UK households have been warned that a common habit could knock thousands of pounds off the value of their home. Smoking indoors, particularly when done regularly over several years, can leave stains, create lingering smells and cause burn marks that may deter potential buyers.
Experts at Northerner and The Property Buying Company say that in the worst cases, the habit could cut as much as 10% from the value of a home. With the average UK property valued at £271,900, a 10% drop would work out at £27,190.
How smoke damage affects a property
Smoke can build up around a home over time, leaving yellow or brown stains on walls, ceilings, windows and other surfaces. The smell can also get into carpets, curtains and furniture.
Dr Marina Murphy, senior director of scientific affairs at Northerner, said: “Fine smoke particles can build up over time, settling into surfaces, fabrics and materials around the home.
“While burn marks and lingering smells might be the most noticeable signs, smoking indoors can also affect how a property looks, feels and is perceived by potential buyers.”
Impact on offers and price
The amount lost will not be the same for every property. Homes with only small amounts of smoke damage are unlikely to see such a large impact. But buyers could offer less if they think they will need to spend money cleaning the property, replacing carpets or decorating several rooms.
Karl McArdle, co-founder of The Property Buying Company, said: “If someone thinks they’ll need to give a whole house a fresh new look, rip out the carpets, and scrub all the stink out, they’ll factor that in when they make an offer.
“In places where the smoke damage is pretty light, the impact on price is usually minimal.
“But where people have been smoking indoors, day in day out, for years on end, you’ll often see prices knocked back by as much as 5-10%, especially if the place needs a major makeover before it can be lived in or sold again.”
Remedies and prevention
Simply opening a window may not be enough to stop the problem either. Smoke residue can still settle around the property, while air fresheners may only cover the smell rather than remove it.
Anyone dealing with existing smoke damage is advised to properly clean walls and ceilings before repainting them. Carpets, curtains and furniture may also need a deep clean or replacement if they have been badly affected. For smokers, the simplest way to avoid the problem is to smoke outside rather than inside the home.
