There are two rooms in a property buyers scrutinise most keenly – the kitchen and the bathroom. Buyers will often make up their minds on a viewing when they see either or both these rooms, so if not presented in their best light, it’s unlikely you will get an offer.
While most of the attention can go on a kitchen when selling a property, bathrooms can get forgotten about which could prove a costly mistake.
With that in mind, what should you do to make sure your bathroom captures the attention of potential buyers for all the right reasons?

It goes without saying, when you have a property to sell, a good clean is essential – and not just the bathroom! So, make this a priority before you do anything else because if there is even a hint the room isn’t spotless you will make an impression for all the wrong reasons. Check the windowsills, grouting, sealants, door handle, shower heads, taps and plug holes and make sure everything is gleaming, there are no dripping taps and the light bulbs work. Empty and clean the bin and if you can, tuck it away somewhere discreet.

Once cleaned, you can see what you need to do. It may be only a case of redecoration which in itself is not a huge undertaking. And as long as it is in good condition generally it is not going to be too onerous to spruce it up quickly. The most important thing to remember is who you are marketing to – single person, young couple, family or downsizer.

If you have the budget to do so, you may want to invest in a new suite, especially if you have a dated scalloped edge corner bath or anything avocado-coloured. A plain white, simple bathroom set does not have to be expensive, but it will instantly look better, crisper and cleaner. Don’t forget to include refreshing or replacing tiles in your makeover.

Windows will benefit from a good clean, inside and out, but check the paintwork if they are wooden, or the seals if they are UPVC. If they are not already double glazed, and you have enough in the budget, you may want to consider investing in replacing them.

While we are on the subject of DIY, even if your bathroom is small, it can always accommodate colour, even dark shades, and wallpaper. Have a look at the current trends for both paint and wallpapers and see if you can include something in your bathroom, even if only on one wall.

Bathroom lighting is often overlooked, but as a room which needs quite a bit of it, it makes sense to invest in decent lights. Consider adding a statement light fitting either on the wall or around the cabinet or add a mirror which reflects light and adds to the feeling of space.

Tidying up is always advisable as clutter-free surfaces give an impression of space, so put all the cleaning products in a cupboard so they are not on show and chuck out empty shower gel, shampoo and conditioner bottles. If you have a cabinet, you can hide things in there, but make sure it’s tidy as buyers are renowned for taking a peek in drawers and cupboards.

While you don’t want clutter, having a houseplant or two can brighten up a room and there is growing evidence they can have a positive effect on air quality. Investing in a few easy to look after indoor plants can therefore be beneficial in many ways so if you have a windowsill large enough to accommodate a plant or can hang one from the ceiling, why not give it a go?

If you have space and want to make the space a bit more personal, adding a chair, scented candles and something to hold a book and/or wine glass whilst you are in the tub can evoke a feeling of opulence and relaxation. Less is definitely more but with the right finishing touches you can encourage the buyer to see themselves spending time in the room.

Setting the scene also extends to putting your “guest” or “fancy” towels and bath mats on show rather than your regular ones. Rolled up, stacked, or folded on a shelf, however you display them, make sure they are neat and tidy.

If you would like advice on how to make the most of your bathroom or any other room in the house in advance of listing it for sale, please call or pop into one of our offices as our teams would be delighted to help.