Do Christmas Decorations Devalue your Home?

Christmas Decorations - Good or Bad for Selling

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.

 

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

How to Become an Estate Agent with No Experience

Breaking into the property industry can seem intimidating – especially if you’ve never worked in it before. But the good news? You don’t need years of experience or fancy qualifications to start a career as an estate agent in the UK. In fact, many successful estate agents started with no background in property at all.…
Read More
buying at auction uk
Estate Agent Talk

9 Advantages of Selling Your House by Auction

Selling your house by auction might seem like a daunting prospect, but it comes with numerous advantages that can make it a highly attractive option. While the traditional method of selling through an estate agent has its place, auctions are increasingly becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking for a swift and reliable sale. Here…
Read More
Breaking News

Majority of Tenants Unsure How Changes Will Affect Them, Says LRG

With major changes to the private rental sector on the horizon, 62% of tenants say they don’t know whether the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill will address their concerns – highlighting a growing need for clearer communication around what the reforms will mean in practice. LRG’s latest Lettings Report shows that while landlords are widely aware…
Read More
Home and Living

Perfume Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Fragrances Fresh

Perfumes are sensitive compositions that can be significantly affected by how they are stored. Proper storage ensures that your favorite fragrances stay fresh and maintain their intended scent profile. In this article, we’ll explore practical, fun, and effective tips to help you preserve your perfumes in perfect condition. Understanding the Sensitivity of Perfumes Perfumes are…
Read More
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Bill Delay Causing Uncertainty for Tenants and Landlords

Ministers need to tell landlords and tenants when measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill will take effect the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is today warning. The Government pledged last year to abolish Section 21 ‘no explanation’ repossessions and to make other changes to the rental market this summer. With the Bill not scheduled to…
Read More
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 02/04/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Made Snappy 360 appoints new CEO and Sales Director to accelerate growth in the property technology space Made Snappy 360, the fast-growing proptech company known for its virtual tours and floor plan technology, has appointed industry veteran Mark Beresford-Ward as its new Chief Executive…
Read More