Carpets - replace before selling? Your views appreciated.

[AzureBlue99]

Live in a flat, carpet throughout apart from kitchen, en-suite bathroom and main bathroom. Not a big flat - hall, lounge, two bedrooms.

We made a mistake last time with the carpet. Too light, and not great quality. It needs replacing.

We are thinking of moving soon, but it may not come off, due to work issues.My husband wants to replace the carpet before we sell to make the flat more sellable. He says it is beyond an industrial clean, he thinks it has stretched and is bubbling and will look worse. Rugs are not practical.

I say leave it, flooring is an easy thing for a buyer to replace and would not put off a buyer. The expense of it could be used on removal fees etc.

My husband says, let's get a cheap carpet in case we stay. If we stay I would want a good quality carpet, so getting a cheap carpet would not be a good buy.

So, your views

• ignore the carpet and don't replace if putting on sale soon (would it bother you as a buyer)?
• replace the carpet with good quality in case we stay?
• replace the carpet with cheap option in readiness to sell?

If selling I wouldn't bother.

We sold a flat with lovely new carpets in the bedrooms and the buyer wanted wooden floor. She was asking what style the hall wooden floor was so she could match it.

Give it a clean so it looks nice for photos but don't waste money.

Agree. Cheap new carpet is a turn off.

@Heyhoherewegoagain, I never said that she should do this! Read my comment carefully; I actually said I'd replace with a mid-range carpet in her position. I'd appreciate you not twisting or putting words in my mouth. 🙄

My point about us putting harwood was that it was more practical FOR US (not her). I suppose I mentioned this as buyers might not appreciate her choice anyway so could replace a new carpet if she put one in.

I don't think anyone can give you the correct answer, as it will depend on the personal preference of the person coming to view and potentially buy the flat.

They will likely be in one of three mindsets:

1. They won't care what's already down as they have the money and time to replace it all to their own tastes.
2. They want fresh (or at least clean and useable) carpets, with nicely decorated walls so it's ready to move into with the least hassle.
3. They're not too bothered either way, they're just excited to get on the property ladder and have their own space, and will think about that kind of thing later down the line after they've settled in.

Personally, I'd prefer to see freshly decorated and newish carpets, as it just makes it a much smoother experience to move straight into, without the extra costs and hassle of replacing fixtures, fittings and redecorating.

Following with interest as I’m in the same position. It seems to be very hard to find a reputable carpet cleaning company near me. Some of them won’t move furniture either .

Industrial clean. It’s unlikely to make any significant difference to potential buyers.

Thanks all.

Just chatted with DH. Told him the Mumsnet Massive have considered. Mixed responses but have decided to redecorate, but not replace carpet. We have minimal clutter (we have a lot of storage including a big boarded loft) and we are clean, so will keep on top of the vacuuming and making everything spick and span.

If the flat does not sell we will change the carpets to a mid priced one. I think this can be done quickly. (We will also ask EA for their view when it goes on the market.)

I'm with you on this one.

Mid priced carpet remnant wouldn't cost too much. It can improve the look and feel of a place so I'd do it. A nasty carpet suggests to me a general lack of care for a home

I'd have it cleaned and put down new rugs. No way would I replace it if selling unless it was very bad, stained or frayed.

It’s not an easy market to be a seller at the moment and so if you think the spend on the new carpet might get the sale over the line then I would say yes, do it.

People are unconsciously swayed by how clean a place looks. Carpet makes a massive difference.

I don't know what has been on that carpet when I move into a new house.
Do people constantly traipse around in shoes?
Vomit?
Wee? Poo? (Dogs cats and kids)
Spilled food and drinks

Things can be covered up with febreeze or a quick vax wash. But they could be absolutely lifting.

So I always get new carpets regardless.

Industrial clean. Then get a carpet fitter in to stretch and refit.
It'll look great for Christmas if it doesn't sell and hopefully you'll not spill anything so it'll be fine for new year viewings, and you'll have saved a lot.
Given it's a flat, chances are you're selling to first time buyers who are in rented/at parents, so don't need to immediately move in. Swapping out the carpet for their choice is most easily done before they move furniture in, so it's a no brainer for you to keep the carpet you've got.