When it comes to adding value to a property, there are countless things you can do to help. In our latest blog, we have considered the most common and the not so common ways, you can boost the value of your home. If you are looking to sell, you will want your property to achieve its optimum price, so our top ten countdown will help point you in the right direction.
1. Fix up any superficial defects
Now of course these will not add value but they will most definitely help you to sell at the absolute optimum price. Most of these superficial defects can be rectified by most people without the need for a handyman.
- Peeling Paint
- Peeling Wallpaper
- Cobwebs
- Damaged Internal Doors
- Chips & Chunks in Woodwork
- Mould
- Dirty or Mouldy Sealant in Kitchens & Bathrooms
- Dripping Taps
2. Fix up any structural issues
These issues will directly affect the valuation of any property and should be tackled before you put the property on the market. The agent may not spot the issues but the surveyor will when completing a survey from any potential buyer.
- Leaking roof
- Missing or broken roof tiles
- Broken guttering and downpipes
- Major cracks in walls
- Rising damp
- Broken joists
- Insect infestations
3. Convert the roof-space
Adding usable space to any property will always inflate the value. Usually this does not have to break the bank either, so this is a popular idea among home-owners. There are guidelines to follow when doing this so make sure you and your builder check the latest building regulations and adhere to them during the build process. A good loft conversion, with plenty of headspace and a permanent staircase, is a fantastic way of adding value while creating usable living space.
4. Replace old windows
If your property has windows that have seen better days then it is wise to consider renewing them. Modern windows are extremely energy efficient and to be fair they are one of the things expected of buyers as a given. Yes, they can be expensive, but if you want to sell at the optimum price and your windows look old and not up to the job, then you will struggle to get offers because potential buyers will have to factor that cost in of replacing windows. The bottom line is, the majority of buyers will not factor in the added cost, they will just pass you by and go view another property.
5. Kitchen make-over
Now this is arguably the most important room in the house. I’m sure you have heard the old saying that kitchens sell houses? A good kitchen will go a long way to getting you a sale. Replacing a kitchen is not as expensive as it once was and the major DIY stores now all sell a takeaway range that can be a big saving for you on the bespoke designs, but still give you a lovely modern kitchen that looks the part and does the job.
Lighting is extremely important in kitchens, many modern kitchens usually come with downlights and kickboard lights too. Also make sure your tiles appear clean and are serviceable. Integrated whitegoods always appeal and are a big selling point to potential buyers, especially if they are leaving their own white goods behind in the house they are selling.
6. Bathroom Make-over
Similar, to kitchens, in that if it needs replacing then buyers will see it as a headache of a job and a costly one. So, tidy up the one you have even if that means a new bath panel or a whole new suite. Tiling is important make sure they look clean and the grout is white. You can buy grout cleaner now which basically bleaches the grout and brings it up looking bright white. Just check its suitability before using it on your tiles, and read the instructions before using.
7. Gardens
A garden should never be forgotten and should be seen as an extension of the home. Think of your garden as another room that you must attend to and it must look the part. O.K. so we are not all gardeners or horticulturist plant gurus’ but a simple, tidy clean garden that you can imagine sitting in and relaxing is all you need. If it happens to be a feast for the eyes with beautiful plants and designated seating areas then all the better.
Some things you could consider:
- Artificial grass
- Outdoor lighting
- Pressure wash any paved area
- Weeds are never pretty, get rid!
- Fence panels repaired, replaced and painted
- Seating area
8. Extensions
This could be seen as going too far if you are selling your property but this is about adding value to a property so this has to be in our top 10. Adding extra living space to a property is a fantastic route to optimising your home’s value.
It may not mean adding onto your property, it could mean re-configuration of what you already have. Older period houses often have over-sized rooms that could be divided up to create another room. Extra bedrooms are always a big plus point but just make sure your property has enough bathrooms. If you are creating another bedroom think about adding an en-suite at the least.
9. Buying Adjacent Land
Does your property have a plot of land that borders the property? Do you have a large garden that could be used or developed on without detracting from your home? Land is in short supply, so if you have the option and the funds to hand… buy it!
Once you have bought the land, maybe get planning permission in place and sell your property with the added bonus of the land with planning. Even land without planning is appealing to the developers of this world. Just do your homework and make sure it is viable and could be used to some effect before purchasing. Seek professional advice if necessary.
10. Off-Street Parking
If your property does not benefit from this already, then ask yourself, is there a way of creating it? Could you lose a front garden, or at least part of it? Could you use any of the land that surrounds your property (that you own) and create a space for off road parking? Lots of buyers will stipulate they must have off-road parking, so it’s worthwhile as a seller to consider this if at all possible.
