In a previous blog I shared 5 tips on cost conscious ways to style your property for sale or let. Those were actions that you can take to make your property look more appealing to potential buyers and renters.
In this blog I move on to cost savvy ideas for the actual dressing of your property – the “fluffy” stuff if you like. If you are a property developer or investor and this seems frivolous it isn’t. When people buy a property it’s all about how you make the buyer feel and, whether consciously or unconsciously, it’s those finishing touches that make the difference.
The good news is it doesn’t have to cost a fortune so here are 5 tips to help you dress your property on a budget.
It’s Not About Buying New
You may imagine that I am going to tell you to go out and buy a load of new things. I’m not. Always start with what you already have in the property. Often you have a piece of furniture, ornament or artwork that would work better in another room. If you have followed the advice in my previous blog you will have already decluttered so now is the time to reassess what you have left (you can even bear this advice in mind when decluttering) and consider moving things around. Also think about upcycling pieces – painting dining chairs and reupholstering the seat pads.
Friends and Family
Phone a friend ….If you have ever watched Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? you will be familiar with this phrase, it’s one of the lifelines contestants have when they aren’t sure about an answer. It may not be a lifeline, but when you are selling and are looking to style your property friends and family could be a source of what you need. For example, I have highlighted the importance of rooms having a clear function. It may be that you need an item of furniture or some artwork. A friend or family member may have what you need and be happy to lend it or let you have it.
Charity Shops
Charity shops can be a veritable treasure trove and, with a lot of us having had a clear out during lockdown, when they reopen will have a lot of fresh stock. Some stores are devoted to furniture or include furniture, but in general terms they are a fantastic place to find curtains, lamps and accessories. Not only do you find things at great prices but also you are giving these items a new home and supporting the charity at the same time. Win/ win/ win for you, the planet and the charity.
Online Platforms
Another good place to find pieces that you need, are online selling platforms such as Ebay, Freecycle, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace and Shpock. In the same way as charity shops, these sites enable you to source items at a good price (sometimes for free) and to recycle at the same time.
High Street Stores
When styling a property I love to mix it up. Depending on the individual project, I combine items from different price brackets. This enables you to get the most from your budget. I love high end, but it is possible to find some great looking accessories at stores such as Dunelm Mill (see above), Matalan and The Range as well as TK Maxx so mix it up. If you have seen something online, in a magazine or on social media that is expensive you can often find similar for a lower price.
And finally… A word of warning. You are aiming to create a home that buyers fall in love with, you are selling a lifestyle. You don’t want a space to look mismatched, so whether you are borrowing a bed or sofa from a friend, searching charity shops or curtains or visiting a shop bear in mind the space you are buying for. Furniture should complement the style of your property and existing furniture and don’t forget your colour scheme.
If this all sounds a little daunting or time consuming, let me do it for you. Call me on 07745 876182 for a a free initial chat or e mail me at judith@homestyle4u.com.