Twitter Facebook RSS FEEDS

Festive lights put off buyers

Wednesday, 13 December 2006 12:00 AM

Over enthusiastic festive lighting on the exterior of your home is one of the most off-putting things sellers can do, a new seasonal survey finds.

Decorating your home with lots of Christmas lighting was the second most undesirable visual factor for female house buyers, with only broken down vehicles and old furniture in the front garden more of an eyesore.

Men were slightly more accommodating of over the top decorations, who find both broken down vehicles and old furniture and rubbish left in front of a home more undesirable visual factors.

"Christmas and the new year is a notoriously difficult time to sell as people like to be settled over the festive period," explained Warren Bright, head of propertyfinder.com, who conducted the survey.

"Sellers will have to be extra careful not to alienate the buyers who are still out there and over the top decorations are sure to put a lot of people off."

Mr Bright added: "People want to see an unadorned house and imagine themselves in it. That means bold personal statements. . . must be avoided.

"Overstated exteriors are seen as tacky and are likely to give a negative first impression of both the house and the neighbourhood. If you are a seller who likes to deck the outside of your house with flashing lights and plastic figures, then be thankful Father Christmas will be coming down the chimney because you won't be getting buyers through the door."

Related stories

The growing cost of essentials in 2011 has outweighed the effect of falling house prices and rising incomes. Image:Thinkstock

Rising bills put the squeeze on first-time buyers

It’s harder to get on the housing ladder now than in 2009 despite lowest mortgage payments in a decade, says RBS.

 Solar panels could cut electricity bills by £177 a year

One in ten Brits put off by perceived 'green' cost

Energy efficient products are seen as a waste of money by one in ten Brits.
Wood briquettes last a lot longer than ordinary wood.

Festive frugality - how to save at Christmas top ten

Christmas can be an expensive time of year, here's a few tips to help you save money.

 Falling prices and high moving costs leave people who bought their first home in 2007 £11,000 short of being able to move. Image: Thinkstock

Would-be second-time buyers trapped in their homes

Falling prices and high moving costs leave people who bought their first home in 2007 £11,000 short of being able to move, says HSBC
Row of terraced houses in London

How to shave 29 per cent off your mortgage

One company reckons mortgage-holders could save themselves £1,028 in interest by doing this...

 Men on construction site

Boris clears Croydon tower for take-off

The London mayor has waved through plans to build the UK's tallest residential building, with 55 storeys of homes, hotel and offices.
Government policy in four areas of housing policy got a red light from leading housing organisations.

Lights turning red for housing policy

Supply, homelessness and housing costs are three main worries as housing organisations rate government's record so far.

Homebuyers turned off by garish Christmas lights

Homebuyers turned off by garish Christmas lights

Homebuyers turned off by garish Christmas lights
Leaking pipes in the home

Burst pipes could dampen festive cheer

Plumbing should be checked regularly during the colder months, as pipes freeze and thaw, threatening homes and property, insurers warn.

 First-time buyers receive the keys to their property

New 95% mortgage launched for first-time buyers

Principality’s Assisted First-Time Buyer deal allows families to use their savings to secure mortgages for relatives.

Search property

Headlines

Directory

Alaris

Alaris Logo
Alaris specialise in quality Bathrooms and Kitchens along with many other unique products for your home. The range of kitchens, kitchen worktops and bathrooms is extensive and the highest quality so you are sure to find what you want. New bathroom furniture, bathroom suites, taps, showers and cabinets are added regularly.

Bathrooms365

Bathrooms365 Logo
Bathroom365 supply all areas of your new bathroom - leading-edge designed bathroom suites, stylish bathroom taps and showers, all styles and forms of shower enclosures and a vast collection of bathroom furniture.

Beds Direct

Beds Direct Logo
Whether you've just moved into a property and need to furnish it or just fancy having something new to sleep on, Beds Direct offer you a wide array of beds to order online or via the telephone.

Fitmykitchen

Fitmykitchen Logo
Fitmykitchen are specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, sink taps, waste bins and furniture. So whatever you want from kitchen sink taps to waste bins look no further than fitmykitchen, UK, the specialist suppliers of kitchen appliances, stainless steel sink taps, waste bins and kitchen furniture.

MyStampDuty

MyStampDuty Logo
We help people buying property all over the UK to minimise Stamp Duty Land Tax on residential and commercial property. If you are looking at purchasing a new home or business premises over £500,000, contact us today by completing the form on the right

Oak Furniture Land

Oak Furniture Land Logo
For hardwood furniture, including Solid Oak, Mango, Mahogany, Sheesham, Acacia, Ash and Birch, look no further than Oak Furniture Land.

Propertywide

Propertywide Logo
Propertywide.co.uk is Countrywide plc's dedicated property website. Created to provide online access to all our estate agency, lettings and property related services, Propertywide.co.uk has been designed with the consumer at heart.

The 21st Century Radiator Company

The 21st Century Radiator Company Logo
Welcome to 21st Century Radiator Company. We supply a stunning range of traditional reproduction high quality cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths. All our cast-iron radiators and cast-iron baths are brand new, fully tested and guaranteed for ten years.

Rated People

Rated People Logo
Whatever type of home improvement or garden remodelling project you have, Rated People can help you to identify the right tradesmen for the job in a way that is quick, easy, convenient and, as it is based on real-life recommendations, trustworthy.

Residential Land

Residential Land Logo
If you are looking for short or long term rentals in Central London, Residential Land have a portfolio of over 1200 flats and houses in the best postcodes across the Capital.

Simply Bedrooms

Simply Bedrooms Logo
Simply Bedrooms, a part of Sleepwell Bedrooms Ltd, supplying quality beds, wardrobes, sliding door wardrobes and bedroom furniture at low prices and great service, London and Home Counties Specialists.

Door Handles UK

Door Handles UK Logo
Door Handles UK is the UK's largest online range of Door Handle accessories, Door Hinges, Locks and Latches and so much more and all at genuine internet prices. We have a wide range of Chrome, Brass and Glass Crystal Mortice door knobs in both traditional and contemporary designs, whatever your taste and budget you will find a design to suit.

Woodlands Furniture

Woodlands Furniture Logo
We are an established family business situated in rural Herefordshire specialising in beautiful handcrafted classic reproduction furniture. Our comprehensive ranges are readily available from stock.

Join our directory aboutproperty.co.uk

Twitter

Join the conversation at #aboutproperty

Directory articles

Why increasing amounts of people are opting for house shares

London is an expensive place to live, however, house shares offer you the opportunity to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the capital for a fraction of the price you would pay to live on your own, making them a cost-effective way forward.

Why sliding door wardrobes are the best choice for small spaces

When bedroom space is at a premium, you need to be creative with the furniture you invest in. In terms of the wardrobe, you may want to consider those with sliding doors, as they are the most practical in small bedrooms thanks to the doors.

The durability of mahogany furniture is ideal for the office

For office-based businesses it is vital to invest in high-quality furniture that is both practical and comfortable to use. While there are many products to choose from, the benefits on hand with items made from mahogany mean it is an option you should be certain to consider.