
A property specialist has claimed that a simple 10p kitchen trick will make your property seem like a brand new show home. It could help you sell your property faster, and it does not take a lot of prep to pull off.
According to Zoopla, the average home for sale goes under offer in 38 days. But sometimes, a property might need a little extra help to become someone else’s dream location.
A welcoming scent can instantly change the entire atmosphere of a house or flat, especially during a viewing. It sets the tone, creates warmth, and helps potential buyers establish an emotional connection with the space.
According to Terry Fisher of We Buy Any Home, creating the right first impression doesn’t require expensive candles or plug-ins. He claims that one of the most effective tricks costs less than 10p.
Grab a handful of orange peel and a pinch of cinnamon, then simmer gently on the stove. “It sounds simple, but it really works,” Terry said. “Just drop a few orange peels and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon into a pan of simmering water about 30 minutes before a viewing. The smell that fills the home is clean, warm, and subtly luxurious.”
Smells like sold
Terry claims that the scent mimics the signature fragrance used in many new-build show homes. This might give buyers that fresh, high-end feeling as soon as they walk through the door. “You’re creating an emotional reaction. People walk in and think ‘This place feels amazing’ without really knowing why,” he says.
Going for the orange and cinnamon combo is not too overpowering on the senses like some artificial air fresheners can be. Instead, it creates a feeling that is “inviting, familiar, and comforting”.
The psychology of scent:
Studies show that smell can play a major role in how people perceive a space. And, when you’re trying to sell a home, Terry says every detail counts.
“People buy with their senses. The smell of fresh oranges and spices taps into that ‘clean home, happy life’ vibe,” he said. “It makes people linger longer and feel more at ease. That can make a difference when offers are on the table.”
Set the stage
Terry says the tactic costs almost nothing to pull off. “You’re talking about a leftover orange peel and a dash of cinnamon – pennies at most,” he said.
“It’s one of the cheapest and most effective hacks I recommend to sellers.” The property expert recommends combining the scent trick with other simple pre-viewing rituals like opening windows for fresh air, putting away pet beds or bins, and wiping down kitchen counters with lemon juice for extra freshness.
“You don’t need to spend a fortune to make your house feel like a home,” he said. “It’s the small touches that create the big impressions.”