When preparing to sell your home and aiming for the best possible price, it’s important to evaluate its value before contacting a local estate agent for a property appraisal. Selling a home involves appealing to potential buyers’ emotions and rational considerations. Enhancing your property’s value doesn’t always necessitate major renovations; sometimes, a fresh coat of paint can make a substantial difference, although in specific cases, bringing in builders might yield a higher return on investment.
To determine whether substantial renovation work will be cost-effective, take into account the property type, location, and the preferences of potential buyers. Consider whether they seek a “fixer-upper” or are willing to pay a premium for a move-in-ready home.
Here are ten tips to increase your property’s value before putting it on the market:
1. Enhance Curb Appeal
First impressions are vital, especially when an estate agent introduces prospective buyers to your front door. Ensure your garden and driveway are well-maintained, free of weeds, hedges trimmed, and the front entrance is clean and freshly painted. According to a recent survey, a blue front door is a favourite among buyers and can potentially add up to £4,000 to a property’s value, while brown doors are less appealing. Even a worn uPVC door can be refreshed with the right paint. Adding pots or window boxes with attractive plants or flowers can further enhance the curb appeal.
2. Clean and Declutter
Once potential buyers step inside, it’s crucial to present a clutter-free, tidy living space that allows them to envision the property’s potential. Clutter not only diminishes the initial impression but can also suggest a lack of storage space. Consider professional home staging services to showcase rooms in their best light. Additionally, ensure the property is impeccably clean and has a fresh scent, particularly if there are pets. Hiring a cleaner can be a worthwhile investment. Don’t overlook cleaning the windows, both inside and out, as well as gutters and fascias.
3. Redecorate
Refreshing tired and dingy walls with a new coat of paint is a cost-effective and impactful method to enhance your property’s value. Neutral colour schemes are often preferred, as they allow buyers to envision their own décor.
4. Maximise Bedrooms
The number of bedrooms is a crucial consideration for buyers. To increase your home’s value, convert any rooms currently used for other purposes, such as a playroom or storage, back into bedrooms and market them as such. This will make it easier for buyers to visualize the space.
5. Focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms
Buyers place significant importance on the condition of kitchens and bathrooms. Dirty or outdated rooms can deter buyers. While installing brand new kitchens or bathrooms may not provide a full return on investment, there are more cost-effective improvements to consider, such as replacing cabinet doors, refreshing the grout, and fixing minor issues. Clearing clutter from these spaces and updating accessories can also improve their appeal.
6. Address Minor Repairs
Minor issues like loose tiles and broken guttering can negatively impact your property’s value. Address these issues promptly, but be transparent about any major problems like damp.
7. Enhance Energy Efficiency
Given rising energy costs and environmental concerns, energy efficiency can be a selling point. Consider improvements such as insulation or replacing an inefficient boiler. Upgrading windows to modern double glazing can improve energy efficiency but may come with a significant cost that might not be fully recouped upon sale.
8. Consider Open-Plan Layouts
Open-plan living spaces remain a popular trend. Depending on your property’s construction, knocking down non-loadbearing walls to create a more spacious area could increase its value. Seek professional advice and obtain necessary building control certification.
9. Add Bathrooms or Bedrooms
If space allows, adding an en-suite or a downstairs cloakroom can significantly boost your property’s value. An additional bathroom can increase the price by approximately five percent. Consider loft conversions, converting a garage, or adding a basement bedroom, depending on your local market conditions and target buyers.
10. Highlight Expansion Potential
If your property is suitable for an extension, garage conversion, or loft conversion, obtaining planning permission before selling can be a wise investment. This allows buyers to see the potential for extra living space, potentially increasing the property’s value. It’s essential to check for any expired previous permissions or approved plans in the neighbourhood.
Once your property is in top shape, contact us for an obligation-free valuation. We can connect you with the top-performing local estate agents for selling your type of home, using data-driven insights instead of biased recommendations.