Follow our top tips to increase the value of your property.
Increasing the value or your home is always satisfying. This can happen as the market moves but you can also achieve this by making improvements to your home. There are plenty of people who do not relish the thought of carrying out works in their property, so this creates a window for you to do the work for them and reap the benefits of the capital appreciation it brings.
Whether you plan to make property development a full time job or wish to make improvements to your home for your own benefit, there are a number of ways to add value to your home.
1. Repaint.
It sounds simple but a fresh coat of paint goes a long way. It will brighten the property up and give it a fresh new look. Choose a modern colour such as an off-white grey as opposed to a cream, and this will immediately improve the look of your home. If you live in a house, changing the colour of your front door will immediately smarten it up and improve its curb appeal.
2. Create more storage.
Storage is key. Regardless of the size of the property, there is always a need for storage. Building fitted wardrobes in the bedroom, and creating a place to put shoes at you enter the house is a quick way to add value. By creating a place to put people’s belongings will be a huge appeal and saves any prospective residents a headache to resolve.
3. Change the window dressings.
Furnishings can date. By replacing the window dressings will immediately become more attractive. Ideally fit voiles or blinds for privacy benefits, and black out curtains for the nights is one of the best combination.
4. Replace the kitchen and bathroom.
Fitting a new kitchen or bathroom is a big job. However this is one of the best ways to add value. A new slick bathroom or kitchen creates a real wow factor and many people will be lured by this. The increase in value will be substantially more than the outlay. You can also cheat by replacing only some of the fittings, such as the taps. Follow these tips to upgrade your kitchen.
5. Dress the property.
A property that is empty can make it hard for people to envisage living there. This is especially the case if the space is small and people are unsure where they will fit furniture. Pick furniture that is modern and fits the space. Make the beds and add accessories in order to create a warm welcome. If you are stuck on inspiration take a look at our interior trends blog.
6. Utlilise the outside area.
Think of the outside area as an extension of your living area. Make this into a usable space with table and chairs, a place to sit down or simply add some plants. Follow our top tips how to achieve this.
7. Add extra bathrooms.
If the space permits, creating an extra bathroom will immediately add value. A two bedroom property with two bathrooms will be more appealing and be worth more than one with just one bathroom. However be realistic as there is little point in fitting an extra bathroom or even shower room if this dramatically reduces bedroom sizes. Also you need to consider whether it is possible to easily fit an additional bathroom, which will depend on the plumbing of your property.
8. Take a step back.
If you have lived in the property for sometime you may not notice the dangling wires, the scuff marks on the wall or the discoloured flooring. Take a step back to see what improvements could be made that you may not notice on a day-to-day basis. Upgrading a light fitting or removing some dated artwork are small changes, that may dramatically improve the look of the property.
