Home staging is a great way to make it look inviting and appealing to potential buyers. A fresh coat of paint, decluttered spaces, and trendy decor can all help make the home feel welcoming and captivate potential buyers. Home staging tips like these often make a big first impression. However, these cosmetic changes aren’t what ultimately seal the deal.
While staging might land you a ‘Love at First Sight’ offer, the real test comes when the buyer’s surveyor takes a closer look at the property’s condition.
📉 30% of agreed sales fall through — often due to findings in the buyer’s survey (Country Life, 2024).
📉 67% of buyers who instruct surveys aim to renegotiate, achieving a 5–10% price reduction (The Intermediary, 2025).
This leaves sellers — often tied to onward purchases — vulnerable to last-minute renegotiations. That can mean delays, unexpected negotiations, and thousands in lost value, not to mention the emotional toll.
Falling out of a sale isn’t just a disappointment – it can have real knock-on effects. Sellers may lose out on a new property they were eyeing, face double-moving costs, or have to relist in a slower market. In some cases, a fall-through means months of delay. When you’re relying on a chain, that uncertainty can be a deal-breaker and add significantly to the cost of selling a house.
As Brett Ray, founder of Survey Shack and professional surveyor, explains:
‘’As a residential building surveyor, I see it day in and day out how the findings in our reports are the reason for price reductions and fall-throughs. Homeowners may have read every house staging tip and spent hours on fresh paint or the latest interior trends, but the truth is, these things aren’t what really matter. The reality is that most sellers don’t know their property’s weak spots and most of the time, those issues are right in front of their eyes – they just need to know what to look for.’’
Why Survey Shack is the First Step When Selling
Selling a home isn’t just emotional – it’s strategic. Being aware upfront about issues helps you set a realistic price, avoid last-minute negotiations, and ultimately sell with confidence.
With Survey Shack’s homeowner survey, you stay in control and make sure your property is truly ready to meet its next owners. It’s like having a surveyor on your team before the real survey even happens – one that’s a fraction of the cost of a traditional survey, much easier to schedule, and available whenever you need it.
✅ Inspect your home and learn what surveyors look for
✅ Get an instant condition report and fix what matters
✅ Maximise the value of your property and sell with confidence
Here’s how it works
1️⃣ The app guides you through your free guided property inspection with easy-to-follow instructions, teaching you along the way.
2️⃣ Your progress is saved automatically, so you can complete it at your own pace.
3️⃣ Once completed, you’ll have the option to purchase an instant report, packed with tailored, actionable insights – plus, a complimentary Critical Property Data report, which includes key details such as planning history, surface water flood risk, comparable sales, and more.
4️⃣ Kettle on, feet up, time for a good read!
What does the home survey cost, you ask? All of this, for just £29.99. It is a no brainer!
Why Risk It?
Why risk losing out on thousands – money you could spend on your dream kitchen, that loft conversion, or a beautiful garden upgrade? With Survey Shack, you invest in peace of mind, a faster sale, and the price your property truly deserves.
See your home through the eyes of a surveyor and make sure it’s ready to pass with flying colours.
