Décor to avoid – Festive decorations that could deter buyers

With the festive season around the corner, many homeowners are itching to pull out the stops with their Christmas decorations. 

According to the latest findings by GetAgent.co.uk that might not be a good move as statistics show these are likely to put people off from buying.

A total of 38% of potential buyers said that if they were deterred from viewing a property during the festive period, they wouldn’t bother returning after the festive season.

Decorations to say no to this Christmas

The estate agent comparison site found the majority of UK homebuyers disliked decorations in a sexually suggestive position. Decorations making rude gestures such as hand signals were also unfavourable.

A blow-up snowman or Santa, a big flashing wall-mounted Christmas lights life-sized reindeer, a sleigh, fake snow, and festive-themed front door mats also raised alarm bells among participants.

Nearly a quarter of participants (24%) shared they would be deterred from viewing a home listed for sale if it had loud outdoor Christmas lights and decorations. 

The data suggest that subtle decor is the preference as the least problematic set of decorations were fairy lights. Whether they be multi-colored or the more neutral white, they were the least biggest turn-off to potential buyers. 

Chief executive officer and co-founder of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, commented: “There’s no harm in getting into the Christmas spirit and for some, a drive around the local area to check out the brightest and best Christmas light displays is as big a part of Christmas as the turkey itself."

"But if you’re in the process of trying to sell your home, you may want to think twice before you deck the halls with Santa in a sex position or a big inflatable snowman." 

"Selling at Christmas is no different to any time of year and you have to remember that not everyone will share your particular tastes, or sense of humour for that matter."

"A blank canvas works best when it comes to attracting potential buyers and if your home is covered in Christmas decorations, it can be hard for them to get a true sense of the property."

"This will almost always work against you and could see you scupper the sale of your home, particularly in the current market now that buyer demand levels are starting to subside.”