Will the wallpaper affect the sale price of your house?

The Hester Prynne of literature might have worn a scarlet A to mark her past transgressions, but the over-papered house might be marked with a giant W in buyers’ minds. Wallpapering every room with boldly patterned wallpaper is a trend that goes in and out of style, last popular in the US in the 1970s. Now, potential buyers who reject its scarlet letter treat a house that has too much of it.

Why Buyers “Hate” Wallpaper

Too much wallpaper can affect a home’s sales price, especially for the new generation of buyers who want homes that are “move-in ready.” Previous buyers expected to remove unsightly wallpaper, repaint, and make minor initial improvements when they first moved in. Many buyers now view what they don’t like as a deal breaker or a license to underbid for the inconvenience of changing a home to reflect their personal tastes.

Modern tastes tend to be more minimalist. Rooms with floral, plaid, or other patterns on the walls and even ceilings can be overwhelming and make the house look dated. Large numbers of large flowers remind many people of their great-grandmother’s house. Mirrored sheeting reminds people of the 1970s and 1980s. Why wallpaper is such a big deterrent for people is often due to two main factors.

First of all, many buyers have no vision and have a hard time imagining what a room would look like without the wallpaper or with a different paint. Even more than paint color, wallpaper is a reflection of personal taste. Real estate agents suggest that sellers make their homes more neutral to help buyers see themselves in the space; even then, the result does not appeal to everyone.

Second, the older the wallpaper, the more likely it will be difficult to remove. Some dried and peeling wallpaper from 20 or 30 years ago can be removed immediately, but this is not always true, especially if the built-in glue was reinforced with paste. Other types of wallpaper stick to the wall, making it difficult to remove.

Does wallpaper affect the ability to sell a house?

Some Realtors® point out that any wallpaper that is put up rarely satisfies the taste of a new buyer. Based on this, the paint is safer. As a seller, should you remove the wallpaper in your home before putting it on the market? As you renovate rooms, should you add new wallpaper? Common wisdom is that you should be careful about your use of wallpaper when your primary goal is to sell your home. If you can, put it down.

Wallpaper can add a dramatic look to a room when used sparingly. Adding a wallpaper accent wall that matches the paint color can really make a room pop. Many interior designers recommend this technique. In cases where the walls are not in perfect condition, wallpapering with solid or textured paper can improve the appearance of the room. Just be sure to select peelable paper.

Even if you are selling, you can reap the benefits of wallpaper. You just have to remember that you are preparing your house for someone else, not exercising your taste to make your house the way you want it. When you move into your new home, you’ll once again have the freedom to design your space for you and your family.