6 things to look past when buying a property
Envisioning yourself in a property is one of the most challenging aspects of searching for your next home. While there are some features you should never compromise on, it’s worth knowing what you can look past when viewing a potential future home.
No matter the house style, seeing past superficial design choices is crucial to securing a gem. Shelves of clutter or outdated fixtures might jar the eye, but they’re not dealbreakers when buying a house and can easily be changed to suit your style.
Peter Yera, Director of Design and Development at Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting, says ‘They say first impressions are everything, but I beg to differ when looking at properties. I urge prospective buyers to view properties with an open mind with creative possibilities. Many elements, including interior design choices, whether they be affixed, fastened, glued, or secured, can be easily removed, updated, or upgraded to align with your design aesthetic.’
From outdated carpet to retro lighting, it’s easy to find faults in a potential purchase, but it’s useful to consider these six things to look past to get things into perspective.
1. Outdated decor and fixtures
(Image credit: Magnet)
Even the most valuable house styles feature outdated decor, so it’s worth bearing in mind that surface-level decoration is an impermanent detail that can be easily changed. Many things that make a home look dated are tricky to look past, but Ishita Lalan, Principal Designer at Ishita Interiors, says to ignore them. ‘Outdated fixtures like yellowed grout, old faucets, or dated light switches that can feel off at first, but they’re inexpensive and easy to upgrade once you move in.’
Andrew Boast, Director & Founder at SAM Conveyancing, agrees, he says, ‘It’s surprisingly common for buyers to walk into a house, take one look at the avocado bathroom suite, 80s carpets, or orange walls, and run for the hills, but the décor is purely cosmetic and, in most cases, not a reflection of its quality or potential.’
He adds, ‘In fact, outdated interiors can be a golden opportunity because they often put other buyers off, meaning you might be able to negotiate a better price. Once you own the home, redecorating is one of the most affordable and satisfying projects you can tackle, and even just a fresh coat of paint, replacing old curtains or carpets, or swapping out light fixtures or cabinet handles, can completely transform a space. Instead, focus on the layout and structure of the home, not what the seller has done with it.’
‘Many times, homes with the worst decor have been well-loved and cared for, just not updated, giving you a blank slate to start with.’
Small but impactful touches will drastically improve a home and ensure it stands the test of time. Start with hardware like the Ida Heritage Handle that will give drawers, doors and cabinets a quick upgrade.
Look past light switches; these are really easy to switch out yourself (or with the help of an electrician). Anthropologie has some really fun and affordable designs to suit all styles, but these wiggle switches are best-sellers.
Sansome Knob (Vintage Brass) 1″
Although small, hardware like doorknobs can make all the difference. If you’ve purchased a newly built property that needs some character, opt for brass accents like the Sansome knob; it will elevate any door, cupboard, or cabinet.
2. Lighting
(Image credit: Studio Alexandra)
Lighting can make or break a home. While it can be off-putting to see a property that’s been fitted with retro sconces, pendants, and flush mounts, it’s worth knowing that with some help from a handyman, fixtures can be replaced with newer styles that are more suited to your tastes.
Interior designer Kate Bendewald says, ‘I always tell my clients: don’t let bad lighting be a dealbreaker. Outdated or unflattering fixtures can make an otherwise great space feel dull or dated, but lighting is one of the easiest things to change and has one of the biggest impacts. Swapping in the right pendant or sconce can completely shift the mood and elevate the overall design, often without much cost or effort.’
Rachel Beeman, interior designer at Rae Elizabeth Designs, agrees. ‘Sometimes homes are priced lower just because of old or not-so-stylish lighting ideas, but these are pretty simple to replace. Honestly, getting your own hardware, outlet covers, and light fixtures helps make the room more your style!’
Forbes & Lomax Toggle Switch (Double)
Switches are one of the most telling signs of the age of a property. If you’re working with a retro interior that needs updating, opt for this classic brass double toggle switch that radiates grandeur and sophistication.
Farmhouse Metal Pole Pendant (18″) (Gloss Black)
Fear not if a kitchen features outdated pendants; you can easily swap them with a more classic style like the Farmhouse Metal Pole from Pottery Barn. The gloss black finish makes an elegant statement without dominating and will pair beautifully alongside almost all decor.
It’s important to look past outdated fixtures as they can easily be replaced. You can’t beat a brass sconce. The Jensine is a classic style that will illuminate any room, providing it with character and charm.
3. Flooring – specifically carpet
(Image credit: Future)
Although removing and replacing carpet can seem like a chore, it’s not a detail that should majorly sway your decision on a property. A house fitted with a distinct carpet style over a decade ago is likely to look dated and a little fusty, but it’s not hard to rectify this design choice when you move in.
