A bathroom homebuyers will love

One of the most important rooms in any house is the bathroom. It is also one of the rooms that come under the most scrutiny when buyers are considering whether they like your home enough to live in.

You might love the retro look of those pink and black tiles which go so well with the pink claw-foot bath you bought for a song a few years ago, but the chance of others appreciating the same look is random at best. They may even love the look but can’t imagine themselves waking up to it each morning.

Or, perhaps you have lived with a small bathroom for years and forgotten just how it looks to others – small, dark and cramped.

So how do you make your bathroom appealing to the widest variety of potential buyers?

The first thing to remember, is that a new owner might well renovate or change it within twelve months, so it is more important to make your changes effective yet reasonably inexpensive. Forget replacing tubs and toilets – just concentrate on making the place look bright and inviting.

Bathrooms are often small, but we all want them to appear spacious. White (or light-coloured) paint and tiles will make a small room appear larger, so if the existing tiles are looking old and dingy, consider painting them or hit them with bleach then touch up or paint the grout (both products are available at hardware stores).

Clean out cupboards and bleach any stains before replacing a few essential items. Buyers will invariably open cupboards and drawers to look inside, so you don’t want to give the impression there is not much storage space! Doors can be spruced up with a new coat of paint and more modern knobs.

Make the most of the windows, whatever they are. Clean them until they sparkle. Put up light curtains or other coverings – if necessary – but make sure the available natural light is not reduced.

Add greenery for interest. Depending on the size and shape of the room, this could range from a few African Violets or the ever-elegant Peace Lily through to a dramatic, tropical look of Kentia Palms in over-sized containers.

Lastly, accessorise with matching (fluffy) towels and a few items such as a new vanity set or soaps in a bright, accent colour to make the room welcoming.