Looking to sell? Add value to your property quickly and easily

One concern for homeowners considering making a move is the possibility of accepting a lower offer for their property than they would have liked. Sometimes, you simply can’t wait for markets to improve, or need to move on without worrying about local house prices.

Yet a recent trend for adding cost-effective improvements which make a big difference to the value of a property is helping homeowners to move with confidence – and secure a better price.

Just two years ago The Mirror reported that adding an extra bedroom attracted £157,202 to the value of a house in London, or £45,949 in Scotland. When you consider that the average cost of an extension is estimated to be around £35,000 it’s clear to see how improvements like this could not only help you to sell your home more quickly, but also for a better price.

First impressions count

When you pull up outside a property, what are the first two things you see? The exterior – and then the hallway. Despite this, both areas are listed amongst the most commonly neglected spaces in a property. Losing money because of an unsightly first impression is easily avoidable – and inexpensively remedied. Prior to viewings always ensure that your windows and window-frames are clean, gutters and piping are unblocked, and your driveway is clear of weeds. If you have a front garden, make sure it’s tidy and pleasant looking. A lick of paint can work wonders, too – so refresh your front door, fence and any panelling or peeling paintwork that requires attention. At most, these types of improvements will set you back £5,000.

Inside, keep your hallway clear, clean and tidy. Put shoes away or line them up neatly. Avoid clutter, and greet guests with a pleasant scent. Walls can always benefit from fresh paint, and carpets and floors may require professional cleaning or replacement.

Space matters

As mentioned above, adding space to your property in some shape or form (such as investing in an extension or attic conversion) is likely to add value onto your home – leaving between £5,000 and £15,000 in your pocket.

Head of one of the UK’s biggest insurers Direct Line Katie Lomas says, “Extending homes or converting rooms to add light and space can add real value to a property, so it can be well worth the investment.” And The Mirror states that “Nationwide we found a 10% increase in floor space typically adds 5% to the price of a house, while adding enough space for a double bedroom to a two bedroom house can add around 11% to its value.”

Adding space to your property via an extension or conversion is a big job and could be messy and inconvenient in the short term, but if you have the budget to do it and you’re confident it will add value to your property, it’s certainly worth considering for long term financial gain. Remember that before you look into extending or expanding your property, you should always check with your local authority and gain proper planning permission and approval.

Energy efficiency is a hot topic

Sellers must now provide an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) when they sell their homes. This means that buyers are now looking at specific criteria that indicates how much they’ll pay to heat, light and run the property they’re looking to acquire. Naturally, this rating affects the price they are prepared to pay.

An EPC rates your property from A (incredibly energy efficient) to G (inefficient), and tells a potential buyer how much it will cost to run the home each year. The good news is that small, inexpensive improvements can considerably change the rating your home receives. When you turn your attention to making your home more energy efficient your actions also have a positive impact on the environment by default – so it’s a useful exercise from both a financial and ethical perspective. Below are the most common energy efficiency improvements that can be made, along with their payback periods, as reported by Sainsbury’s Bank.

Ready to sell your property? The next step is making sure that your possessions are safely and securely transported. Get in touch today for a no-obligation quote contact us today.