Five heatwave home horrors that could stop your property from selling
The latest research from House Buyer Bureau has revealed the heatwave-related issues most likely to deter potential homebuyers during a viewing, with strong smells from drains and sewage ranking as the biggest turn-off, followed by excessive noise when windows are open and bad smells from bins or rubbish.
House Buyer Bureau commissioned an independent survey of UK homebuyers, asking which issues they would be most likely to be deterred by when viewing a property during periods of hot weather, before providing its top tips on how sellers can combat the five biggest heatwave horrors.
While warmer weather can help showcase a property in its best light, prolonged periods of heat can also amplify problems that may be far less noticeable at other times of the year. From unpleasant smells becoming stronger to the need for open windows exposing previously unnoticed noise pollution, buyers viewing during a heatwave can experience a very different side of a property.
Strong smells from drains or sewage – 30%
Strong smells from drains or sewage rank as the biggest heatwave-related property turn-off, with 30% of homebuyers stating it would deter them from purchasing a property.
Hot, dry weather can make drain smells more noticeable and an unpleasant smell during a viewing is likely to raise concerns amongst buyers that there could be a more significant drainage problem requiring potentially costly attention.
Seller tip: Run water through sinks, showers and other rarely used drains before viewings to ensure traps contain water, whilst external drains and gullies should be kept clear of debris. If an unpleasant smell persists, sellers are better off having the cause professionally investigated rather than simply attempting to disguise it with air freshener.
Excessive noise when windows are open – 24%
Almost a quarter of homebuyers (24%) would be deterred by excessive noise when windows are open.
A property may seem peaceful with every window closed, but keeping a home cool during hot weather often requires additional ventilation. This can expose buyers to road traffic, trains, aircraft or noisy neighbours that might otherwise have gone unnoticed.
Seller tip: Where possible, schedule viewings for quieter periods and create airflow using windows on the quieter side of the property. Sellers shouldn’t attempt to deliberately conceal a known noise issue, but ensuring existing double glazing and ventilation are working effectively can reduce the need to have every window wide open during warmer weather.
Bad smells from bins or rubbish – 17%
Bad smells from bins or rubbish would deter 17% of homebuyers and high temperatures can quickly make household waste considerably more unpleasant, particularly when bins are positioned close to entrances, gardens or windows.
It’s also an issue that can create a negative impression before a potential buyer has even stepped through the front door.
Seller tip: Make sure bin lids close properly, clean wheelie bins ahead of viewings and keep them out of direct sunlight where possible. Particularly unpleasant waste should be securely bagged and sellers should ensure there is no loose rubbish surrounding the bin area. Those selling a flat should also raise any persistent problems with communal bin stores with their managing agent.
An unbearably hot or stuffy house – 9%
Almost one in 10 buyers (9%) would be deterred by an unbearably hot or stuffy property.
Hot weather can quickly expose poor airflow or a tendency for certain parts of a home to overheat, particularly top-floor flats, loft conversions and rooms that receive substantial amounts of direct sunlight.
Seller tip: Ventilate the property early in the morning when outside temperatures are cooler, before closing curtains or blinds on windows receiving direct sunlight as the day heats up. Fans can also help circulate air, whilst keeping windows closed when temperatures outside are considerably higher than inside can prevent additional heat entering the property.
A stagnant or smelly pond or water feature – 9%
A further 9% of buyers would be deterred by a stagnant or smelly pond or water feature.
A well-maintained pond can be an attractive addition to a garden, but prolonged hot weather can quickly expose one that has been neglected, with stagnant water, algae, unpleasant smells and increased insect activity potentially turning a selling point into a buyer turn-off.
Seller tip: Remove dead leaves and excess organic debris, ensure pumps and filters are functioning correctly and top up ponds during prolonged dry periods where appropriate. Sellers shouldn’t completely drain an established wildlife pond simply to improve its appearance for a viewing, but basic maintenance can ensure it looks healthy and cared for.
The survey also found that artificial grass becoming excessively hot would deter 7% of homebuyers, whilst an unbearably hot conservatory and a garden offering no shade whatsoever were each selected by 2%.
Managing Director of House Buyer Bureau, Chris Hodgkinson, commented:
“Summer is traditionally viewed as a great time to showcase your home, but a heatwave can expose an entirely different set of problems that simply aren’t as noticeable during cooler periods.
A bad smell from a drain or bin becomes considerably harder to ignore when temperatures soar, while opening the windows to cool a property can suddenly expose buyers to traffic, aircraft or neighbour noise that they might not otherwise have noticed.
The important thing for sellers is to think about how their home actually feels to somebody experiencing it for the first time. You may have stopped noticing the bins at the bottom of the garden or become accustomed to the road outside, but a buyer walking through the door won’t have.
Many of these issues can be improved with some relatively straightforward preparation and, particularly during periods of very hot weather, it’s worth putting that extra effort in before viewings take place.
However, some problems aren’t easily solved. You can’t move a busy road or flight path and, if an issue is significantly reducing the number of buyers willing to consider your home, securing a sale through the traditional market can take considerably longer.
For sellers who need to move quickly, waiting indefinitely for the right buyer isn’t always an option and that’s where the speed and certainty provided by a quick sale can become particularly valuable.”
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