Should I install a design wallpaper before putting my property on the market?

Should I install a design wallpaper before putting my property on the market?

In the competitive world of property sales, understanding the nuances of buyer psychology can make all the difference between a swift sale and a home that continues to sit on the market gathering dust. Knowing what makes buyers tick and how to make them fall in love with your property can set you apart from the rest. Ask a seasoned professional estate agent for advice and the answer is likely to be, price considerations aside, that “first impressions matter much more than you think”.

With countless websites, apps and other ways to browse listings, today's buyers are swiping through multiple properties faster than you can say "open house". In this fast-paced environment, a home that makes a strong first impression really stands out. It lingers in potential buyers’ minds, making it much more likely to be shortlisted or revisited. In a sea of options, your property needs to be the one that makes them stop and say, "Wow, I need to see that again!"

Remember:
Buying a home is an emotional decision as much as it is a financial one!

The moment potential buyers step into a house, they begin to visualise living there, Sunday morning coffee in the kitchen, family dinners in the dining room, and cosy movie nights in the living room. That first impression sets the tone for everything that follows. If positive, they are more likely to overlook minor flaws and focus on the home’s potential. Conversely, a poor first impression can make buyers hyper-aware of any negatives, leading them to nitpick and view the property more critically.

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An inviting, well-decorated interior reassures buyers that you've put in the effort to make the home shine, suggesting a well-maintained property. Even if they don't make an offer right away, a strong first impression sticks with them. They talk about it with friends, family, and their agents, potentially spreading the word in circles you hadn't anticipated. Make that first impression count, and your property might just become the buzz of the town!

What steps can I take to boost my property’s initial appeal?

There are plenty of ways to boost your home's initial appeal, each with its own price tag. And here's the good news: you don't have to choose just one. In fact, I highly recommend tackling these upgrades before you list your property. Let's dive in and see what options you have:

Curb appeal enhancements

First impressions start before buyers even step inside. If you're selling an independent house, not an apartment, a little landscaping goes a long way. Tidy up the garden, plant some flowers, and mow the lawn.

Gardening

These basic improvements can be done for a few hundred dollars/pounds, while extensive landscaping can run into thousands. And don't underestimate the power of a fresh coat of paint- it can significantly boost your home's curb appeal. Just keep in mind that painting the entire exterior is a bigger investment than you might think.

Cleaning and decluttering

It goes without saying, but make sure your house is spotless, from the carpets to the windows. Declutter by removing personal items and excess furniture to make spaces appear larger and more neutral.

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Consider hiring a professional cleaning service and renting temporary storage if needed. wallpaper

Staging

This is where you can really make a splash. Staging your home with rented furniture and décor to highlight its best features is a fantastic way to outshine the competition.

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While professional staging services are pricey and potentially exceed your budget, strategically using designer wallpaper can be an excellent alternative. It provides an immediate visual impact that paint alone just cannot achieve.

Be aware that nobody is going to remember an empty room with bland walls. In a market flooded with similar-looking properties, you need to create a narrative about your home, conveying a specific vibe. A designer wallpaper can be the ideal tool to help you tell your home's story. Potential buyers will remember your property as the one with that beautiful, unique wall. Compared to other, more major renovations, is relatively affordable and offers a high return on investment. Plus, it can effectively cover minor wall imperfections like cracks, stains, or uneven surfaces, providing a smooth and attractive finish without extensive repairs.

Why staging your property with wallpaper can help increase its perceived value

According to the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes can sell for 5% to 15% more than non-staged homes, which can be far more than covering the cost of the staging itself.

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Here are some key advantages to consider when using wallpaper to achieve a professionally staged look without incurring large expenses:

  • Affordable elegance: High-quality wallpaper can give a room a high-end look for a fraction of the cost of new furniture or extensive renovations.
  • Current trends: Modern, trendy wallpaper designs attract more buyers, especially those looking for move-in-ready properties, the fastest growing segment in the current market.
  • Target demographics: Wallpapers are incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different styles to appeal to specific buyer groups, like young professionals or families.
  • High ROI: A single feature wall can make a huge difference without breaking the bank. Buyers are often willing to pay more for a home that looks stylish and doesn't scream "needs renovation".
  • Minimal disruption: Wallpapering is a straightforward process that doesn't require extensive time input or effort, making it an easy staging solution.
  • Quick transformation: A designer wallpaper can quickly transform your space, making it a practical option for sellers looking to stage their home efficiently.
  • Faster sales: Homes that make a strong first impression tend to sell faster.

Can a designer wallpaper improve the online appeal of my property?

These days, most buyers start their home search online. That means your property needs to sparkle in those online listings. High-quality images of well-staged spaces are key to grabbing the attention of potential buyers. A strategically placed wallpaper can add depth, texture, and a pop of colour that makes your photos leap off the screen.

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Don’t forget: High-quality, visually stunning images are social media gold. When your property photos start making the rounds on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, your reach will expand as you’re not just attracting local buyers, but a tech-savvy, digital audience who live for that “Like” button. The more your property is viewed and shared online, the higher the likelihood of attracting serious buyers!

