Lighting experts from Lightopia outline some cost-effective tips to help your home sell quickly, ranging from relatively cheap, such as changing bulbs to more modern LED models, to more expensive replacements of old light fixtures.

With the long nights of winter still here, good lighting is more important than ever in selling a home. This is because it becomes far harder to rely on natural light to properly light a room and give the right impression to buyers.

Sharon Gautschi , chief merchandising officer at lighting experts Lightopia, has outlined some expert tips on how to light your home, in order to help it sell more quickly and for a better price.

How lighting can affect a buyer’s mood

“Lighting is so important to setting the mood in a home, and this is especially so if you’re planning to sell,” commented Gautschi. “Buyers might be paying attention to things other than the lights while they’re viewing your home, but they will notice the effect the lighting has on a space, even if it’s subconscious.

“Good lighting helps show off a space from the smallest details to the biggest picture; it highlights details and gives a proper impression of how large a space truly is. In contrast, poor lighting can give the impression that something is being hidden, as well as not showing the true size of a space. Buyers will have a far easier time moving forward with a purchase when they are confident they have seen what a house has to offer.

The best options for easy lighting upgrades

On how to implement better lighting, Gautschi added: “The easiest and cheapest way to upgrade the lighting is through installing modern LED lightbulbs. They are brighter, more efficient, and give buyers the impression of a well-maintained home. Bulbs with a soft white or neutral white tone are good choices in general, since they will show a room’s true character. These kinds of bulbs can be picked up for less than £2 per bulb for basic models.

“A slightly more expensive option is to install bulbs with smart features like built-in dimmers and colour changers. These come with all the benefits of modern bulbs and can allow you to easily set the tone for a room without having to pay for potentially expensive electrical upgrades. This can really help an estate agent show your home in its best light.”

How to upgrade your lighting if you have more time and money

Gautschi had these recommendations for more expensive lighting projects: “If your budget allows for it, you can look at updating light fixtures or adding additional lighting like lamps to create layered effects. A modern light fixture strengthens a buyer’s impression of a well-maintained home, and removes some of the worries that a house’s wiring and electronics aren’t up to date.

“Adding smaller light fixtures like lamps, sconces, and strip lights, among others, can really highlight areas of a room you want to draw attention to. They can help create a layered effect to really nail the mood of a room, as well as ensure you don’t have pockets of shadow making a room feel smaller.

“However, take care to match the updated light fixtures with the room. If the décor is dated, it’s best to have the fixtures blend in with that, rather than having a modern design that stands out. Lighting works best when it accentuates a room instead of drawing attention to itself. Also, avoid going for the cheapest builder-grade options when upgrading lighting.”

Don’t overlook outdoor lighting

Finally, Gautschi commented on outdoor lighting and the importance of kerb appeal: “One critical area that can often be neglected by homeowners is outdoor lighting. The nights are still long, and buyers will likely view your home at times with reduced or no natural light. You want their first impression of your home to be inviting, so having a well-lit house can really help sell that.

“Making sure your home’s exterior has good lighting helps show off the true size of your home, plus it can give buyers a more pleasant experience as they approach your front door. Good exterior lighting can help deter crime, too, further setting a buyer’s mind at ease.”