Top Things to do to Increase the Value of your Home

Our home is probably the biggest investment most of us will make in our lives. There are a number of ways in which you can add value to your home whether you want to simply increase it’s worth, or you are getting ready to sell it. Here are a few handy tips that are guaranteed to increase the value of your property:

Check your lease – this is something that is often missed by many prospective sellers of leasehold properties. Older properties may not have many years left on their lease. A lease with less than thirty years on it will make it very difficult for buyers to get a mortgage. Although not insurmountable, you will probably have to employ the services of a solicitor to help you through the process.

Basic structure – it is all well and good fitting a new kitchen or bathroom but if there are any basic structural issues with your property, they can really drag its value down. Before spending money elsewhere, make sure you address issues such as cracks in the walls, a leaking roof etc.

Heating and insulation – a warm draft free home is a basic requirement for us all, and it will be for prospective buyers too. Higher than average heating bills will be bad for you and will put off buyers so make sure your heating system and insulation around doors, windows and in the loft are up to scratch.

Loft conversion – this can be a great way to increase the value of your property as you will effectively be adding a bedroom. A twenty square metre loft conversion will cost roughly £10,000 and could add over £20,000 to the value of your home.

Full decoration – particularly if you are planning on selling your home, having it decorated throughout will definitely increase its value as well as its appeal to prospective buyers. Full interior home decorating, as well as sprucing up the exterior, could add up to 10% to the value of your property.

Windows – double glazed windows are almost a prerequisite these days. Generally made from UPVC, they reduce maintenance and fuel bills, as well as improving the overall look of your property.

Kitchen and bathroom – these are the two rooms in the home with the most potential to impress or conversely not impress if they are tired and shabby looking. It is certainly worth the investment to make them look modern and fresh.

Garden – When prospective buyers are viewing a property, they will invariably look at the garden. If it is neat and tidy, with seating and a barbecue or fire pit, they will begin to imagine themselves sitting in the garden in the summer enjoying a glass of wine. It will certainly help sell the property to them.

Kerb appeal – the old adage “first impressions last” couldn’t be truer when selling your home. As the prospective buyers pull up outside, they are already forming an opinion, so make sure the front of the property looks clean and tidy.

Although you could do some of these yourself, it is always better to get in the professionals to ensure the job is done right, with the minimum of fuss and the very best quality of finish. Remember, a job done poorly, can be worse than not doing it at all.