When it comes to selling your home, there’s nothing worse than giving potential buyers “the ick”—that gut-wrenching feeling that makes them want to run for the hills (or at least to the next viewing). Whether you’ve heard the phrase bandied about in your last relationship and wondered why they suddenly ghosted after you wore a pair of swimming goggles that one time, you get the gist: it’s a dealbreaker, a turn-off, a small but unavoidable reason to say “no thanks.”

So, what are common property icks that make potential buyers swipe left on your home? Let’s dive into the 10 biggest offenders ranked by most common, according to a recent survey, and more importantly, how to avoid turning your property into a real-life House of Turn Offs.

 

1. Mould/Damp Patches on the Walls – 70%

Ever walked into a room and seen mould lurking like an unwelcome guest in the corners? Yeah, not exactly a selling point. Nearly 70% of potential buyers will clock out at the sight of it.

How to avoid the ick: Grab some bleach, slap on some paint, and ventilate your home like you’re auditioning for *Extreme Makeover: Home Edition*. No one wants to think about fungi invading their future sanctuary.

 

2. Mouse or Rat Traps – 65%

Few things scream “Welcome to my humble abode” like rodent traps. In fact, 65% of buyers would rather have mouse droppings for lunch than move into your pest-riddled pad.

How to avoid the ick: Call in the professionals, evict the critters, and get rid of the traps before any viewings. The only creatures you want to show off are your pets (and even they might need a grooming session).

 

3. Nasty Smells – 56%

From bins and pet odours to unclean bathrooms, a bad smell can make or break a sale faster than you can say “Febreze.” Bad odours are up there when it comes to common property icks. Over half of buyers can’t stomach lingering stenches.

How to avoid the ick: Open windows, burn a candle, or invest in an air freshener. But, let’s be real – find the *actual* source of the smell and deal with it. Think Sherlock Holmes but with your nose.

 

 

4. Mould/Limescale in the Bathroom – 56%

There’s a reason why luxury spas never have limescale build-up. Half of buyers will make a quick exit if they spot bathroom grime. Not many people dream of scrubbing someone else’s scummy tiles.

How to avoid the ick: A little vinegar and elbow grease go a long way. Clean your bathroom like you’re prepping it for a TikTok glow-up video. And while you’re at it, turn on that extractor fan if you have one!

 

5. Cigarette Smoke/Butts – 55%

If your home smells like a nightclub from the early 2000s, expect potential buyers to vanish. And don’t even get us started on the ashtrays overflowing with cigarette butts—55% of viewers say this is a common property ick.

How to avoid the ick: Don’t smoke indoors before viewings. Better yet, get rid of the ashtrays and give your walls a fresh coat of paint. Trust us, you’re not fooling anyone with a quick spray of air freshener.

 

6. Dirty Toilets – 52%

It’s 2024. How are dirty toilets still a thing? Over half of your prospective buyers will gag and ghost if your loo looks like it’s never seen a brush.

How to avoid the ick: Clean the toilet. Simple, right? Make sure it’s sparkling. Pretend you’re hosting a royal visit or better yet, your mother-in-law.

 

7. Bugs/Flies – 52%

Buzzing flies and creepy-crawlies may be fine for a camping trip, but they’re a definite no-no and high up on the list when it comes to common property icks from potential buyers. 52% of buyers will be out the door faster than you can grab the fly swatter.

How to avoid the ick: Take out any trash, search for decaying food (eww, we know), and maybe invest in some bug-repellent plants. Lavender pot, anyone?

 

8. Plaster Peeling Off the Wall – 51%

If the walls are peeling, buyers might think your house is falling apart. Over half of them (51%) will immediately think of renovation nightmares and say “no thanks.”

How to avoid the ick: Replaster those walls! A little DIY TLC can turn your home from drab to fab. If that sounds too ambitious, at least patch it up so it doesn’t look like your house is auditioning for a haunted mansion film set.

 

9. Dog Mess in the Garden – 44%

We get it, you love your pooch. But nobody wants to tour a property and step into a minefield of dog mess. 44% of buyers would be seriously unimpressed (and probably grossed out).

How to avoid the ick: Pick up after your pup before viewings. It’s not rocket science; it’s basic etiquette. Also, maybe mow the lawn while you’re out there. First impressions, people!

 

10. Dirty Underwear on the Floor – 39%

Look, no one wants to see your laundry situation. Finding dirty undies on the floor is a fast-track ticket to the ick for 39% of buyers.

How to avoid the ick: Do a sweep of the place before any viewings. Dirty laundry should stay behind closed doors – or in the washing machine if you want to avoid common property icks.

So as you can see, selling a home can feel a bit like a first date: you’re putting your best foot forward, hoping someone will fall head over heels for your fascinating facade. Try to avoid these top 10 homebuyer icks, and you might just get the offer of your dreams. After all, you wouldn’t show up to a date smelling like mould, holding a large rat and flicking cigarette ash on them… we hope.

Contact us:

mark@daviesdavies.co.uk – Sales Director (contact for sales, lettings and new homes)

katrina@daviesdavies.co.uk – Head of Property & Block Management (contact for property and block management)

020 3820 2492

Davies & Davies Estate Agents, 85 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3EG

Article & images by Barefaced Studios

You might also want to read other useful blog articles by clicking here.

---

Please note that all content contained within our website is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. All Content on this site is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. We advise seeking professional advice from a legal, financial, or other professional.

 

Back to Helpful Guides & Insights