Selling a house with pets

Selling House with Pets

Selling your house can be challenging, and having pets in the mix makes the process even more demanding. While pets bring joy, they also leave traces—odours, hair, or damage—that may turn off potential buyers. If you’re preparing to list your property, reducing visible signs of pet ownership is crucial to making your home as appealing as possible.

Selling House With Pets: Why deep cleaning is non-negotiable

Pets leave behind hair, dander, and odours that can linger. Start by deep cleaning your home. Professionally clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove embedded fur and allergens. Polish hard floors to eliminate paw prints and tackle overlooked areas like air vents, curtains, and furniture where smells or pet hair may accumulate.

  • Tip: Nearly *70% of potential buyers say a clean home is a major factor when deciding to make an offer.
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Selling House With Pets: Why deep cleaning is non-negotiable

Pets leave behind hair, dander, and odours that can linger. Start by deep cleaning your home. Professionally clean carpets, rugs, and upholstery to remove embedded fur and allergens. Polish hard floors to eliminate paw prints and tackle overlooked areas like air vents, curtains, and furniture where smells or pet hair may accumulate.

  • Tip: Nearly *70% of potential buyers say a clean home is a major factor when deciding to make an offer.

2. Tackle Odours at the Source

Pet smells can be a deal-breaker for buyers. Open windows to ventilate your home and use pet-specific odour neutralisers. Avoid strong air fresheners, as they may suggest you’re masking something. Regularly clean pet bedding and areas where your pets spend the most time.

  • Approximately 40% of buyers notice smells during the first property viewing.

3. Repair Pet-Related Damage

Scratches on doors, chewed skirting boards, or damaged carpets indicate pet ownership and might deter buyers. Repair all visible damage—sand and repaint woodwork, replace worn carpets, and touch up scuffed walls. Don’t overlook the garden: fill holes, reseed bare patches, and clean up any mess.

4. Minimise the Pet Presence During Viewings

While you may adore your pets, potential buyers should not feel their presence. Arrange for pets to stay elsewhere during showings. Store away bowls, toys, litter trays, and other pet accessories. By decluttering these items, you create a neutral environment that allows buyers to imagine themselves in the space.

5. Stage Your Home Thoughtfully

Home staging is a powerful tool. Remove large pet items like crates or towers that might make the space cluttered. Add inviting touches – fresh flowers, soft throws, and tasteful decor, to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

6. Be Honest About Your Pets

While minimising visible signs of pet ownership is essential, honesty is just as important. Be transparent with buyers about having pets, especially for those with allergies or sensitivities. If you have deceased pets buried in the garden, it’s important to disclose this information to potential buyers. Let buyers know the steps you’ve taken to clean and prepare the property thoroughly.

7. Work with an Experienced Estate Agent

A knowledgeable estate agent can help you sell a home with pets. They can recommend the best strategies to highlight your property’s strengths while addressing buyer concerns. With their experience, they’ll guide you on balancing disclosure and appeal.

8. Perfect Your Property Photos

Your listing photos make the first impression, so ensure your home is spotless and free of pet-related clutter before the photographer arrives. Removing pet items and presenting clean, welcoming spaces will help buyers focus on the property’s features rather than any hint of furry friends.

  • Listings with professionally staged photos sell 32% faster than those without.

9. A Fresh Start for Buyers

Selling a home with pets requires some extra effort, but it pays off. If you have chosen to bury pets in your garden, make sure to disclose this to potential buyers. From deep cleaning to thoughtful staging, every detail contributes to leaving a lasting impression on buyers. With the right preparation, your property can shine and attract the perfect buyer who sees its true potential.

10. Pet Burial Laws and Regulations

Pet burials are a common practice, but it’s crucial to be aware of the laws and regulations that govern them. In the UK, there is no legal obligation to inform buyers about pets buried in the garden, but doing so is often considered a courteous gesture to avoid future disputes.

Local authorities may have specific rules regarding pet burials, such as limits on the number of pets that can be buried on a property or requirements for the grave site. Consult with local authorities or experts to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Ignoring these regulations can result in fines or other penalties.

Additionally, consider the potential impact of pet burials on property values and sales. In some cases, pet burials may be considered a “material fact” that must be disclosed to potential buyers. Being transparent about pet burials can help build trust with new owners and prevent any surprises down the line.

11. The Emotional Impact of a Dead Pet on Buyers

Discovering a dead pet buried in the garden can be emotionally challenging for potential buyers. While a previous owner’s decision to bury a pet on the property is often a sentimental gesture, it can also be a source of anxiety for new owners. Concerns may arise about the emotional significance of the garden or the potential for future discoveries.

Homeowners should be sensitive to these concerns and consider disclosing the presence of a dead pet upfront. Providing information about the pet burial and offering reassurance about the property’s history can help mitigate these worries. Buyers may appreciate knowing that the burial site is well-maintained and poses no structural or environmental issues.

In some cases, the presence of a dead pet can be a deal-breaker for potential buyers. Homeowners should be prepared to address these concerns and provide support to buyers who may be struggling with the emotional impact. By being open and understanding, you can help buyers feel more comfortable with the property and its history.

12. Final Check: Ensuring a Smooth Sale Process

Before listing your property for sale, it’s essential to conduct a final check to ensure a smooth sale process. This includes disclosing any pet burials on the property and providing detailed information about the grave site. Transparency is key to building trust with potential buyers and avoiding any surprises later on.

In most gardens, pet burials are not a major issue, but they can still be a source of anxiety for some buyers. To locate the exact location of a pet burial, you might need a mini digger or other excavation equipment. Being prepared to provide documentation and support can help alleviate buyers’ concerns.

Consider the potential impact of pet burials on property values and sales. By being upfront and providing all the necessary information, you can help buyers feel more comfortable with the property’s history. Ultimately, the goal is to find a buyer who is comfortable with the property and willing to respect the memory of the deceased pet.

Factor Impact on Buyers Source
Cleanliness Almost 70% of buyers would be deterred by damp stains or dirt when viewing a home. Go Compare
Pet-Related Odours 63% of UK buyers find pet or other strong odours off-putting during viewings. You Gov
Exterior Presentation Unkempt gardens or outdoor spaces reduce buyer interest by 10%. Post Office Money Report
Decluttered Interiors Homes with clean, clutter-free spaces are valued up to 11% higher than similar homes with visible mess. Barclays Mortgages Research
Property Repairs Properties in good condition with minimal visible repairs are more likely to sell quickly at market value. Nationwide Building Society

Contact House Buy Fast for a Quick Sale

Selling your home with pets—or in any condition—doesn’t have to be stressful. At House Buy Fast, we buy any property, regardless of its condition, location, or circumstances. Whether you’re struggling to sell due to pet-related challenges, repairs, or other issues, we provide a hassle-free, quick, and guaranteed sale process. Get in touch with us today on 01903 331588 for a free cash offer and take the first step toward your next chapter.