Property expert reveals how to boost the value of your home – and why you shouldn’t bother with expensive wallpaper
A PROPERTY expert has revealed the improvements homeowners can make to maximise the value of their house – and what changes they should steer clear of.
Getting the best price for your home is crucial, but not all alterations will add value to your home, with property expert Jason Orme revealing the best and worst home improvements.
Do: Kitchen
Teaming up with , Jason revealed the kitchen is often the epicentre of any home, and something buyers pay close attention to.
While a new kitchen is ideal, it could set you back on average £6,300, but would add five per cent to the value of your home.
If re-doing it isn't an option, Jason said smaller upgrades, such as replacing the appliances, sink or worktops, can revamp the room at little cost.
He said: “Potential buyers do tend to look at the general cleanliness of kitchens and bathrooms, so if it’s possible and within budget, update tired sanitaryware (budget bathroom suites can be purchased for under £500).”
Conversions
In cities, space is hard to come by so “every inch counts”, according to Jason.
Turning a loft or a cellar into a fully functioning room can add as much as 30 per cent to the value of your property.
Converting one of these spaces into a bedroom would be one of the best uses, he said.
A typical loft conversion costs £11,500 but can add 12.5 per cent to a house’s value, whereas a cellar conversion can cost £20,000 but will add up to 20%.
Jason said: "Urban properties tend to benefit disproportionately from relatively small extensions and remodelling projects that can turn existing space into living accommodation (such as loft conversions) – with every inch counting, it can make a huge difference to the enjoyment and value of a home in the town or city.”
Smart technology
As technology advances, smart home tech can give you an edge over other properties.
Home security, lighting, thermostats and even doorbells can all be installed for as little as a few hundred pounds, but can add as much as five per cent value to the asking price.
Extensions
Another way of creating more space, extensions are one of the most popular home improvements.
A single-storey extension can add as much as 15 per cent to the value of your home.
Double glazing
A common upgrade for decades, making your home more energy-efficient will always add value.
Swapping single glazing for double, or even triple-glazing, will help keep heat in and boost the home’s energy rating.
Depending on how many windows you have, it could cost as much as £5,000 but will add around 10 per cent value to your home.
Don’t: Get rid of a bedroom
While the trend for open-plan may be popular, Jason warned not to apply this to bedrooms.
Homes are often valued based on the bedrooms they have, so getting rid of one would knock money off your home.
An extra bedroom could add up to 15 per cent to your home, so you could lose this if you knock down some walls.
Expensive wallpaper
While it may seem like a glossy finishing touch, decorating with high-end wallpaper can put buyers off.
While it may seem like a luxury, people often want to see blank walls as they’ll probably end up redecorating anyway.
Jason advised to stick to painted walls only.
Conservatory
While it may seem like a cheaper and easier option when compared to an extensions, as conservatories don’t need planning permission, they can be more hassle than they’re worth.
Often they have temperature control issues, and can seem quite dated.
Jason said: “While conservatories remain popular, the peak of conservatory additions was in the 1980s and, almost 40 years on, these conservatories pose more problems than benefits.”
How to maximise your home value
Do:
- Update your kitchen
- Add smart home technology
- Convert your loft or cellar
- Install double glazing
Don’t:
- Install large-scale tech
- Get rid a bedroom
- Use expensive wallpaper
Large-scale technology
While smart tech is in, big projects like home cinemas should be avoided.
Built in sound systems or big screens can cost more than £25,000, but will add little value to your home.
And it’s worth noting that these will need to be updated frequently, and the buyer will likely rip it out to put their own stamp on the property.
Jason said: “Most streets in the UK – particularly those in towns and cities – have ceiling prices that, regardless of how big or lavishly refurbished a home on that street is, its value will never go above a certain price.”
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