Tips for sellers – here’s a few things that most buyers won’t tolerate

When you’re selling a home, buyers are often more decisive than sellers expect. Most are not chasing perfection, but there are certain things that can quickly turn interest into hesitation or a firm no.

Here are some of the most common deal-breakers we see buyers struggle to look past.

1. Lack of maintenance

Buyers are usually comfortable updating kitchens or bathrooms. What they don’t want is a growing list of repairs before they even move in.

Peeling paint, rotten weatherboards, blocked gutters, cracked tiles, leaking taps, or visible water damage raise immediate concerns. Even small issues can cause buyers to assume there are bigger problems underneath.

A well-maintained home signals care and pride of ownership. Poor maintenance does the opposite.

2. Poor interior presentation

Presentation still plays a major role in how buyers feel about a home.

Cluttered rooms, tired carpets, dated curtains, or walls that haven’t been refreshed in years make it harder for buyers to connect emotionally. If buyers can’t picture themselves living there, they tend to move on quickly.

You don’t need a full renovation. Clean, neutral, well-presented spaces allow buyers to focus on the home rather than the work they think they will need to do.

3. Lack of natural light

Natural light is a big driver of buyer appeal.

Dark rooms, heavy curtains, closed blinds, or furniture blocking windows can make a home feel smaller and less welcoming. Buyers often describe these homes as gloomy or cold, even when the layout is good.

Opening blinds, rearranging furniture, using lighter colours, and improving lighting can significantly change how a home feels during inspections.

4. Limited or impractical parking

Parking is something many buyers are unwilling to compromise on.

Homes with no off-street parking, difficult access, or awkward driveways often face resistance. Even when buyers love the house, ongoing parking frustration can outweigh other positives.

If parking is a limitation, it’s important to be upfront and present it as clearly and positively as possible, rather than letting buyers feel surprised later.

Buyers are realistic and understand that every home has flaws. What they want is confidence that the property has been cared for, feels good to live in, and won’t create unnecessary stress after purchase.

Addressing these points before going to market can improve buyer appeal and strengthen the competition around your home.

If you’d like honest, property-specific advice, feel free to get in touch. Often, small changes make a bigger difference than expected.