Before selling your home, you might be thinking about ways to add value or unlock potential so buyers can get a feel for living there themselves. But renovations are costly and may not pay off. So, what can you do to change without spending too much?
Whilst it’s always a good idea to spruce up a property before it goes on the market, the key is to know precisely what changes add value before making any big decisions.
In this quick read, we look at ways to increase value without spending thousands of pounds.
- Kerb appeal
First impressions count, and if the exterior of a property looks unkempt, buyers will be put off before they’ve even stepped through the front door. While tidying up, fixing broken pipes and hiding bins immediately neatens a property, what other changes could add value?
- Paint or replace your front door for an immediate makeover.
- Add some greenery with hanging baskets.
- Repaint the exterior of the property to make it look fresh and welcoming.
- Make sure the parking area is marked out.
- Redecorate
It might seem counterintuitive to spend money redecorating a home you don’t intend to live in, but freshening up a property’s paintwork can add serious value.
Choose neutral colours to create a light, airy feeling, and pack away clutter to add space. Adding storage solutions such as shelves or cupboards can make a property feel more spacious.
- Extensions and/or loft conversions
If you want to add serious value and can spare the cash, consider extending your home or converting the loft or garage. Research has shown that adding one or two bedrooms to a property can boost its value by around 20%, even more, if your property is in a city.
Speak to an agent if you are considering an extensive renovation project to see how much real value an extra room could add. Remember, extending or adding a dormer could require planning permission.
- Kitchen focus
Replacing a kitchen is costly, but it could be worth the investment as one of the most used areas of a property. Minor renovations to add the wow factor include painting or replacing cabinet doors, changing door handles, fixing superficial defects, descaling and thoroughly cleaning all appliances. Open shelving adds a sense of space, while new lighting could completely transform the appearance.
- Garden makeover
You don’t need to completely redesign the garden to add value, but ensuring it looks its best is necessary. Hire a gardener for a one-off revamp if you don’t have the time (or patience) to do it yourself. Make sure buyers see the garden’s potential by adding furniture or a BBQ so they can imagine spending their summer in the sun.