How wallpaper can help you appeal to the visual standards of Millennials and Gen Z

As Millennials and Generation Z increasingly step into the real estate market, the game has changed. They have grown up with Instagram filters, TikTok trends, and Pinterest boards, setting a high bar for visual aesthetics. If you want to catch their eye (and their interest), your property needs to be nothing short of "Instagram-worthy". And guess what? Wallpaper can be your secret weapon to achieve this goal.

Creating visually stunning spaces

As they scroll through countless property listings on their phone, the only way to make them stop and take notice of your home is by creating visually stunning spaces that scream style and sophistication. Bold geometric patterns, lush botanical prints, or sophisticated textures can make your property pop in photos, transforming a plain room into a captivating scene straight out of a lifestyle magazine.

Aligning with modern aesthetics and sensibilities

Millennials and Gen Z are seeking spaces that reflect their personal style and values. These generations have a keen eye for modern aesthetics, often favouring minimalism as well as being extremely conscious of their environmental footprint.

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By choosing minimalist, eco-friendly wallpaper models, you can create an environment that resonates with their tastes and makes them feel at home the moment they step in.

How do I create well-designed focal points with wallpaper?

Focal points naturally draw the eye to specific areas of a room, highlighting its best features. When you walk into a space, your attention is instinctively drawn to the most visually interesting spot. By using wallpaper to create a striking feature wall, you can highlight architectural details or special areas that you want buyers to notice first. This can include walls behind a fireplace, alcoves, or any area that might otherwise be overlooked.

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The psychological impact of a focal point

Focal points can evoke emotions, helping buyers imagine that they are living in a particular home. Depending on the design you pick, a well-chosen wallpaper can create feelings of comfort, luxury or modernity, making the place feel more desirable and personal. In addition, focal points help you guide the flow of movement through the space, making it feel more intentional and thoughtfully designed. This strategic placement ensures that buyers experience the room as you intended, appreciating its layout and functionality.

Using a wallpaper feature wall to highlight key areas

Imagine walking into your living room and seeing a beautifully wallpapered wall behind the sofa or above the fireplace. A feature wall with a vibrant or textured wallpaper can anchor the main gathering space, making it feel inviting and cohesive. In bedrooms, a calming or luxurious wallpaper behind the bed can turn the room into a serene retreat, making it easier for buyers to envision themselves unwinding there.

Luxury

Focal points play a crucial role in balancing the overall design of a room, preventing it from feeling monotonous. A well-placed wallpaper can complement the existing décor, tying different elements together and creating a harmonious overall look.
Don’t forget! Focal points can also be used to divert attention from less attractive areas or flaws in the room. For example, a bold wallpaper can shift focus away from awkward layouts or minor imperfections, ensuring that buyers focus on the positive.

Which wallpaper to consider and which to avoid when staging a property for sale

Choosing the right wallpaper when staging your property is a bit like picking the perfect outfit for a first date: you want to impress without being too obvious. Here’s what you should consider in your wallpaper selection:

Consider neutral and subtle patterns

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They appeal to a broad audience, providing a fresh and clean look without being too bold. They make rooms appear larger and brighter, creating a welcoming and versatile backdrop for potential buyers.

Avoid bold and bright colours as well as dark and large-scale patterns

While bright reds, yellows or neons might reflect your personal style, they can be polarising and might not appeal to everyone. Deep burgundy, dark blue, or black with heavy Victorian or baroque patterns can make rooms feel smaller and distract from the property’s overall features.

Consider textured wallpaper

Grass cloth, linen, silk, or faux finishes like marble or wood grain adds depth and interest to a room, creating a luxurious feel while hiding minor wall imperfections.

Avoid theme-specific wallpapers

Children themes, cartoon characters, animal prints or sports team motifs are too niche, limiting the appeal to a very specific audience as they will mean additional work to replace them if buyers don’t share the same taste.

Consider eco-friendly wallpapers

Models made from recycled materials, low-VOC inks, or natural fibres appeal to environmentally conscious buyers, adding another layer of desirability to your property.

Avoid busy and overly complex patterns

Intricate designs, like large floral prints, intricate damask patterns, or anything too busy or detailed can overwhelm a space and make it feel cluttered. It also makes it difficult for buyers to imagine their own belongings in the room.

Consider peel-and-stick models

Peel-and-Stick

Easy to apply and remove, peel & stick wallpaper is a great option for temporary staging. It allows would-be buyers to see the potential of a space without committing to permanent changes. It also enables you to effortlessly change design if you decide to pivot to a different target group.

Avoid cheap and low-quality wallpaper

Remember that you are trying to make an impression. Do not ruin it by saving a few pennies by buying cheap-looking models. Invest in good quality wallpapers!

Conclusions

In the cutthroat world of property sales, first impressions are everything. Strategically staging your home with the right wallpaper can make a huge difference, creating focal points that highlight the property’s best features while hiding minor flaws. It's a cost-effective way to turn your home into a move-in-ready dream, boosting its perceived value and making it stand out in a crowded market. This modest investment can deliver significant returns by enhancing your home’s overall aesthetic and emotional appeal. After all, selling a property isn’t just about the bricks and mortar; it’s about crafting a compelling vision for potential buyers!