How to add long-term value to your property
In Thanet we have certainly been busy with new properties coming onto the market and buyers eager to view. Lockdown has meant we have spent many an hour at home and, as such, you could have been contemplating what improvements you could make.
If you think you may sell your home in the future, at Oakwood homes we want to help you make the right decisions, and home improvements are the easiest way to add long-term value to your property.
1. Structure
Structural issues can ring alarm bells with buyers and can also massively affect the value of your home. Therefore, if you have any structural issues that you are aware of, you need to ensure that you make these repairs a priority – even if you have cosmetic improvements you wanted to focus on. We know that often with structural repairs if feels like you have nothing to show for the money you have spent, but if you don’t get any structural defects fixed, no matter what upgrades you make in your home, its value may be stumped.
2. Energy efficiency
More and more now, energy efficiency is cited as a key feature buyers are looking for, and so any energy-efficient features you have can make a huge difference to the value of your home. Many new-build homes have such features included as standard, but older homes are way behind in many ways, such as insulation. If you do own an older home it is worth making investments in energy efficiency, whether that’s insulation, windows or even your heating system. Simply upgrading your boiler can have a significant impact of the efficiency of your home.
3. Increasing space
Having been confined to our homes, many of us are dreaming of more space. Are there any possibilities to add space to your home? That could be a conservatory, or a single-storey extension – try to be creative, not predictable. Extensions with skylights or sleek glass roofs can connect the indoors with the outdoors with sophisticated elegance. Do your research for inspiration and you could be adding a dining room, playroom or even a much sought-after home office to your property.
If you can’t extend from the ground floor, how about looking at a loft conversion to increase the space and maybe add a bedroom to your home? A loft conversion is a great investment as it adds more accommodation to your property, though remember you need to make room for a full staircase. When it comes to adding value to your home, an extra bedroom is a fantastic place to start and can increase the sale price of your property, but be aware that there could be a ceiling value for your street so it could be wise to get some guidance before you start.
4. Decorating
One of the most obvious and easiest ways to add value to your home is by decorating. A tired or neglected décor, or something that is quirky and individual, can not only turn off buyers but limit the potential value of your property. Decorating jobs don’t need to cost the earth, but the return can be seen in helping to sell your home at the optimum price. Whether you fix some peeling paint, change paint and wallpaper, replace mouldy sealants in your kitchen and bathroom, or stop a tap from leaking, every little fix and detail could boost your home’s value.
5. Kitchens and bathrooms
The reason why kitchen and bathrooms are known to sell houses is because they cost a significant amount to upgrade, so a home in need of a kitchen or bathroom upgrade could be seen as a costly investment to buyers. There are many ways to revamp these rooms without replacing everything entirely – new doors and worktops could be added, new tiles, or even just a paint job can completely transform a space. Don’t be overwhelmed and the task at hand, resourceful changes can attract buyers and also play a major role in increasing the potential value of your property.
This is just the beginning
These are just five of the many ways you could add value to your Thanet home, we are always here to advise you on what buyers are looking for right now and where best to invest your monies. If you’re thinking of selling your home, contact our team at Oakwood homes on 01843 221133 or you can complete our short contact form HERE: