Kitchens - Simple DIY can help house sales

31/03/2008

Carrying out routine DIY and repairs to a house can have a large impact on how well it will sell, says a leading estate agent.

The UK's biggest independent estate agent, haart, points out that small repairs, such as fixing dripping taps in kitchens and bathrooms, can change how the house is viewed.

Painting rooms in a neutral colour will also make the property more attractive, the firm notes, meaning a weekend of work in the bathroom can freshen up the house.

Paul Smith, chief executive of haart, said: "Making your house as inviting as possible will mean you will invite much more interest and ultimately sell your property for a good price."

He also recommends supporting the DIY by simple steps such as defining rooms. A refitting of the kitchen will be supported by another room that is laid out as a dining room, for example.

The advice comes after figures from the National Association of Estate Agents suggested that the time taken to sell a house has fallen to just over 20 weeks.