Do Christmas Decorations Devalue your Home?
It’s that time of the year (though to be honest many have put them up a lot earlier due to the depressing covid-19 situation) that we look to put up Christmas decorations. From popping up in to the loft to retrieve that reliable old fake Christmas tree to spending the afternoon outside attaching all those lights to impress the neighbours and delight the children faces as they pass by.
What happens though if you are home hunting or home selling during the Christmas period – Can decorations effect either the price or the impression of the neighbourhood?
Nine times out of ten Christmas decorations will be fine. It is that time of the year and most people will expect the likes of trees up, lights outside, inflatable Santas, tinsel, strings of cards and even a wreath on the door! It’s the season to be jolly and getting in character is not a problem. Who doesn’t love a bit of Christmas!
A property without decorations might very well feel cold and without character, a turn off for some. It might be a surprise and a question mark to some if they enter a property to view at Christmas at it is devoid of any decorations. This of course will depend on who is selling the property as they may not celebrate or wish to celebrate Christmas and this might likely be highlighted by the agent doing to viewing is any questions are raised
Negative points to consider with Christmas Decorations when selling a property
There are always negatives or downfalls though these are not drastic and rely mostly on common sense.
- Too much Christmas decorations: Though it could be the more the merrier for many, sometimes too much can effect the viewing of your property. The main concern will be towards reducing the size of rooms with too much Christmas themed stuff around, though it could also effect the concentration of those viewing who will be mostly sizing up rooms and imagining their own furnishing in the property.
- Effecting the viewings: Though whom ever enters a home needs to respect Christmas decorations as the choice of the owner, it might offend some people and put a touch of negativity in the mind of the potential buyers. This situation would be more likely a second home or one not lived in which might benefit better with no decorations – Most people will understand that religious events are celebrated by the home owner.
- External lights and displays: Though without question a road full of impressive property with amazing light displays is a great attraction, it could turn some buyers off as they fear the extra traffic each year during the festive period and may view the neighbours as too outgoing. This situation could be both positive and negative as some will look at it in a different way and engage with the personality the street holds.
- Interior Design quality Christmas decorations: Nearly all of us will put the decorations up ourselves or with the help of family and loved ones, who doesn’t love decorating the Christmas tree with children participating. Though the quality and layout of the decorations could add something more to the value and desirability of your home. We all know and love those images we see online / in magazines / on television adverts of those perfect homes with beautiful Christmas decoration displays – Sometimes taking some tips on how to present your house for sale during Christmas isn’t a bad idea and with Google holding 139 million search results for this topic then you have plenty of ‘how to‘ instructions.
- Christmas scent: If you want to really push home that Christmas feel then also think about scented candles / air fresheners that hold the likes of pine, cinnamon, spiced orange – Once viewers enter your home the smell will also attract them to your property.
- Christmas music: We might be over doing it here and sounding a bit desperate, but a touch of music or the perfect Christmas movie on the television will add another tiny percentage to the feel good factor of your home.
You May Also Enjoy
Landlord Safety Certificate Cost Breakdown for London Property Owners
Nationwide House Price Index – Thoughts from the Industry
Nationwide House Index – July 2025
Late payment reforms offer hope for SMEs
Late payment reform is welcome, says FMB
