Use your bathroom to boost your chances of selling

Bathrooms often make or break whether someone makes an offer. Despite them being the smallest rooms in the home, they work incredibly hard and are expensive to replace. 

The fundamentals remain the same when selling a property:

• a white suite is preferable as it fits the psychology of being spotless and clean

• the sanitaryware should be in good working order: no cracks, chips or dubious stains

• the space should look and smell fresh

More than basic ablutions

Increasingly, however, buyers are looking for bathrooms that are one step up from functional. They want mini spa retreats where they can shut the door and relax, or spaces that have personality.

If you’re selling, the desired effect should be ‘I can see myself soaking away daily stress in that bath’ rather than ‘that bathroom needs ripping out’.

The good news is you don’t have to rush out and install a multi-jet shower cubicle or fancy Japanese smart loo. 

Colour is your friend

An all-white bathroom is an excellent starting point but it can err on the side of clinical. A lack of redeeming design features can also make your bathroom less memorable – an essential point when buyers have lots of choice.

Interior design experts have called time on grey in bathrooms. Instead, they are

steering us towards softer colours, including sage green, muted yellow and dusky pink. Still, less is more when making a colour splash.

Keep a neutral canvas but add colour with intention. Consider painting a vanity unit, replacing tired towels with coloured replacements or adding accessories in your chosen shade.

Art attack

Art can live happily outside of living rooms, even in bathrooms. Because of the moisture levels, choose something that is framed behind glass. Nature-inspired prints, black and white photography and even wallpaper swatches can add interest and colour to a blank bathroom wall.

Plant power

White and green is a classic combination, so add plants to your bathroom (they also bring the wellbeing vibe). Some houseplants thrive in steamy environments, so you can create a mini jungle with very little effort. Ferns, peace lily, snake and Swiss cheese plants, dracaena and devil’s ivy look amazing set against a white suite and tiles. 

Don’t forget to tackle the basics

Bathrooms are rarely promoted as show-stopping rooms but a little effort to smarten them up before photography and viewings will leave a better impression with potential buyers or tenants.

Here are 11 tips for the best bathroom presentation ahead of viewings and photography:

1. Flush toilets and apply a cleaner to the bowl

2. Ensure toilet lids are closed before people visit

3. Remove wet towels 

4. Clean mirrors, sinks and shower screens

5. Open any window and turn the extractor fan on

6. Remove mould, limescale and scum

7. Replace grubby shower curtains

8. Throw away empty toiletry bottles and loo roll tubes 

9. Perform a sweep for stray hairs

10. Tidy away bath toys

11. Reduce the number of bottles and products on show

If you are considering selling a home you own and would like an up-to-date valuation, contact us. We can visit at a time that’s convenient to you, with no pressure to sell.