Choosing paint colours for your home might seem like a personal decision, but when it comes to selling, the wrong shade can cost you thousands.

Buyers form opinions within seconds of walking through the door, and bold or outdated colours can put them off before they’ve even seen the best features of your property.

A study by Zillow earlier this year found that certain paint colours can lower a property’s value by as much as £2,914.25 ($3,915 USD). The research highlighted how significantly colour choices impact buyer perception and willingness to pay.

Kevin Barzegar, Founder and CEO of Kaybridge Residential, an award-winning independent estate agency serving Epsom, Ewell, Worcester Park, and surrounding areas, has seen firsthand how paint choices affect buyer interest and sale prices.

Based on his years of experience in the property market, Kevin is now revealing which colours consistently hurt a home’s sale value.

Below, Kevin shares the paint colours that could be dragging down your property value and reveals which shades will help your home sell faster and for more money.

The 5 Paint Colours That Lower Your Property Value

1. Dark Brown

Dark brown might feel cosy in theory, but in practice, it makes rooms look significantly smaller and can feel oppressive. Buyers viewing properties want to imagine light, airy spaces where they can picture their own lives unfolding.

“Brown is one of the most dated colours you can have on your walls,” says Kevin. “It absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which makes even generously sized rooms feel cramped and uninviting. Buyers immediately start mentally calculating the cost and effort of repainting.”

2. Bright Orange

While orange can work as an accent colour in small doses, painting entire walls in bright orange is overwhelming. It’s an aggressive colour that dominates a space and makes it difficult for buyers to envision their own style.

“Bright orange is a personal taste that very few buyers will share,” Kevin explains. “It can make people feel anxious or overstimulated, which is the opposite of what you want when they’re trying to imagine living in the space.”

3. Deep Purple

Deep purple and other dark jewel tones might look sophisticated in magazines, but they rarely translate well in real homes. These colours make rooms feel smaller and can appear gloomy, especially in properties without abundant natural light.

Kevin notes that purple walls often signal to buyers that significant redecoration will be needed. “Buyers are already thinking about moving costs, legal fees, and potential renovations. Adding ‘repaint the entire house’ to that list can be enough to make them choose a different property.”

4. Dated Beige

Not all beige is bad, but certain shades (particularly the yellowy, peachy beiges popular in the 1990s and early 2000s) scream outdated. These colours make a property feel tired and unloved.

“There’s a big difference between modern warm neutrals and dated beige,” says Kevin. “The wrong beige can make your home look like it hasn’t been updated in decades, which immediately reduces its perceived value.”

5. Stark Red

Red is an intense colour that raises energy levels and can even increase heart rate. While this might work in a dining room for some homeowners, it’s generally too bold for buyers who want a blank canvas.

“Red walls are incredibly divisive,” Kevin points out. “For every person who might appreciate them, there are ten who find them off-putting. When you’re selling, you want to appeal to the widest possible audience.”

The Paint Colours That Add Value

Now that you know what to avoid, here’s what Kevin recommends instead. These timeless shades appeal to buyers and help your property show at its best:

Organic Shades: Terracotta, soft peach, and muted olive bring warmth and a natural feel to spaces. These earthy tones create inviting environments that feel both contemporary and timeless.
Greige: This sophisticated blend of grey and beige offers the best of both worlds – the modernity of grey with the warmth of beige. It’s incredibly versatile and works throughout the home.
Beige: Modern beiges have evolved from their dated predecessors. Today’s beiges are warmer and more refined, creating welcoming spaces that appeal to a broad range of buyers.
Sage Green: A contemporary choice that brings a touch of nature indoors without being overwhelming. It’s calming and works well in both modern and traditional properties.

“It’s all about creating a neutral backdrop that allows buyers to picture themselves in the space,” Kevin advises. “You want them focusing on the features of your property, like the layout, the light, the size of the rooms, rather than being distracted by bold colour choices they’ll need to change.”

Kevin Barzegar, Founder and CEO of Kaybridge Residential, commented:

“When you’re preparing to sell, it’s important to remember that you’re no longer decorating for yourself. Instead, you’re creating an environment that appeals to the broadest range of buyers.

“Aesthetics play a massive role in how buyers perceive a property’s value. Within the first few seconds of entering a room, they’re making judgements about whether the home has been well-maintained, whether it feels modern, and whether they can see themselves living there.

“Neutral, timeless colours allow buyers to focus on the actual features of your property rather than being distracted by personal décor choices. A fresh coat of paint in the right shade is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make before selling. It signals that the property has been cared for and is move-in ready, which can translate directly into a higher sale price and a quicker sale.”

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