Maximise your kitchen

Selling your property: maximise your kitchen – top tips from the National Association of Estate Agents

A welcoming kitchen is one of the biggest attractions for potential house buyers. Whether you have a comfortable family oriented meeting place or a stylish singletons galley, the kitchen is most often the heart of the home.

Regardless of your budget, there are a number of simple ways you can maximise its attraction to buyers and speed up the sale of your house.

Presentation is key:

Replacing your entire kitchen to attract buyers is not always necessary. Often the cost of installing a new kitchen outweighs the value it will add to your asking price

Like all home decor the kitchen will still be subject to personal taste, so if it does not appeal to your buyers they will refit it upon moving in anyway.

If your kitchen is very dated, simple changes can make all the difference. Painting the cupboard doors, replacing handles or taps and re-grouting the tiles can all give a new lease of life.

Clean and de-clutter! Viewers may even look in your cupboards so ensure shelves are cleaned and all contents are organised. Any pet bowls should go outside as potential buyers may not be animal lovers so could be put off by the sight of half eaten pet food.

If necessary, box up items you don't use very often and put them in storage. If your cupboards and drawers are overflowing, buyers will assume there is little storage space, which can be off-putting. Keep work surfaces as clear as possible to enhance the appearance of cleanliness.

Flowers or pot pourri on window sills create a welcoming atmosphere and add a fresh fragrance. Using these simple but effective ideas will ensure your kitchen looks appealing and entices potential buyers into a prompt decision.