According to the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, 53% of UK adults own a pet, therefore a large proportion of sellers will have a cat, dog or other domestic animal. While we are a nation of animal lovers, not everyone wants a furry encounter when they’re searching for a new home.
In this article we detail the seven most pertinent points for pet owners hoping to come to market.
1. Smells: one of the most off putting aspects of pets are the smells they create. Wet dogs, dirty cats and even musty hamsters all have distinct odours that can fill the nostrils as soon as someone walks in the front door. Most aromas linger on soft furnishings, so wash pet bedding, blankets and pet beds, or spray with a pet-safe fabric refresher ahead of any visits. Leaving a window open will also help bad smells escape.
2. Food: there are many things that can spoil the aesthetic of a kitchen – dirty dishes and untidy worktops are just two – and you can add pet bowls to the list. Seeing what pets have for dinner isn’t something that should draw the eye, and you’ll want to avoid anyone stepping in puddles of trailed water. Remove pet bowls for any visits, wiping up spillages.
3. Hair: pet hair poses two problems. Firstly, it’s often the trigger for allergies and some people will actively avoid viewing a property where there is a cat or dog in residence. Secondly, sofas, chairs and beds that are covered with shed fur aren’t very appealing. Vacuum and use a lint roller to remove strands before viewings.
4. Behaviour: ‘he’s friendly’ may be true but potential buyers may not appreciate being licked, pawed or jumped on by the resident cats and dogs. It goes without saying, if your pet is triggered by strangers, will bark or even bite, remove them from the property before every viewing. Failing that, use a pet crate or carrier, placed in the garden if it’s safe to do so, to temporarily exclude badly behaved pets from the property.
5. Damage: scratch marks on doors, chewed woodwork, frayed carpet edges, grubby patches on walls, stains and marks on the floorcoverings, and holes dug in the garden will ring alarm bells. As well as looking unsightly, potential buyers will look around your property totting up how much it would cost to put the damage right. Ensure all pet damage is fixed before the ‘for sale’ sign goes up.
6. Permissions: anyone living in a leasehold property will have an agreement that details whether keeping a domestic animal in their property is allowed. It’s quite common for a ‘no pets’ restriction to be in place, which makes leasehold properties where dogs and cats are permitted all the more valuable – especially if the property is a flat. If you are selling a leasehold home where you can keep pets, mention this to the estate agent when they value your property.
7. Barking: a pet doesn’t have to be owned by the vendor for it to be an issue when selling. If the seller has ever complained about excessive and unreasonable amounts of barking, howling or whining from a neighbour’s dog – which the local authority has deemed a statutory nuisance with the issuing of a noise abatement notice – this has to be disclosed by the seller on the TA6 property information form.
We understand that pets are firmly part of the family and it’s quite possible that buyers will share your love of dogs and cats. Nevertheless, talk to us about marketing a property where there are domestic animals – we’ll help you take the best approach.
