If you’re planning to sell your house this year, you’ll undoubtedly want to secure the best price. Understanding how extensions, renovations, decorating and sustainable changes can enhance your property’s value is crucial in getting the best value for your current property. And, on the other hand, knowing what can devalue your property with the decisions you make is just as important.
With a significant rise in searches for terms such as “things that add value to your home” (+250%), “best way to add value to your home” (+110%), and “how to increase the value of your home” (+70%), and given that spring is the perfect time to start, experts at We Buy Any Home have shared key considerations for those planning to sell this year.
What are some of the easiest ways homeowners can add value to their property?
Terry Fisher, property expert at We Buy Any Home says, “Small changes, such as cleaning your property or repainting worn-down walls, can positively impact your house’s value. These are also relatively inexpensive improvements to make. It would help if you watched for other minor fixes, such as limescale build-up in bathrooms, squeaky flooring, dirty carpet, or broken light bulbs.
“Homeowners often invest in more expensive house changes to add value. For example, paying for a new driveway if your current one is dusty, uneven and old is commonly done just before the time to sell a house arrives.
“Many people also invest in an extension – particularly for their kitchen or conservatory room – as this adds to the property’s value. Another popular investment is a loft conversion. These tend to be less expensive than an extension but add value to your house because a new room is being added. Furthermore, loft conversions often do not require planning permission because the room is already there.
“There are external factors, too, if there is a ‘local buzz’ which makes living in your area desirable – perhaps the nearest school has ranked highly in the national rankings, or maybe your village has been named ‘one of the happiest places to live’ in the UK – then this will positively impact your value, too.”
What are some of the easiest ways homeowners can devalue their property?
“On the other hand, local changes may drive down your house’s value. For example, suppose a new railroad is being built at the back of your garden (adding lots of noise) or new streetlights have been added, creating light pollution through your bedroom windows. In that case, these are factors which potential buyers will consider ‘damaging’.
“Other neighbourhood issues that may reduce your property value include rising crime levels, a history of flooding in the area/street, poor broadband access, or a local high street slowly closing down. While some of these factors may seem insignificant, these are all considerations for people valuing and buying houses.
“Allowing the house to be worn down – for example, dirt on the walls, paint peeling, or an unkempt garden – will decrease your property’s value. You can also experience a decrease in house value if you have a low energy efficiency rating. Nowadays, some buyers care deeply about environmental issues like this.
“Likewise, if there is lots of clutter in your property, or you have ‘overpersonalised it’ – for example, bright pink paint has been used everywhere, which is not to the buyer’s taste – then this will decrease its value, too. Overpersonalisation is a common reason why property owners struggle to sell their flat fast.”
What sustainable changes can add value to a home?
Terry said: “Sustainable kitchens have seen a rise in popularity among homeowners over the years. They are designed with a focus with its environmental impact in-mind, therefore incorporating eco-friendly features such as:
- LED lighting
- Recycling and compost sections
- Energy efficient appliances
- Reusable kitchen towels
- Local ingredients
Adding a sustainable kitchen can add value to your home. Many people expect a sustainable kitchen to be expensive – but it doesn’t have to be that way. For example, it is completely free to instigate recycling and composting in your kitchen. It also doesn’t have to be expensive to replace plastic with other materials.
Sustainable kitchens have a greatly reduced carbon footprint, compared to regular kitchens in other homes. This means that you will be doing your bit to protect the environment and keep our planet healthy. When you have a sustainable kitchen, it also puts the safety and health of your household first. For example, while plastic utensils are cheaper, they contain BPA and other harmful chemicals such as lead.
Purchasing local produce also means that you are supporting your community, and nearby businesses. Sustainable kitchens can therefore be an excellent way to invest back into your local community. There can also be longer-term financial benefits to eco-friendly kitchens, when you purchase long-lasting appliances which don’t break for many decades.”
If you’re looking to sell your home fast, We Buy Any Home can help. The specialist team has helped assist thousands of people to a quick and stress-free house sale. To find out more, visit the website.