Rachel says, ‘I know this can be a huge turn-off, especially when there’s carpet in the bathroom, but some homes have a cool surprise underneath. If not, flooring can be replaced.’
It’s important to focus on the bigger picture when it comes to choosing a house. ‘The main thing to focus on is the more permanent hard finishes over things like paint and window treatments. Unless you plan to change the hard finishes, work with them and not against them, and change the easier things,’ Rachel adds.
Liz Williams, Founder and Principal Designer of Liz Williams Interiors, says, ‘Don’t let old or unattractive flooring scare you off, whether it’s worn carpet, dated tile, or tired wood. Flooring is one of the most transformative (and usually straightforward) updates you can make. With so many beautiful options available now from wide-plank hardwood to natural stone to durable luxury vinyl, it’s an investment that can instantly elevate the entire feel of a home.’
Clairmont Handwoven Jute Rug
A jute rug is a lasting choice that will provide a room with warmth and texture without overwhelming it. Unlike a fitted carpet, a chic handwoven rug like the Clairmont is unlikely to date and will pair beautifully alongside any style of decor.
For a dose of subtle pattern, the Carlisle is a wise choice. It’s understated but still interesting and will sit proudly in any living room, bedroom, or dining room it’s placed in. Unlike a fusty rug, you won’t regret this classic accessory.
Wool Hand-Tufted Floral Strawberry Rug
For a dose of color and pattern, opt for the floral strawberry rug from Anthropologie. It’s rich in design, from the chic indigo weave to the heritage pattern. It’s an enduring choice that will create impact and depth, making any reading nook or living room feel cozy and eclectic.
4. Wall color
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Paint can drastically alter the vibe of a home. A simple lick can improve a space, but can also ruin one too. It’s both a blessing and a curse when it comes to buying, as a house covered head to toe in once-trendy avocado or purple color can be added to the ‘no’ pile due to its dated connotations.
However, Liz says, ‘Paint is one of the simplest and most affordable things to change. If a room feels dark or heavy because of the current color, don’t let that throw you. Fresh paint can completely transform the light and mood of a space in a day.’
Although it’s good to be aware of dated paint trends, don’t let them dictate your stance on a house. Bar Zakheim, CEO of Better Place Design & Build, says, ‘Wall colors are one of the easiest things to change, and can really improve the character of an entire space. Especially if you feel like a room is too dark, a lighter paint color can completely remake it.’
If you buy a home that’s donning a rather retro palette, consider using the most timeless paint colors when you redecorate to ensure it stands the test of time and future design trends.
5. Old appliances
(Image credit: deVOL Kitchens / Our Food Stories)
It would be nice to buy a property that’s been recently renovated and fitted with the latest appliances, but don’t be put off if the house you’ve got your eye on hasn’t been updated in a while. If you’ve found a home that ticks every box, it’s worth remembering that appliances can be swapped out and shouldn’t determine whether you make an offer.
Ishita Lalan says, ‘Often the appliances are functional. Swapping these out after closing might be more cost-effective than paying a premium upfront, even more so if the seller leaves them at a lowered price.’
Whether it’s a slightly retro oven that needs updating or a fridge that’s putting you off, try to ignore pieces that are easy to remove and rebuy. The bones of a property are far more important than easy-to-change pieces like appliances; you want to invest in the architecture, not its contents.
6. Lack of curb appeal
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Curb appeal is important, of course, but it’s worth knowing that exterior details on a property’s facade can be tweaked to an extent. Whether it’s paint color or an old-fashioned front door, these things can make the exterior of your home look dated, but shouldn’t dictate a sale.
Andrew says, ‘First impressions matter, but they can also be misleading. Buyers often get put off by a scruffy front garden, peeling paint, or an unloved façade, but these are usually some of the cheapest things to fix.’
‘Power-washing driveways, tidying up overgrown plants, repainting the front door, or adding some potted plants can transform the look of a home. Even larger jobs, such as replacing windows or re-rendering, can often be done over time without needing to delay the purchase. What’s more, a home with poor curb appeal might offer better value because other buyers have been scared off, allowing you to negotiate or benefit from a drop in price down the line.’
It’s not always easy looking past jarring decor or outdated features, but try to consider the property’s architecture before writing it off completely. We talk a lot about the ‘bones’ of a house for a reason.
Most of the details that initially spark your attention can be changed and shouldn’t be factored into a decision. Whether it’s a living room that feels like going back to the 1900s or a kitchen straight out of the ’60s, consider exactly what pieces and features you dislike and weigh up how easily they’ll be to replace.
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