Are you asking yourself "should I put Christmas decorations up if I'm selling my house?"
This is a great question because, of course, not all buyers will appreciate your décor. In fact, research commissioned by GetAgent has shown that 38% of potential buyers said that if they were put off viewing a property during the festive period because of gaudy decorations, they wouldn’t bother returning after the festive season for another look!
But selling your home at Christmas doesn't mean you have to be all 'bah humbug' for the entire festive season. There are some things you can do to spruce up your property for sale in Purley, Croydon & Surrey the right way, as long as you keep it simple.
To help you sell your Purley, Croydon & Surrey home and to answer the question: "should I put Christmas decorations up if I'm selling my house", here are our top tips on decorating your home at Christmas without impacting your sale.
While it may be tempting to put up your decorations before the official photographer has stopped by, don't. We will always aim to sell your home as quickly as possible. But sometimes, a sale can take a few months before the right buyer shows up. If this happens, people browsing your listing after Christmas will spot the decorations and may imagine your property is sticking around on the market. Don't take the risk!
24% of people surveyed said they would be deterred from viewing a property listed for sale if it had loud outdoor Christmas lights and decorations.
If you usually light up the exterior of your property like a Christmas tree, give the full-on 'Times Square' treatment a miss this year! Kerb appeal is the first impression a buyer will have of your home. If you have a climbing Santa, inflatable reindeer, and flashing lights everywhere, this can be a huge turn-off.
Keep it simple. Add a sophisticated wreath to the front door and hang strings of lights that sparkle in trees if you want something a little more subtle outside.
Natural light is a huge selling point. If you have snow frosting, swinging elves and sprayed-on snowflakes covering all your windows, this could hinder the amount of natural light coming in. To keep things looking the way they usually do, keep the windows clear and festive free. Instead, add a pretty garland and candles to the windowsill for a classy display. Do not leave lit candles unattended, or alternatively, display realistic looking battery-operated ones.
When a buyer walks in, you want them to notice the space. Decorations can distract buyers from the important things. It can even put them off your home entirely. To keep things neutral, stick to a Christmas tree and a few festive items that are small or subtle.
We know that bright reds and greens are cheery at Christmas. But too many colours can damage the overall vibe of your home. If you're going to decorate, keep the colours neutral or opt for silver and gold. The same applies to any tree lights. Ditch the multi-coloured bulbs and opt for a warm or cool LED light instead.
A fresh and inviting smell in your home can help it stand out to buyers. It can even make your home appear cleaner and more appealing. A great way of making your home feel festive when you're selling is to add pleasant smells, like cinnamon, mulled wine or sweet cookies. A scent that isn't too overpowering can help you feel festive without putting buyers off.
So, to answer the question "should I put Christmas decorations up if I'm selling my house" if you do decorate your home, the best plan is to keep it sophisticated and simple.
We’re Shinerocks, and we know everything there is to know about selling properties in Purley, Croydon & Surrey including how to stage your home for a sale, whatever the season.
If you’re selling your home, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today on 020 8660 2010 or email us at enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk.
In the meantime, we've answered some of your common questions about selling your home during the festive season.
Not at all! You can still enjoy the festive season. The key is to keep decorations minimal and neutral. A sophisticated tree, subtle lighting, and a festive wreath are great options that won’t distract potential buyers.
If your property photos include Christmas decorations, your listing may feel outdated after the festive season. Buyers might assume your home has been on the market for a long time, which could deter interest.
Yes, they can. Over-the-top outdoor displays can distract from your home’s features and turn off buyers. Keeping things simple with understated lights or a stylish wreath will help maintain kerb appeal.
Bright colours can sometimes overwhelm buyers and make your home feel less neutral. Opt for muted tones like silver, gold, or white to keep your space welcoming and stylish.
Scents like cinnamon, mulled wine, or cookies can make your home feel warm and inviting, creating a positive emotional response in buyers. Just make sure the scents are subtle and not overpowering.
When done tastefully, decorations can highlight your home’s charm and help buyers imagine themselves celebrating future festivities there. The key is balance - festive but not overwhelming.
This year, consider toning it down. While bold displays are fun, they can make it harder for buyers to focus on your home’s features. You’ll have plenty of time for extravagant decorating in your next property!
We’re here to help! Contact Shinerocks on 020 8660 2010 or email us at enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk for personalised advice on selling your home during the festive season.
Use the form to send us your questions and we'll respond as quickly as possible.
You can also call us on 020 8660 2010, or email enquiries@shinerocks.co.uk.
Learn more about the areas we cover by reading these helpful location guides.
