Are you asking yourself “should I put Christmas decorations up if I’m selling my house?”
This is a great question because, of course, not all buyers will appreciate your décor. In fact, research by GetAgent has shown that 38% of potential buyers said that if they were put off viewing a property during the festive period because of gaudy decorations, they wouldn’t bother returning after the festive season for a look!
But selling your home at Christmas doesn’t mean you have to be all ‘bah humbug’ for the entire festive season. There are some things you can do to spruce up your property in Northumberland the right way, as long as you keep it simple.
To help you sell your Northumberland home and to answer the question: “should I put Christmas decorations up if I’m selling my house”, here are our top tips on decorating your home at Christmas that won’t impact your sale.
Should I Put Christmas Decorations Up If I’m Selling My House?
3 Things To Avoid
1. Decorating Before the Professional Photos
While it may be tempting to put up your decorations before the official photographer has stopped by, don’t. We will always aim to sell your home as quickly as possible. But sometimes, a sale can take a few months before the right buyer shows up. If this happens, people browsing your listing after Christmas will spot the decorations and may imagine your property is sticking on the market. Don’t take the risk!
2. Outdoor Christmas Decorations
24% of people surveyed said they would be deterred from viewing a property listed for sale if it had loud outdoor Christmas lights and decorations.
If you usually light up the exterior of your property like a Christmas tree, give the full-on ‘Times Square’ treatment a miss this year! Kerb appeal is the first impression a buyer will have of your home. If you have a climbing Santa, inflatable reindeer, and flashing lights everywhere, this can be a huge turn-off.
Keep it simple. Add a sophisticated wreath to the front door and hang strings of lights that sparkle in trees if you want something a little more subtle outside.
3. Christmas Window Displays
Natural light is a huge selling point. If you have snow frosting, swinging elves and sprayed-on snowflakes covering all your windows, this could hinder the amount of natural light coming in. To keep things looking the way they usually do, keep the windows clear and festive free.
3 Things You Can Do to Decorate at Christmas
1. Keep Festive Decorations Subtle
When a buyer walks in, you want them to notice the space. Decorations can distract buyers from the important things. It can even put them off your home entirely. To keep things neutral, stick to a Christmas tree and a few festive items that are small or subtle.
2. Opt For Neutral Christmas Colours
We know that bright reds and greens are cheery at Christmas. But too many colours can damage the overall vibe of your home. If you’re going to decorate, keep the colours neutral or opt for silver and gold. The same applies to any tree lights. Ditch the multi-coloured bulbs and opt for a warm or cool LED light instead.
3. Add Festive Smells
A fresh and inviting smell in your home can help it stand out to buyers. It can even make your home appear cleaner and more appealing. A great way of making your home feel festive when you’re selling is to add pleasant smells, like cinnamon, mulled wine or sweet cookies. A scent that isn’t too overpowering can help you feel festive without putting buyers off.
So, to answer the question “should I put Christmas decorations up if I’m selling my house” if you do decorate your home, the best plan is to keep it sophisticated and simple.
Want More Home Staging Tips?
We’re Elizabeth Humphreys Homes, and we know everything there is to know about selling properties in Northumberland – including how to stage your home for a sale, whatever the season.
If you’re selling your home, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us today on 01665 661170 or email us at liz@eh-homes.co.uk.
In the meantime, we’ve answered some of your common questions about selling your home during the festive season.
FAQs About Selling Your Home During the Festive Season
Should I completely avoid Christmas decorations when selling my home?
Not at all! You can still enjoy the festive season. The key is to keep decorations minimal and neutral. A sophisticated tree, subtle lighting, and a festive wreath are great options that won’t distract potential buyers.
Why is it important to avoid putting up decorations before photos are taken?
If your property photos include Christmas decorations, your listing may feel outdated after the festive season. Buyers might assume your home has been on the market for a long time, which could deter interest.
Will outdoor decorations really impact potential buyers?
Yes, they can. Over-the-top outdoor displays can distract from your home’s features and turn off buyers. Keeping things simple with understated lights or a stylish wreath will help maintain kerb appeal.
Are bright colours like red and green a problem in festive décor?
Bright colours can sometimes overwhelm buyers and make your home feel less neutral. Opt for muted tones like silver, gold, or white to keep your space welcoming and stylish.
How do festive smells help with selling my home?
Scents like cinnamon, mulled wine, or cookies can make your home feel warm and inviting, creating a positive emotional response in buyers. Just make sure the scents are subtle and not overpowering.
Can decorations actually help sell a home?
When done tastefully, decorations can highlight your home’s charm and help buyers envision themselves celebrating future holidays there. The key is balance—festive but not overwhelming.
What if I usually go all-out with Christmas décor?
This year, consider toning it down. While bold displays are fun, they can make it harder for buyers to focus on your home’s features. You’ll have plenty of time for extravagant decorating in your next property!
Have more questions?
We’re here to help! Contact Elizabeth Humphreys Homes on 01665 661170 or email us at liz@eh-homes.co.uk for personalised advice on selling your home during the festive season.
