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11 Sneaky Signs Your Property Value Is Dropping Daily

Spot the issues that could be draining your home’s value and learn how to fix them before it’s too late.

By Sarah Barkley

Edited by Lauren Wellbank

Updated Dec. 26, 2024

Overall housing market trends affect the value of your home, but there are also other factors that contribute to the amount buyers are willing to pay to purchase your property.

For example, upgrades can increase your home’s value, allowing you to sell it for more than you paid at the time of purchase. Conversely, your home can actually lose value without regular upkeep and maintenance, potentially causing you to sell your property at a loss, even after years of living there.

That’s why staying on top of routine maintenance and making improvements over the years are smart homeowner moves that can really pay off in the long run.

Worried that your home may be losing value? Here are 11 signs your property may not be keeping up with the average values in your neighborhood and a few suggestions to help you get it back on track.

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Your home is dated compared to others in the neighborhood

If your home is outdated compared to others in your neighborhood — which could include something as simple as having designs, finishes, and features that don’t align with current trends, technologies, or improvements — your property simply won’t be worth as much as the others in your area.

Updating areas that show the most age inside your home and improving the home’s exterior can help. Consider updating the landscaping, painting, replacing siding, installing energy-efficient windows, and choosing a modern garage door.

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Your home needs more curb appeal

An overgrown lawn, dead plants, damaged fencing, cracked concrete, and peeling paint or faded exteriors can make the property seem neglected. Those signs all indicate a lack of routine maintenance, which could hint to prospective buyers that repairs may be necessary.

Updating the problematic areas can improve your curb appeal, raising your home value. Adding outdoor lighting and decorative elements can make your home stand out and offer those final finishing touches.

Nearby homes are selling for lower prices

The sales prices of nearby homes heavily influence the value of your house. When properties sell for lower prices, your property will likely also sell for a comparable amount.

While you can’t change the market, you can focus on upgrading your home and finding ways to make it stand out. Consider updating your kitchen and bathrooms, adding the latest technologies, or improving energy efficiency.

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The roof is aging

If your roof shows signs of aging, wear, or damage, it can lower your home value because a replacement is expensive and can be a hassle. Plus, the old roof could lead to water damage, leaks, or reduced energy efficiency.

If you want to change it, you’ll have to replace or repair your roof. Getting it done before it gets worse can not only increase your home’s value, it may also save you money by preventing further damage.

Your home has signs of structural issues

Structural issues can lower your home value, and not dealing with them can lead to more issues down the line. Not only are these issues expensive, but they also impact your family's safety.

Look for cracks in the walls or ceilings, a sagging roofline, doors that don’t close properly, an uneven or sinking foundation, warped floors, or bowed walls. Then, call a professional to assess and fix the situation.

Home maintenance has been on the back burner

Regular home maintenance helps with functionality, safety, and visual appeal. Without regular maintenance, your roof, plumbing, electrical system, HVAC, and appliances may not function properly, become safety hazards, or require expensive repairs.

If you find yourself in this situation with your home, don’t worry. It may not be too late to get caught up on all that maintenance, so call in the pros to inspect and perform maintenance on your home.

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Undesirable developments are underway nearby

When undesirable developments get built in your area, your home value will likely decrease. These developments include commercial buildings, industrial facilities, highways, high-density housing, and highways that increase noise, traffic, and pollution.

Since you can't change it, be creative in maintaining or increasing your home value. Upgrades that set it apart from other homes can help and influence people to overlook the developments.

Your utility bills have increased

High utility bills indicate something isn’t right with your HVAC systems, insulation, or plumbing. Repairs or replacements can be costly, impacting the value until you handle the situation. Plus, the higher utility bills make your home less desirable.

You can change this by determining the cause of the high utility bill. Once you know the source, you can fix the problem, boosting your home’s value.

Your home has water damage or mold

Water damage can cause staining, rotting, and structural issues. Meanwhile, mold can lead to similar structural damage and health risks as well. All of that may make your home appear to be a high-risk investment since the repairs can be expensive, and health is a concern.

You can fix this problem by figuring out the water or moisture source and hiring a professional to remediate the issue and eliminate the potential for future problems.

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You have pest problems

Pests can damage your home, causing everything from a mild nuisance to severe structural issues. This may include wood damage, issues with your electrical thanks to chewed wiring, and more. Plus, pests will do more damage the longer they are in your home, so it’s important to tackle this issue as soon as you see it.

You can change it by getting rid of the pests and repairing the damage. Don’t forget to take steps to prevent another issue so you won’t have to deal with it again.

Systems and fixtures are outdated

From old electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, to lack of energy fixtures, dated materials can decrease your home’s value.

You can increase the value and improve your lifestyle by upgrading your systems and choosing modern amenities. It’ll keep more cash in your wallet and increase the home value, making it a smart homeowner move.

Bottom line

You can take proactive steps in some situations to prevent further decline in your home value. In other situations, you can alleviate the impact of the decreasing value by upgrading some of your home’s amenities. If there are too many factors working against you, moving to another neighborhood may be a valid option.

Increasing the value of your home can help you build wealth by improving your assets, so focus on improving every aspect possible.

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