Property expert says 'bland' is best when selling a home – how to avoid 'alienating' buyers

Bathroom makeovers, home offices, annexes, and extra bedrooms can drastically increase a property's value. However, you'll likely have to spend a lot to make a lot.

A far cheaper way to boost your property's value is by reevaluating its colour scheme.

According to the property expert, classic, timeless colours will always be the ideal choice.

Mr Rolande stated: "It's a shame, really, because we all like to see very quirky properties and well-designed homes.

"But the rule of thumb for the average [person] selling a property is that it has to be – I hate to say it – but a little bit bland."

He advised sellers to go for neutral tones such as cream or light grey over bold, garish options.

This is because you want a potential buyer to imagine themselves living there – not you.

If they feel at home in the space right away, they're more likely to put down a great offer.

On the other hand, if they can't see past your lime green, polka-dotted walls or worse, they overshadow the rest of the property, they'll probably lose interest.

Now, this doesn't mean your property has to be dull and dreary. Pops of colour are totally fine – as long as you don't overdo it.

Rather than painting your walls lime green, use the money to buy a colourful painting, ornament, or statement piece of furniture.

Doing this will inject a bit of personality into the home without "alienating" house viewers, the expert explained.

He added that a touch of "vibrancy" is great when you're taking photos or videos of the house.

A bonus is that if your investments are things like decorations and furniture, you can take them with you when you move.

If you spend lots of money on an outrageous feature wall, you won't benefit from this long-term, and you could deter buyers.

The expert concluded: "The rule of thumb is to keep it pretty neutral for the average house.

"[It's different for] loft rooms in central London or Manhattan, but for most of us, it is just keeping it neutral."

You can be slightly more creative when painting your front door, according to a second property guru.

First impressions are "everything", so it's important to pick a colour that screams "sophisticated" as well as homely, said buying expert Terry Fisher.

Advising homeowners to go for navy blue, red, and green, he stressed that the right shade can "make a big difference".