Bad guttering isn’t ideal in any situation, but when you’re getting ready to sell, it can be even more of a cause for concern. The question is, how much does bad guttering and soffits impact your property value? Let’s find out.
Does Bad Guttering Affect Property Value?
In short, yes, bad guttering can impact property value, but how much depends on how visible and severe the damage is.
The most likely damage to affect property value includes things like:
- Missing sections
- Visible damage
- Clear signs of blockages (e.g., weeds growing out of gutters or areas overflowing with leaves)
- Leaky areas
- Buckling sections
What’s the Impact of Bad Guttering on Property Value?
Bad guttering can impact your property value in three main ways. It can affect the valuation you get from an estate agent, the price buyers are willing to pay, and any deductions a buyer may suggest after a survey. Learn more about each area below.
Valuation from estate agent
Firstly, bad guttering can negatively affect the valuation an estate agent gives you. Visible signs of damage can lead an estate agent to offer a slightly lower valuation, particularly if the rest of the property is in a poor state of repair.
An estate agent takes into consideration any new work carried out on a property when giving a valuation, which includes new soffits and gutters.
Mentioning new guttering work is a good idea, as the estate agent will take this into account when giving you an accurate estimate.
Buyer offers
Even if an estate agent doesn’t knock value off your property, poor guttering may impact how much potential buyers are willing to offer.
A property is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it, so if potential buyers see damaged guttering, they may make a lower offer because of it.
Surveyor results
Most buyers will undertake a professional homebuyer survey on the property before or after making an offer.
The survey will highlight faulty guttering and any associated property damage (e.g., damp issues or interior damage caused by poor guttering).
It isn’t uncommon for a buyer to renegotiate an offer following the results of a survey – particularly if the issues are quite severe and undisclosed on the listing.
Why Does Poor Guttering Affect Property Value?
Poor guttering can impact your property value for many reasons, including:
- It can lower curb appeal
- There’s a risk of severe water damage (existing or in the future)
- The cost of repairs is unknown
- It can be a deterrent for potential buyers
Is It Worth Investing in New Guttering Before Selling?
When you’re selling up soon, completing costly repairs on a property (like getting new soffits and guttering) may not be worth the time, effort, and investment for you.
The work can certainly add value to your property or help you sell it faster, like any home renovation can – particularly if the issues are severe or have caused visible damage to the property (like exterior dampness).
However, not all renovations are worth the investment, so you may be better off seeing how your property performs on the market first. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but a conversation with a local estate agent may help you decide.
Find Out Your Property Value Today
A good first step to take is to get a valuation on your property. Ask the question about renewing your guttering and what impact it may have on your home value.
Get an instant online valuation using our accurate home valuation tool, or book valuations with local estate agents in just two clicks.