Study – 23% of buyers put off by Christmas decorations at viewings

Research from estate agent Nested has found how decking the halls could impact the sale of your property this festive season as nearly a quarter of homebuyers believe tacky decorations cause a bad first impression and half would rather view a home as a blank canvas.

What the study revealed

Nested surveyed over 1,000 UK homebuyers to find out their thoughts and feelings on Christmas decorations when viewing homes during the Christmas period.

Nested discovered that either tacky external Christmas decorations or lights, or decorations that weren’t to a buyer’s personal taste, could negatively impact sellers. Nested found 23% of buyers said that a distaste for Christmas decor would create a bad first impression when they went to view a house they were considering buying. 

Nested also found buyers were less bothered about internal decorations, although 20% of respondents still stated if they weren’t to their taste it could still create a bad first impression. 

Regardless of whether or not they liked a seller's taste in Christmas decorations, 47% of respondents said they would rather view a home as a completely blank canvass with no decorations at all. 

Interestingly, 18%  of buyers did state that they could be more inclined to submit an offer if they did particularly like the Christmas decorations. 

Advice to sellers on Christmas decorations

Head of commercial at Nested, Alice Bullard, commented:  “Christmas decorations and lights are arguably one of the best parts of Christmas and many of us choose to get in the festive spirit by dressing our homes both inside and out. However, they’re certainly an area where tastes can differ drastically and this is an important consideration to bear in mind if you do have your home on the market this December.”

“Much like a vibrant colour of paint or abstract style of furniture, a potential buyer may not share your taste for Christmas decorations, or even celebrate Christmas at all, and this could potentially put them off when they do come to view.”

Bullard went on to say it is advisable for sellers to present a “completely blank canvas” and if they’re struggling to find a buyer they should leave the decorations. However, she also noted that with so many buyers in the market, those sellers who want to deck their properties in Christmas decorations should still go for it. Bullard said: “The chances are you’ll find a buyer who loves your home even if it’s lit up like a Christmas tree.”