Kelly Hoppen MBE: Estate Agent Networking Exclusive Interview.

We are very pleased to share with you an exclusive interview with Kelly Hoppen MBE who’s a leading authority in English Interior Designing and also an author and proprietor of Kelly Hoppen Interiors and was once a Dragon too (BBC Dragons Den)!

1.    Should people invest in interior design when selling their homes to achieve a better sale price?

Some times the buyer may want the opportunity to design their own space, making it more homely and personal. However having some enhancing factors such as key furniture and great lighting will be more attention grabbing than an empty house. I don’t think it’s necessary to spend a fortune, of course it depends on the state of the property, it’s worth investing in neutral paint too so it feels fresh. It’s also good to ensure that the rooms have plenty of light, reflective surfaces and mirrors, which are great for making a room appear more spacious, which is always seen as a positive by a buyer. 

2.    Which room(s) of UK homes do you think are most neglected and their potential not maximised?

People today like to keep many unnecessary things and just wedge them all in one place, their spare rooms! These rooms are often forgotten and neglected which is a shame as they are key. A small spare room designed with soft colours and some varied textures can create the prefect atmosphere for your guests; You could even rent the room which could act as another source of income.

3.    Which is the best way to find a local interior designer?

The wonderful thing that is the Internet! There are various specific websites solely for finding designers near you, and searching online is free and allows you to closely compare designers. ‘Houzz’ for example is a great site that is always offering new tips and posts about various designers. Remember to always take your time, don’t rush into anything, read about the designer and look at their previous work. Choosing the right person is the most important part, as you will be working with them for a long time.

4.     Which is the single most important piece of advice you’d give a person selling their home re presentation?

I know it seems obvious but make sure the house is clean and submerged with light. Create the right atmosphere for your potential buyers and welcome them into a home that is ready to be moved into. Also fresh coffee and baked goodies is an old wives tale which is meant to help sell homes! 

 

Thank you Kelly for your time and also thank you to Molly for helping to make this happen.

 

Image credit – Kelly Hoppen MBE

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 Agent Talk

What to know when buying land

The closure of UK Land & Farms (UKLAF) has left a significant gap in the UK’s specialist land market with buyers and sellers now forced to adapt after 18 years of relying on UKLAF as the cornerstone of the industry. As interest in land continues to grow, the company says the closure also serves as…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Tenant demand strong, landlord supply shrinking

New RICS data shows tenant demand at its strongest in over a year – while landlord supply keeps shrinking. That’s not bad luck. It’s a trust problem, and it’s fixable. “These numbers should be good news for landlords. Demand is the strongest it’s been in over a year. Instead, they are deciding to head for…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Why Join a Letting Agents Association?

Why Every Letting Agent Should Join a Professional Body The lettings industry continues to evolve, with new legislation, increasing compliance requirements and higher expectations from landlords and tenants alike. For letting agents, staying informed and operating to recognised professional standards has never been more important. Joining a letting agents association provides far more than a membership…
Read More
Breaking News

House price growth remained subdued in July

UK annual house price growth slowed to 1.8% in July, from 2.2% in June House prices were up 0.1% month on month Average time in a home is 14 years: 24 years for those owning outright and 5 years in private rented sector Three quarters of moves were within same tenure type in 2024/25 Headlines…
Read More
Breaking News

Rent hikes and tighter tenant checks as landlord costs climb

Rising costs are prompting 63% of professional landlords to raise rents, prioritise lower-risk tenants and reassess portfolios Renters face a more expensive and more selective rental market as professional property investors respond to re-emergence of realistic gilt yields, rising operating costs and regulatory change by increasing rents and reassessing tenant risk and selection criteria, according…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

North-South divide for time to move as Londoners see longest wait

New analysis reveals a north-south divide in the time it takes to move home: In London it takes 174 days on average to go from agreeing a sale to completing a move, whereas it takes 141 days in the North East Scotland is the fastest part of Great Britain at 98 days, due to the…
Read More