You might think that a swimming pool, high-tech lighting and a colourful kitchen will increase the value of your home, but that’s not always the case. We spoke to the experts about the surprising things that can knock thousands of pounds off the value of your property.

1. Gold and copper fittings

Gold and copper fittings are currently very trendy in kitchens and bathrooms – but according to experts, it is no more than a moment.

“Gold and copper fittings, like other metals, are likely to go out of fashion again,” says Sylvia James, interior design expert at Homehow.

“You might think they’re timeless classics, but just look at brass fittings and hardware. They were fashionable in the 1980s, but quickly became old-fashioned and kitschy in our homes.”

Play it safe and stick with silver – it goes with everything and won’t put anyone off.

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2. Too much technology

Several experts described overly sophisticated technology as a major disadvantage when buying a home.

“Complicated lighting and audiovisual systems almost always break. Buyers generally spend significant amounts of money to remove these and install simpler, more user-friendly systems,” says Marc Schneiderman, director of Arlington Residential.

Even if the complicated technology works when you buy the house, it could be difficult or even impossible to repair later, warns Marlon Lloyd Malcolm, sales manager at Lurot Brand.

“Both internally and externally, technology should simplify, not complicate. Avoid technologies that may become obsolete in 3 to 5 years,” he adds.

3. Swimming pools

As surprising as it may sound, swimming pools in the UK hardly add value to a property and can even reduce its value.

In this country, it is unlikely that you will be able to use an outdoor pool for much of the year, but it does require a lot of maintenance, which can be costly.

“Basement indoor pools typically have little to no natural light, which makes swimming in them less fun and very expensive to maintain,” says Schneiderman.

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4. TikTok-inspired interiors

TikTok seems to be a great source of interior design inspiration, but be careful, as some of the ideas offered there could do more harm than good.

ConservatoryLand has found that there are three TikTok trends you should especially stay away from:

1. Inside Nature – Adding natural materials like rattan and bamboo to your interiors

2. Maximalism – based on busy gallery walls, mismatched furniture and bright, bright wallpaper

3. Dark colors – Paint certain parts of your home in bold black instead of the typical neutral colors

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“Social media is a double-edged sword when it comes to interior design. It’s ideal for sharing ideas between enthusiastic homeowners and renovators. But while it’s great for endless inspiration, it can’t teach amateurs the skills they need to create a cohesive space or a good finish,” warns James.

5. Nice to haves

While incorporating luxury amenities such as wine cellars, saunas and treatment rooms, such as a pool, may be a great idea, they usually require maintenance and are based more on personal preference than necessity.

“These extensions have almost certainly been made at great expense to a property to meet the requirements of the current owner, but may have little or no appeal to potential buyers,” says James Moran, head of London sales at Middleton Advisors.

6. Artificial turf

Anything that requires little maintenance increases the value of a home, but the same cannot be said for artificial grass. While it’s easy to maintain its good looks, buyers still want real grass for their yard – for both aesthetic and environmental reasons.

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“Artificial grass can reduce the value of your home by up to 5%, as buyers today are more concerned with sustainability in their properties,” says Paul Stringer of Norton Finance.

7. Excavations in the basement

Excavating your basement can add much-needed space, but before you embark on a major project, you should be aware that this space is not as “valuable” as it would be if it were above ground.

“Basement conversions can create valuable space, but there is always a lack of natural light,” says Moran. “Because of the lack of light and the space to fill, architects often suggest a home theater or games room, which sounds great but in reality is often very little used.”

8. Colorful kitchens

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that kitchens sell houses, and for that reason, you really need to think about how this room in particular is decorated.

Avoid bold colors on the walls and cabinets and choose plain rather than patterned tiles, as these could deter potential buyers.

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“Be careful when doing something that is expensive to undo,” advises Marco Helliwell, founder of mypropertyadvice.com. “If you’re furnishing your home for sale rather than long-term living, I wouldn’t make any overly bold design choices in the kitchen. Keep it simple.”

If you want to increase the value of your property, you should not only talk to architects and interior designers, but also a local estate agent who knows your street and can advise you when a premium is likely to be incurred.

Watch: How much money do I need to buy a house?