays are too bright or distracting, they may break Statutory Nuisance laws and could land you with a fine of up to £2,500.
- Over-personalisation
While festive families might be tempted to adorn their home with personalised stockings and framed photographs of children with Santa, it’s advisable to keep these items stored away during viewings.
Having too many personalised belongings can make it difficult for a buyer to envision themselves living in the space and could result in a lower overall offer. Opt instead for more neutral touches that allow buyers to project themselves onto the space.
Methodology
We used OnePulse to survey 500 UK adults on their Christmas decoration habits and preferences. Respondents were asked the following:
- Do you believe that Christmas decorations on a property can affect its curb appeal and overall attractiveness to potential buyers?
- Have you ever been deterred from considering a property for purchase due to Christmas decorations or seasonal decor?