When viewing a property for the first time, there is a space that can instantly shape your impression of the rest of the home - yet it slips the mind of many sellers.
Despite its pivotal nature when it comes to shifting a property off the market, homeowners tend to flock towards kitchen or bathroom renovations, which can be eye-wateringly expensive.
However, the humble hallway is an oft forgotten room, despite first impressions being “everything” during a sale, an expert said.
In fact, “the hallway is where that impression forms”, making it certainly worthwhile to consider putting some thought and effort into the space.
The entrance to a home should feel welcoming
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“I've watched buyers mentally subtract thousands from their offer before they've even seen the living room, simply because the entrance felt neglected or unwelcoming,” managing director of Kaybridge Residential Kevin Barzegar commented.
He explained that “what a lot of sellers don’t understand” is that buyers are assessing the hallway to understand the maintenance and care spanning across the whole property.
“A tired hallway suggests tired everything else, even when that's not true. But the reverse is also true,” the guru added.
“A fresh, bright entrance makes buyers assume the whole house has been well looked after.”
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Meanwhile, a dark, cramped and cluttered space can suggest the rest of the residence is similarly neglected just as a brighter, more looked after space feels far more welcoming.
“Buyers form their opinion about a property's value within seconds of walking through the door,” Mr Barzegar explained, urging sellers to recognise the hallway's importance.
“If the hallway feels tired or unwelcoming, they'll assume problems exist throughout the house, even if the rest is immaculate.”
“The best part is that hallway improvements offer incredible return on investment,” he added.
Keeping the space decluttered is key to keeping the open space
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Spending around £300 on new lighting, fresh paint and decluttering could “easily” add £3,000 to your home’s value.
He explained that adding a large mirror, for instance, could even double the amount of perceived space, as well as add a bit more light to the area.
“[The hallway] is probably the most cost-effective upgrade any seller can make, yet it's the one most people skip entirely,” the expert declared.