Want to make improvements to your home to increase the value of your property? It can be a difficult decision whether you should renovate when you’re planning to put your house on the market in the foreseeable future.
If you’re wanting to climb the property ladder, you need to consider ways you can maximise the value of your property. Here’s our top ten easy tips to add value to your property and get the best possible offer.
1. Deal with any structural issues
Issues such as subsidence will have a large impact on the value of your property. If your property does have structural issues, make them a priority. Structural issues are likely to be amongst the most expensive work during a renovation, but when it comes to adding value to the property, they can be essential.
Examples of structural defects include:
- Rising damp
- Structural cracks to walls
- Insect infestation
- Missing or broken roof timbers
- An unstable chimney stacks
- A collapsed floor/slab
- Bowing walls
- Sagging or leaking roof
Before starting any of these tasks, calling a surveyor is advised.
2. Decorating
Adding a fresh coat of paint, new carpets, fixing any broken taps can give your property a new lease of life and can immediately become more appealing for a potential buyer and it will be more likely that you’ll receive the optimum price.
Also, decorating isn’t just limited to the inside of the house, but you could benefit from sprucing up the outside of your property. Do what it takes to make that lasting impression. Brighten up your fence or front door with a lick of paint, try planting flowers or add hanging baskets to add a pop of colour. Move bins out of view and clear any clutter.
Other recommendations:
- Broken flooring/ tiles
- Cracks to ceilings and plaster work
- Broken door latches
- Mouldy sealants in kitchen and bathroom
- Sticking windows/ doors
3. Clean and De-clutter
Try to ensure your property is clutter-free and as light and airy as possible, this will show off the potential space that your property has. Begin to stage your home to potential buyers, letting go isn’t always easy but if you are preparing your home to place on the market, it’s time to shift thinking away from the property as being ‘home’ and seeing it as a property that is going to be sold.
- Keep windows clean and clear inside and out, a dirty window can limit light entering the room which may make the room feel darker/smaller
- If you have heavy window coverings, you may want to consider removing them or ensuring they are completely open when you show the property
- Clear any counters, especially in your kitchen. A kitchen is a huge selling point of your property, make sure all worktops are clean and clear and that it smells fresh.
- Style any open shelving units. Open shelving is great but can be a challenge to keep neat. Aim to show people how it can be useful and look great
- Ditch old sponges and gloopy dish soap containers in kitchens/ washrooms, and replace them, hand soap and lotion for those special finishing touches
- Make any taps shine, this will add to the feel of overall cleanliness
- Don’t be afraid to accessorise. Add a statement pretty pot or kettle to your stove top to add a homely touch. Just be sure the one you choose is in perfect condition
- Ensure skirting boards and doors are looking clean — check to see if they need a lick of paint
- Add new towels; they are a great, cost-effective way to add a splash of colour to any room and contribute to that well-presented feel
- Adding a mirror can give an illusion of space, vases of flowers and plants can help to add to that fresh, new feeling
4. Tidy up the garden
A garden no matter how big or small is a major selling point for buyers. Avoid having your potential new buyers tackling a treacherous overgrown jungle.
- Trim back any overgrown hedges and make sure if you have grass it is mown.
- Repair any damage to fencing, patio tiles, paving and decking
- Spruce up the space by add a pop of colour by adding some inexpensive pots and bedding plants. During the spring and summer months you’ll want to show your gardens maximum potential
- Consider adding a key selling point; summer houses are making a big come back as they can be seen as an additional room from the property and can provide anything and everything from a place to relax, an office or a playroom for children
- Style your garden with furniture; a table and chairs could have your buyers dreaming of an alfresco dinner in the summer months
5. Take measures to save energy
The average UK household spends around £1,254 a year on power and heating, according to Ofgem, the industry regulator. Making energy the biggest annual cost. There are a number of different ways you can make energy efficient changes adding value to your property:
- Replace older windows with double glazing
- Install a new boiler; if your boiler could do with replacing this will add instant value to the property
- Add cavity wall insulation
- Fit solar panels
- Insulate your loft
6. Consider a loft conversion
If you can’t extend sideways why not extend upwards? Sometimes building a lateral extension isn’t always practical or likely to be approved for planning permission.
Give your attic a new lease of life. A loft conversion can create an extra bedroom, study, or play area for children. A study conducted nationwide found that a loft conversion which added an additional bedroom and bathroom could add an average of 21% to the overall value of the property. You may want to consider the costs of before you choose to undertake the project.
7. Update your bathroom
Replacing the whole of the bathroom will add value, but it can be an expensive investment. But you can make updates on a budget to get your bathroom looking shipshape for potential buyers. Keep to the same layout to keep costs down. Remember a bathroom that shines sells.
- Update your shower enclosure
- Replace or mend any grouting or silicone which could do with a freshen up
- Refresh any peeling paint or areas that have been affected by moisture
- If your fixtures are heavily affected by limescale that cannot be removed a couple of new taps can make a huge difference
- Replace any broken or cracked toilet seats
- You may want to consider updating any laminate or vinyl flooring
8. Revamp your kitchen
For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home, so making sure your kitchen is looking its best is essential when you’re putting your property on the market.
- Existing kitchens can be revamped by keeping original features and updating cupboard handles or doors
- Get the lighting right; update lighting to make sure the kitchen is well lit to enhance the space
- If your worktops need some TLC consider replacing them. You don’t have to spend loads on bespoke features; it is possible to get your kitchen looking great on a budget.
- Remember to fit a kitchen that is in keeping with the rest of your house from a cost perspective.
- If you can add any integrated appliances such as a dishwasher, this can be a big selling point for buyers.
- Update any worn taps or consider fitting a new sink to give your kitchen that extra sparkle
9. Create a driveway
For some properties in particular areas of the UK parking can be a nightmare. Having the ability to pull up and park at your front door can be a huge selling point. If you have the ability to offer off road parking if you’re living in a particularly populated area this could be a huge bonus for sellers.
10. Finishing touches
So, you’ve done everything you can to get the property looking its best from structural issues to considering conversions. It’s time to make those last-minute finishing touches to get your buyers sold on your property.
- Select an ‘accent colour’ and use it throughout the house, picking a mood or theme can really help tie different rooms in the property together
- Jazz up your dining table with a style and chic runner or an eye-catching centre piece
- Changing lights can be a quick win to making the house seem bigger and brighter
- Ditch your old bedding and treat yourself to a new fresh bedspread, this in turn can make the room seem cosy and comfortable. You could also go the extra mile by adding some cushions and a throw
- Plump up your sofa cushions to give illusion of comfort, you could also consider adding additional cushions
- Rejuvenate any old rugs or you may want to consider removing them whilst the property is being shown to potential buyers.
We hope you enjoyed this article, if you’re considering putting your property on the market and want to know how much it’s worth why not contact us for a free valuation? Get in touch at customerservice@easyproperty.com