It is important to remember when selling or letting a property that the simplest of changes to decor can result in a positive outcome where previously there may have been long void periods.

A recent survey has suggested that poor choice of colour scheme can knock thousands off property’s valuation by an estate agent and make prospective tenants think twice about signing that lease. The actual amounts purported range from a reduction in value of £1392 for the average home, to a staggering £3000 in some cases (1 in 10 estate agents would penalise homeowners this amount for bad decorative taste).

Surprisingly, although many of us in the UK like red and orange colour schemes, this is the most disliked decoration by estate agents. Apparently, if there is also general disharmony in the overall colour scheme of a house this will impact upon the viewer’s subconscious and result in negative impressions. The ideal colour to get a sale or rent is of course, the inoffensive magnolia – which “projects cleanliness and optimism” according to Andrea Mountford, colour psychologist and interior designer.

Other recent research into preferences in the home has led to the conclusion that increased daylight in the home will also increase value. Unsurprisingly, this finding comes from a lighting company in the US who believe good interior lighting promotes health and happiness. If one uses common sense though, these conclusions seem rather obvious, especially when you consider that the depression rates are higher the further north you go where it is darker in the winter.

Of course, the shrewd buy-to-let investor will buy a badly decorated, dark property at below market value then repaint and relight their way towards profit with high rental yields…

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