09 Nov 2021
Tips On Increasing the Value of Your Property
If you’re looking to sell, you might be thinking of ways to increase the value of your property. From redecorating on a budget to renovating your loft, there are plenty of ways to make a difference to your home that can increase your chances of selling.
There isn’t much point in spending your hard-earned money by making home improvements that won’t add any value. Of course, if you’ve always wanted to make a few specific changes then by all means do it. But if your sole aim is to increase property value, the following tips could help you do so.
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Start By Fixing Any Structural Problems
The best place to start with increasing property value is by dealing with any structural issues. Without solving these issues first, you won’t be able to start making aesthetic improvements or renovations.
The main structural issues to look out for and fix include:
- Damp or mould
- Leaky roofs
- Structural wall cracks
- Rotten roof timbers
- Pest infestation
- Broken tiles
- Collapsed floors
Renovate Your Loft, Cellar, or Garage
Choosing to undergo a loft conversion or renovating your cellar or garage can be a great way to add value to your property, but they must be done well to make it worth it.
If these add an extra bedroom to your house and even boast a great view, it could add a potential 15% value to your property value. If you manage to squeeze in an en-suite as well, that will help increase the value even more.
Cellar conversions are most popular in London as added living or storage space is always a big tick, adding value of up to 30%. However, this might not be the case in the rest of the UK, so depending on where you live, a cellar conversion might not be the best choice for adding value.
Converting your garage is similar to converting your loft and will usually offer the same amount of space. However, if you live in an area with limited parking and you don’t have a driveway, a garage might be seen as more valuable than a conversion.
Add a Bathroom
If possible, adding a bathroom to your house can be a good investment. The most popular addition is an en-suite to the master bedroom or adding an extra bathroom so there’s one on every floor. If you have a Victorian or Edwardian terraced house you can add value by moving a downstairs bathroom upstairs, although you may need to sacrifice or scale down a bedroom.
Install Bifold Doors
Installing bifold doors can give your property the instant “wow” factor whilst also providing extra natural light, which is a big selling point. They’ll add a visual element to your property and are a nice touch for linking indoors to outdoors. However, they can be expensive, so make sure you’re prepared to spend quite a bit on this.
Extend or Redecorate Your Kitchen
A good kitchen can be the make or break of a sale, it is the heart of the house after all, so it’s important to do what you can to make yours stand out. You could opt to extend your kitchen or change the structure of it to add more space.
However, this project doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re happy with the structure and location of your kitchen. All it might need is new worktops or a new colour palette. Small details can make a huge difference, so don’t feel as if you need to start from scratch.
Improve Your Garden Space
With everyone spending a lot more time at home during the pandemic, unsurprisingly, outdoor space has become a priority for a lot of buyers. From giving your garden a makeover to keeping it tidy, it’s important to give your garden space the attention it needs when selling your home.
Start with the following points for your garden improvements:
- Make sure you have privacy; this will add value to your property so consider having fences or making them higher.
- If possible, have specific areas for different functions such as storage, seating, BBQ area, work area etc.
- Having a decking area will add to the living space, thus adding value to your property.
- Keep it clean by getting rid of any weeds, dead plants, overgrown hedges and adding some flowers.
Tips For Adding Value To Your Property on a Budget
If you don’t have the time or money to make big changes to your property, it’s still possible to add value to your home whilst on a budget. From getting out the paintbrushes to giving your exterior a new look, there is a range of things you can do to improve the value of your home that won’t cost a fortune.
Redecorate
Updating your colour scheme can make all the difference for those on a budget. As long as you make sure the quality is there and you opt for neutral colours, you can give your house a whole new look. But keep in mind that a bad paint job can sometimes look worse than outdated décor, so take your time or get a professional in if you don’t want to take the risk.
Think Minimalist
Have you got clutter scattered around your home? Now is the time to have a deep clean and reorganise your house. Adding storage space is not only a selling point, but it’ll help potential buyers picture themselves and their furniture in your home.
Start by focusing on the hallway as that will be the first thing people see. Make it easy for viewers to see themselves living there.
Make The Most of Your Older Features
Homes with traditional features can be sold for more, so don’t get rid of them. A property with character can sometimes sell itself! To make the most of your features, Victorian homes should have skirting boards and doors that fit in with that era. If you live in an Edwardian house, you could restore or install coving, picture rails or period fireplaces to compliment the house.
Don’t Forget the Exterior
First impressions are very important when it comes to selling a house, so don’t forget to give your exterior a bit of a revamp. Whether that’s just a lick of paint on the outside, redecorating your front door, or cleaning up your driveway, a little can go a long way. You don’t want potential buyers to question the idea of buying your house before even stepping inside.
Get That Sale
Hopefully this article has helped inspire you with a few ideas to improve the value of your property. If you’re looking to move and need help looking for a mortgage, we would love to help. Get in touch with us today for professional mortgage advice.
