
Top 10 House Improvements
According
to research from NAEA Propertymark, 65% of homeowners have renovated their
kitchens before selling up, followed by 29% who have installed new bathrooms
and 22% who have added an extension to increase the value of their property.
Some more surprising home improvements on this year’s list saw three per cent
of homeowners install a summer house in their garden and a further two per cent
install smart technology, although more traditional renovations remain the most
popular.
Mark Hayward, Chief Executive, NAEA Propertymark, says: “Homeowners make the
decision to improve their property for a whole range of reasons, and making
small changes can dramatically alter a first impression and really increase
saleability. While many of the properties we sell have brand new kitchens or
bathrooms, whatever your budget there are always smaller improvements that can
be made to add value to your home. If you are thinking about taking this step,
it’s important to remember to keep the décor neutral so it appeals to a range
of buyers.”
NAEA Propertymark’s top ten home
improvement tips to increase the value of your home:
1. Makeover the Kitchen
Kitchens are often the focal point of the house, but you don’t have to break
the bank to freshen up yours. Painting units a new colour and replacing doors
or handles can transform your kitchen. Good lighting and clutter free, clean
surfaces in neutral colours can create a welcoming and spacious feeling
quickly.
2. Spruce up your Garden
Most buyers form their first impression of a property within seconds of
arriving, so if you have a front garden taking a little time to spruce it up
can make all the difference. Spend some time tidying away any clutter, putting
out a few fresh plant pots, and clearing the pathway to instantly create a more
appealing space.
3. Think
Smart
Smart home technologies are increasingly popular and can add thousands to the
value of your home. Considering smart technology such as Hive, which gives mobile
control over heating systems, can really make your property stand out.
4. Update your Bathroom
Bathrooms need to look fresh, up to date and most importantly hygienic. Again,
small tweaks like a neutral paint on the walls can easily help with this. If you
do have a little more to spend, consider replacing old shower curtains with a
glass screen, eliminating all limescale and replacing the taps.
5. First Impressions Matter
Your garden needs to be welcoming, but the front door needs to match. If you
can’t afford to replace the door completely, then a power wash or a fresh lick
of paint is an affordable alternative. Even a new doorknob, house number or
sign can ensure that your front door looks the smartest on the street.
6. Keep the Noise Out
Noisy roads can have a big impact on the value of your home, so spend a little
money to keep the noise out and double glaze your windows. This also keeps the
house warm, ensuring energy bills stay low.
7. Crack out the Toolbox
A fresh lick of paint and some general maintenance is probably the easiest way
to improve your home and can be done at a low cost. Things to look out for
include peeling paint, dirty walls, dripping taps and broken lightbulbs. All
small superficial improvements which you can quickly make to your home.
8. Create some Space
Open plan living is increasingly popular, especially for kitchens and dining
rooms so consider combining the two to create one spacious room. Remember, many
buyers still like a front room that can be used for special occasions.
9. Loft Conversion
While a loft conversion is certainly on the pricier end of home improvements,
adding a bedroom can increase the value to your property and converting your
loft it a great way to do this.
10. Work from Home
When thinking about improving your house, it’s important to consider your
target audience. For example, is your home most likely to appeal to young
professionals? If so, then a spare room which could function as an office is an
easy way to maximise your property’s appeal.