I may have bitten off more than I can chew here, because this question is pretty tricky to answer! The amount of work needed (and therefore cost) before selling, varies hugely between properties. Some will need lots of little, cheaper bits doing and some will need one big expensive job to be done so there is no set-in-stone formula for the ideal amount to spend on your pre-sale home preparation. As a property photographer in Essex, I’ve sometimes been amazed at the transformations people have made before I go to photograph their property.
My opinion is this; as long as your improvement adds value to your property and you have the budget to spend, then it’s normally worth doing. Remember though, that not all improvements are worthwhile and you may not get back what you spend, so think carefully before carrying out any work to your property. However, there are a few home improvements that can drastically increase the value and improve the appearance of your home.
Here are the top 10 requests made by buyers when they view properties:
- Parking / Garage
- Kitchen/ dining space
- Central heating
- Garden
- Double glazing
- Size
- Number of rooms
- Enough living space
- Original features
- Ensuite bedroom
With these requests in mind, I have come up with the top home improvements to add value to your home and reel in those buyers!
Top home improvements to add value:
Add an extra bedroom and bathroom via loft conversion.
Converting a living space (if viable) into an extra bedroom will normally add significant extra value to your home. It ticks the boxes for more space, extra bedrooms and en-suites. So if you’ve got the money to play with, maximising and adding space is a great idea.
Add a conservatory or extension.
Zoopla released a report earlier this year claiming that adding an extension to create an extra bedroom or increased living space could boost the value of your home by up to a fifth, not an amount to be sniffed at! Again this will satisfy the desire for move living space but will of course depend on your budget.
Add an extra bathroom
Nationwide estimates that adding an extra bathroom to your property typically adds around 5% to the value, which works out at about £13,000 when you look at average property prices. En-suite bathrooms are a real winner with modern buyers, so it’s worth investing in one if you can.
Update your bathroom
Add in a power shower, glass or plastic screen and maybe a heated towel rail along with new tiles. All of these will make your bathroom seem much more appealing to potential buyers and adds that little bit of luxury – lovely.
Smarten up
Rendering unattractive brickwork and replacing roof tiles with slate alternatives are pricey but reliable ways to give your home a smarter appearance. Adding flower pots, hanging baskets and maybe a lick of paint to the outside will increase the kerb appeal and get buyers lusting after your home.
Double glazing and central heating
These are biggies really. They seem basic but it makes the world of difference, especially if you’re thinking of selling towards the end of the year. Buyers want to know that they are going to be nice and toasty if they buy your house – without expensive energy costs. If your budget stretches, then underfloor heating is a real winner too.
Give your garden some love!
Unsurprisingly, gardens have a huge impact on family buyers so tidying up your outside space is a must before you sell. If you have enough space in your front garden to add a garage or driveway, this too will add value and saleability, especially in built-up areas where parking is hard to come by.
Fireplaces
Having a cosy fireplace is a huge selling point for most properties. If you don’t use your fire much then start. Got an original fireplace that’s covered up? Then expose it! Before having your property photos taken and before viewings make sure you light it for the warm, welcoming atmosphere it will create in your home.
So there you have it, every property is different and will require different things, but if you want to add value and your budget can stretch to a few of these jobs, then it could be well worth the time and effort.
What to do next…
Check out some of my other blog posts, with lots of top tips.
Speak to Angela…
If you’re looking for advice then feel free to get in touch. I have a huge amount of experience in photographing properties for sale, but also photographing holiday lets, show rooms, new builds, interiors projects and kitchens. My email is angela@angelawestgarth.co.uk and I am also on several social media channels.
