From hiding clutter to sprucing up tired-looking rooms, there are many things owners will do to maximise their chances of a house sale. But would you ever tell a white lie to attract a buyer?
While sellers are obliged to declare all positive and negative details of their home, new research by Boiler Plan has found that, shockingly, many Brits tell small fibs in order to sell their homes successfully.
'It's very concerning the number of people who would hide information regarding their property to potential buyers,' says Ian Henderson, managing director of Boiler Plan.
'We advocate being as honest as possible to make sure the buyer has everything they need to make the right decision. Not doing so could potentially cost you so much more, as buyers could look to seek compensation and repair costs.'
Take a look at the most common white lies Brits tell and just how much they would cost buyers...
1. Issues with their neighbours
Would you tell someone viewing your home that you had issues with your neighbours? Well, 47 per cent of homeowners wouldn't say a word in an effort to increase their chances of a sale on their home.
While it might seem like a good idea at the time, the team warn: 'It is a legal obligation to disclose issues that have involved official bodies – such as noise complaints to the council.'
2. Crime in the area
The study also uncovered that 13 per cent of homeowners lie about crime rates, such as burglaries, but this can cost future buyers a staggering £3,030 if goods are stolen. Again, owners are legally obliged to disclose the information, so it's always safer to do so.
3. Surface damage to the property
From mending a broken fence to repainting walls, more than 13 per cent explained they wouldn't make house hunters aware of surface damage issues. Future owners could look at spending £600 to fix a fence, plus £2,100 to rectify a bad paint job.
4. Damp within the home
Damp stains are one of the biggest property turn-offs for potential property buyers, costing around £280 per wall to rectify. According to the study, around 10 per cent of homeowners would lie about damp issues in fear that it would deter potential buyers.
5. Issues with the central heating
It can cost a whopping £2,600 to replace a central heating system – which is frustrating for new buyers unaware of the issue. While it's tempting to make your home look picture-perfect, concealing something like this could see new owners fork out thousands to get it fixed.
'Updating a central heating system can cost between £1,700 and £3,500 (an average of £2,600), which may seem like an expensive investment, but it would cost the original homeowner a lot more if they lied about these issues, as the future buyer can seek compensation,' the team at Boiler Plan explain.
'In addition, estate agents recommend home sellers reviewing their Energy Performance Certificate and fixing central heating issues, as improving the energy efficiency of the property can help with a faster sale.'
6. Structural damage to the home
The research also found that six per cent of homeowners would not disclose structural damage of their home.
'With the average repair cost for the most common structural issue, subsidence, costing £12,500, it should come as no surprise that many buyers could seek compensation for being misinformed about the structural damage of the home.'
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