In today’s market, buyers are more informed (and more particular) than ever. With online listings, comparison tools, and endless property research at their fingertips, even small details can make or break the value of your home.

Some factors—like location, block size, or nearby amenities—are out of your control. But many of the elements that shape your sale price come down to the choices you make before listing. At Ascent Property Co., we see it every week: sellers who invest time into avoiding simple pitfalls consistently achieve stronger results.

From the finance side, we often help clients prepare for the tax and financial implications of their property sale—meaning the effort you put in now can pay off well beyond the settlement date.

Here are the most common things that devalue a property in 2025 (and how you can avoid them).

Poor presentation & clutter.

Presentation is your silent salesperson and unfortunately, mess speak volumes. Buyers want to see light, space, and potential—not worn armchairs, cluttered bookshelves, or wardrobes bursting at the seams.

This includes property photos online—not just private walk-throughs and home-opens. Presentation shapes first impressions online and in person, and we all know first impressions are everything. So, what can you do maximise presentation?

Declutter and store away bulky or overly personal items.
Deep clean of every surface, including built-in storage like kitchen cupboards and walk-in wardrobes (buyers always check storage).
If you want to go to the ‘nth’ degree, put away anything that reflects you, like family photos, so potential buyers can start imagining the space as their own from the get-go.
If budget allows, consider professional styling—properties that are styled often sell faster and for a higher price.

Loud colours & quirky décor.

Of course, your home should feel like you—a place that reflects your style and brings you joy. But when it comes to selling, the rules shift. That bold purple feature wall might be your signature, but most buyers are looking for a neutral canvas. Details and décor that are too loud or eccentric makes it harder for people to imagine their own life in the space.

Additionally, most people want a move-in ready home. If they have to spend time and money painting over statement choices, it feels like an instant project—and many won’t want the hassle.

Repaint walls in warm, neutral shades.
Scale furniture to the room—oversized pieces make spaces feel smaller.
Tuck away statement ornaments and décor. For example, remove any particularly bold artworks and replace them with more neutral pieces. These don’t have to be expensive. Kmart, for example, has heaps of affordable neutral prints and artworks perfect for home opens.

Remember, it’s not about discrediting the space you’ve loved—it’s about setting up your sale for success. A neutral home appeals to the widest pool of buyers, maximising demand and sale price.

Unpleasant odours.

This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised at how often people walk into a home that smells less than pleasant. Odour is a deal-breaker! Pet odours, damp, stale air, or drain smells can push buyers out the door before they’ve seen the living room.

Sometimes when you live in a space, certain scents wash over you and you don’t even notice them anymore. Invite a friend for an honest “sniff test.”
Steam-clean carpets, wash linens and curtains (if possible), and open windows every day to circulate fresh air.
Deal with any leaks or mould at the source, not just the symptoms.
Avoid using strong garden fertilisers before inspections.

Buyers focus on what their senses are telling them. If they’re distracted by odours, they’re not picturing themselves living happily in the space.

General disrepair.

Even in a prestige suburb, visible neglect hurts your bottom line. Buyers add up repair costs in their heads—and lower their offers accordingly. A home that looks well maintained reassures buyers that it’s structurally sound and not a hidden money pit.

Refresh paintwork, grout, and silicone.
Replace worn carpet and polish floors.
Fix jammed doors, squeaky hinges, and sticking windows.
Tidy sheds and garages to signal care and order.
Repair cracked tiles or chipped benchtops.
Service air conditioning units and fix squeaky ceiling fans.

Neglected street appeal

Like online images, kerb appeal massively sets expectations. Overgrown lawns, flaking paint, or a cluttered front porch can sour the mood before buyers even step inside. On the other hand, a fresh, welcoming exterior tells buyers: This home has been loved and looked after.

Mow lawns, trim hedges, and pull weeds.
Clear out gutters.
Pressure clean your driveway and/or porch and sweep paths.
Wash or repaint the façade and front door.
Replace old house numbers, letterboxes, or outdoor lights.

DIY jobs gone wrong.

If you’ve tackled DIY projects around the house, you’ll know the satisfaction of getting hands-on. But when the results aren’t up to scratch, that pride can quickly turn into regret.

Crooked tiles, patchy paint, and dodgy finishes instantly devalue a home. Buyers see corner-cutting and factor in the cost of professional fixes. Shoddy work tells them they’ll spend more fixing mistakes, and they’ll lower their offers to cover it.

Only tackle tasks you can complete to a professional standard.
Use licensed trades for plumbing, gas, and electrical work.
If something’s not right, fix it before open homes.

Illegal home improvements.

That deck or extra bedroom you added without council approval? If it’s not signed off, it’s not legally part of your property listing. And once buyers discover the truth, they’ll slash their offer or walk away completely. Legal compliance isn’t just about ticking a box—it protects your sale from unravelling at the eleventh hour.

Check with your council on how to lodge paperwork for any unapproved works (yes, you can do this retrospectively).
Secure final certificates before listing.
If approvals aren’t possible, be prepared to price the home as if those spaces don’t exist.

Outdated kitchens & bathrooms.

It’s a well-known fact that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. Outdated ones can kill enthusiasm fast. Buyers see ageing tapware and dated cabinetry as “instant renovation bills.” Fresh, clean kitchens and bathrooms help buyers imagine moving straight in—not budgeting for a gut-and-replace.

Prioritise small upgrades: new tapware, handles, splashbacks, or lighting.
Degrease rangehoods, scrub tiles, and replace cracked or mouldy grout.
If budget allows, modern benchtops and appliances make a huge impact.

Choosing the wrong agent.

The wrong agent can cost you more than a bad paint job or a tired kitchen. Without the right strategy, presentation, and negotiation, your property can linger on the market and ultimately sell for less.

Research and interview multiple agents to find the right fit.
Look at reviews from home owners who have sold with them before.
Choose someone who communicates clearly, listens to your goals, and has proven results.

The right agent doesn’t just sell your home—they sell it well. They position it for maximum interest and negotiate hard on your behalf.

Bringing it all together.

Selling a home is both a financial and emotional decision. On one hand, you want the best possible return for all your years of investment. On the other, you want the process to feel smooth and stress-free.

That’s why Ascent brings both sides of the equation together. Ascent Property Co. works alongside you to present, market, and sell your property for its true worth. Ascent Accountants help you understand the tax implications, plan for your next step, and maximise your financial outcome.

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