We all want to get the best price when selling a home, but sometimes, the little things—things you might not even notice anymore can quietly chip away at your property’s value. Even in a sought-after suburb, buyers will spot the details that signal neglect, and once they do, their enthusiasm (and their offers) can drop.

The good news is that many of these issues are easy to fix. Here are ten common culprits that can devalue your home—and what you can do about them.

1. A General State of Disrepair

Peeling paint, dirty grout, broken sliding doors, cracked concrete, and a garden shed that’s more ‘haunted ruin’ than ‘handy storage’—these little issues add up. Buyers don’t see “charm” in a house that needs work; they see time and money they’ll have to spend fixing it. A fresh coat of paint, basic repairs, and a weekend of elbow grease can make a world of difference.

2. Odours That Linger

You might be used to the smell of your pets, but buyers aren’t. The same goes for musty dampness, lingering cigarette smoke, or freshly fertilised garden beds at the wrong time. A fresh set of nostrils can make all the difference, so ask a brutally honest friend to do a sniff test. Deep clean carpets, open windows to air out the space, and make sure pet areas are spotless.

3. Outdated Kitchens and Bathrooms

Kitchens and bathrooms are key selling points, and even small updates can make a big impact. While a full renovation might not be an option, swapping out tapware, refreshing grout, updating handles, or giving everything a thorough clean can make the space feel more modern and well-maintained. If your kitchen walls have a layer of grease worthy of a takeaway shop, it’s time to degrease. And if your bathroom tiles are showing their age, a little staging—fresh towels, stylish accessories, and good lighting—can go a long way.

4. An Unkempt Yard

Your front yard sets the tone, and if it’s looking wild and unkempt, buyers might assume the inside tells the same story. Overgrown gardens, patchy lawns, and rogue weeds don’t exactly scream “well-maintained.” Give your outdoor space some love—mow, trim, and refresh where needed. And unless you want buyers holding their breath on arrival, maybe save the heavy-duty fertiliser for another day.

5. Old, Worn-Out Flooring

Worn-out carpet, peeling vinyl, and creaky floorboards don’t exactly give off a “well-maintained” vibe. Floors take a beating over time, and if they’re looking worse for wear, buyers will notice. If a full replacement isn’t in the budget, a deep carpet clean, a strategic rug or two, or a quick refresh of wooden floors can make a big difference.

6. Poor Lighting

Dark, dimly lit homes feel small and uninviting. If your house still has old-school, yellow-tinted lighting or just feels gloomy, switch out bulbs for bright, neutral LEDs. Make sure windows are clean and let in as much natural light as possible. A well-lit home feels bigger, fresher, and more welcoming.

7. Cluttered, Over-Personalised Spaces

When buyers walk through your home, they’re trying to picture their own life there—not yours. That’s tricky when every surface is filled with trinkets, personal photos, and an eclectic mix of décor choices. Clearing out the clutter instantly makes a space feel bigger, fresher, and more inviting. Aim for a look that’s warm but neutral—more “effortlessly stylish” and less “curated over decades.”

8. A Neglected Exterior

If the first thing buyers see is flaking paint, dirty windows, or a front door that’s seen better days, you’ve lost them before they’ve even stepped inside. A pressure wash, a fresh coat of paint where needed, and some minor touch-ups can make all the difference.

9. Outdated Fixtures & Hardware

Door handles, taps, cupboard knobs—small details, but they can instantly date a home. If yours are straight out of the early 2000s (or earlier), replacing them with sleek, modern alternatives is an easy, affordable upgrade.

10. Mould & Damp Issues

Nothing sends buyers running faster than mould. It’s a red flag for hidden leaks, poor ventilation, and potential long-term issues. Even small patches can raise big concerns. If you have mould, don’t just wipe it away—fix the source. Check for leaks, improve airflow, and if needed, bring in a professional to deal with any serious moisture problems.

Most buyers gravitate toward homes that feel well cared for and easy to move into. The good news is, many of the things that can boost your home’s appeal don’t require a huge budget—just a bit of time and effort. If you’re not sure where to start, our Property Consultants are always happy to take a look and help you figure out what changes might make the biggest impact—whether you're thinking of selling or just want to improve your home. And if you are looking to sell, our DUET Enhance service takes all the guesswork out of preparing your home for the market, making sure it’s presented at its absolute best. Curious about your home’s value or how we can help? Get in touch with one of our Property Consultants today!