Do Scents Help to Sell Homes?

UK Housing Market

When it comes to selling your home, visual appeal and staging are obviously important, but did you know that the way your property smells can also influence buyers? While the idea of wafting baked goods or fresh coffee might seem cliché, the truth is scent marketing is a subtle but powerful tool in real estate. The right aroma can evoke feelings of comfort, cleanliness, and wellbeing—helping prospective buyers imagine themselves living in your space. However, going overboard with strong or artificial fragrances can have the opposite effect, distracting or even deterring buyers. So, which scents really work? Let’s explore the top five fragrances that can help create a welcoming, appealing environment and ultimately assist in getting your home sold more quickly.

Get Things Clean First

Before you think about adding any scents to your home, it’s essential to start with a thorough clean. Smells can become ingrained in fabrics, carpets, and furniture, so removing dirt, pet odours, and grime is the first step. Pay attention to key areas such as sofas, curtains, carpets, and pet bedding, as these are common sources of unpleasant odours that could turn off buyers right away. A spotless home not only looks appealing but also provides a blank slate for introducing subtle, pleasant scents. Remember, fresh and clean is the goal — strong chemical smells like bleach should be avoided as they can be off-putting and mask the true pet or damp odours.

Do Smells Really Help Sell Homes?

While it may seem that adding a fresh scent could be a simple trick, research shows that overly strong fragrances can do more harm than good. A study led by Eric Spangenberg, Dean of the College of Business at Washington State University, found that intense smells can cause buyers to focus on what the scent is rather than on the features of the house. The goal should be to create an unobtrusive, welcoming aroma that enhances the environment without drawing attention to itself.

Instead of overpowering smells like baked bread or coffee—which, although popular, can be distracting—consider placing a light, natural fragrance in the background. The key is subtlety, making the scent almost imperceptible but enough to evoke positive emotions and a sense of well-being.

The Top 5 Scents That Help Sell Homes

Here are the most effective fragrances based on research and expert opinion, which can promote calm, happiness, and a positive mood during viewings:

Citrus
The scent of lemon, orange, or grapefruit is widely regarded as uplifting and mood-boosting. Studies suggest that citrus aromas can relieve stress and help create a fresh, energetic atmosphere. A home infused with subtle citrus scents produces an impression of cleanliness and vitality, appealing to prospective buyers and making your property feel brighter and more inviting.

Pine
Reminding people of lush forests and nature, pine is a wonderful scent to evoke feelings of well-being and tranquillity. Despite its frequent misuse in cleaning products, a good-quality pine fragrance can transport buyers to peaceful, natural surroundings—creating an atmosphere of calm and comfort that encourages positive associations with your home.

Jasmine
Known for its calming properties, jasmine can help create a relaxed environment during viewings. Its gentle floral aroma can soothe nerves and promote a sense of calm, making it easier for buyers to focus on the property’s features. Adding jasmine in small, natural amounts is ideal for making the space feel welcoming without overwhelming the senses.

Cinnamon
This warm, spicy scent evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia, particularly associated with winter evenings and festive seasons. When used subtly, cinnamon can help relax muscles and increase circulation, creating an ambiance of warmth and goodwill. Strategically placing cinnamon sticks or scented candles can subtly boost the home’s appeal.

Vanilla
Often associated with baked goods and comfort, vanilla delivers a soft, sweet aroma that can reduce stress and anxiety. It’s a gentle fragrance that makes a space feel cozy and inviting—perfect for homes in colder months or in markets where buyers might be viewing multiple properties in one day.

Remember: Less Is More

The most effective use of scents in selling a home is subtlety. Think of it as providing a nice background aroma rather than a dominant smell. A gentle diffuser, a lightly scented candle, or a few strategically placed scent beads can create that perfect, welcoming environment without overwhelming the senses. When buyers walk into a home with just a hint of scent, it can evoke feelings of comfort and cleanliness without distracting from the home’s features or raising suspicions about artificial or masking odours.

Additional Tips for Using Scents Effectively

Ensure Proper Ventilation: Open windows before viewings to refresh the air. Natural airflow helps disperse any lingering odours and keeps the space feeling fresh.
Avoid Strong Food Odours on Viewing Day: While baking bread or brewing coffee might seem tempting, avoid doing these right before viewings, especially if the smell persists.
Stay Away from Artificial Air Fresheners: Synthetic fragrances can be overpowering or cause allergies. Stick to natural or mild essential oils.
Test Beforehand: Try out your chosen scent and ask a few friends or family members for their opinion. You want a scent that’s pleasant but not intrusive.

Final Thoughts

While you shouldn’t rely solely on scent to sell your property, it can be a valuable component of a well-rounded presentation. When used thoughtfully, subtle fragrances like citrus, pine, jasmine, cinnamon, or vanilla can enhance the ambiance, evoke positive emotions, and make your home more memorable—helping it stand out in a competitive market.

Remember, the goal is to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that allows prospective buyers to picture themselves living there—without drawing attention to the scent itself. A clean, well-presented home combined with gentle, natural aromas could very well be the extra touch needed to close the deal faster and at a better price.