Home Selling Guide for Pet Owners

Given that 62% of British households have a pet*, you might assume buyers wouldn’t bat an eyelid at the prospect of viewing a property where a furry or feathered friend resides.

But many property hunters are put off when they visit a home where there are obvious signs and smells of pets.

The reasons for this aversion to animals can vary; a buyer may have an allergy, have had a bad experience in the past, or love their own animals, just not other people’s.

Whatever the rationale, as first impressions are so important when selling a property, it’s best to get rid of, or at least minimise, the signs of pet life in your home. Here’s how:

Prepare your property for sale

·         Give your home a deep clean to remove dirt, paw prints and animal hair; this will hopefully reduce pet odours, too. While your home is on the market, be super vigilant regarding cleanliness.

·         Repair any damage caused by your pets, such as chewed or scratched woodwork, mucky skirting boards or holes dug in the back garden.

·         Ensure all pet toys, bedding, litter trays, crates and food bowls are out of sight when the marketing photographs are taken.

·         If there are pet items that you can’t hide from view, at least ensure they’re neatly organised.

·         Devise a plan for managing viewings because, ideally, you don’t want your pets at home when buyers turn up. Arrange for your pets to stay with a friend or pet sitter or lodge at a kennel or cattery while open days and viewings occur.

On the day of a viewing

·         Transport your pet to wherever they’ll be staying for the day.

·         Minimise signs of pet life from display.

·         Light a few scented candles to mask any pet odours.

·         Check the back garden to make sure there are no droppings.

For more advice about presenting your home for sale, contact us here at Johnsons Property Consultants.

*Statista, 2022.