As the New Year looms, many are contemplating their futures and the possibility of 2025 is ripe for big decisions – among them, the stressful processes of selling and relocating to a new home. Yet interestingly, new research has shown that people are likely to shell out 5% less for homes featuring colours they do not like.
With the average property in the UK fetching a price tag of £302,000, poorly chosen palettes could see sellers lose over £15,000 when it’s time to sell. Furthermore, nearly one fifth of the population reckons a displeasing colour scheme could devalue a property by more than 10%, suggesting an even higher cost to vendors with questionable taste, reports the Express.
Michael Rolland, managing director and colour connoisseur at The Paint Shed, dishes on what will bring down property value come 2025. Neglecting touch-ups has repercussions, Michael said: “Even if you don’t repaint your walls entirely, it’s important to do touch-ups on a property before looking to sell.
“Scuffed or chipped paintwork can significantly impact a buyer’s perception of the property.A well-maintained paint job boosts the home’s perceived value, suggesting that it has been cared for and is in good condition.
“In contrast, visible wear and tear-such as scratches, marks, yellowing woodwork or fading paint-while normal, can make the home appear older and neglected, potentially turning off prospective buyers.”
When it comes to painting, Rolland warns against covering up mould rather than addressing the issue, hinting at reduced value due to aesthetic quick fixes. He said: “Though this has been a trend on social media, painting over mould does not get rid of the problem, it only temporarily hides it.
“Mould spores can penetrate through paint, leading to continued growth beneath the surface. If left untreated, this can reportedly lead to respiratory issues, allergies, or asthma attacks; it can also cause structural damage to the affected area.
“Applying anti-mould paint over existing mould will not fully eradicate the issue, as mould can persist beneath the surface and continue to pose health risks. Properly dealing with the underlying moisture issues (and possibly even consulting with a professional mould specialist) is essential to solve your mould problem.”
The colours most likely to devalue homes are:
Yellow – According to research conducted by aluminium doors and windows manufacturer, Origin’s state-of-the-art powder coating centre, Brits consider yellow to be the cheapest-looking colour when incorporated into a property. This is a concern for sellers, given that 10 percent of homes in Britain currently feature a yellow colour scheme, according to the study.
Pink – ‘Peach Fuzz’ may be Pantone’s colour of the year, but heavy use of the colour could risk devaluing a home too, with research showing that pink tones are considered the ‘tackiest’ way to decorate a home.
Neutrals – The common penchant for beige interiors might be hampering property values, with a poll branding it the UK’s most ‘boring’ colour. This is closely shadowed by grey, a hue which has seen its popularity plummet, evidenced by a sharp drop in Google searches for grey homes—a reduction of more than two-thirds since 2021.
The research also delved into colour schemes that could potentially enhance the sale value of a house. White is considered both classy and luxurious-looking, an ideal choice for those aiming to boost their home’s worth.
For a vibrant touch, blue emerges as a chic option; the research noted it’s deemed the most fashionable colour in home decor. Moreover, over one-quarter of British homes incorporate blue into their design.
And for homeowners angling for an audacious statement, red might just be the ticket; its boldness is gaining traction on social media, labelled as the most adventurous colour by many people, possibly contributing a significant ‘wow factor’ to any dwelling. Ben Brocklesby, a colour expert from Origin, said: “At Origin, we’ve been studying colour for over 20 years to perfect our aluminium powder coating.
“Given our homes are usually our biggest financial asset, we were interested to find out more about the latest colour trends and how they are impacting the value of homes across Britain. It’s fascinating to see the stereotypes attached to certain colour palettes, particularly shades like pinks and neutrals which are used in so many homes but appear to be falling out of favour.
“However, it’s encouraging to see that Brits remain open to the use of bold colours both inside and outside their properties, with our research showing that blue and red tones are being coveted by style-conscious house buyers in 2024.”