As homeowners consider selling their property, it’s crucial to maximise its value. Neil McKenzie, finance property expert at Halton Stairlifts gives his straightforward, effective strategies to enhance your home’s appeal and increase its market value.
Spruce Up the Exterior
First impressions count. A tidy, attractive exterior can significantly boost your property’s curb appeal. Consider repainting your front door, maintaining the garden, and ensuring the driveway and paths are clean and well-kept. Small efforts like these can make a big difference in how potential buyers perceive your home.
Refresh the Paint
A fresh coat of paint in neutral colours can transform your home, making it appear brighter, bigger, and more inviting. Stick to light, airy colours to help potential buyers envision themselves in the space. This simple update can have a considerable impact on your home’s appeal.
Fix and Repair
Attend to those lingering repair jobs you’ve been putting off. Fixing leaky taps, squeaky doors, and replacing broken tiles can go a long way in showing that your home has been well-maintained. These minor fixes can prevent buyers from being put off by small issues.
Declutter and Clean
A clutter-free and clean home is more appealing and can make rooms appear larger. Take the time to declutter each room, removing personal items and excess furniture. A thorough clean, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, can make your home more attractive to buyers.
Update Lighting
Good lighting can enhance the mood of your home, making it feel warm and welcoming. Replace any outdated fixtures and consider adding lamps to brighten darker corners. Ensuring your home is well-lit for viewings can make a positive impression on potential buyers.
Invest in Key Upgrades
If your budget allows, investing in key upgrades, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, can significantly increase your property’s value. Even small changes, like replacing cabinet handles or upgrading fixtures, can modernise these spaces without a full renovation.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Making your home more energy-efficient is not only good for the environment but also appealing to buyers. Simple changes like sealing windows, adding insulation, or upgrading to a more efficient boiler can improve your home’s energy rating and appeal.
Obtain Planning Permission
If you have potential for extending or converting space in your home, obtaining planning permission in advance can add value. It saves potential buyers the hassle and uncertainty, making your property more attractive.
Stage Your Home
Finally, consider staging your home for viewings. This doesn’t necessarily mean hiring a professional stager, but arranging furniture to maximise space and showcase your home’s best features can make a significant difference. Ensure each room has a clear purpose and is presented in the best possible light.
Finance property expert from Halton Stairlifts, Neil McKenzie says:
In conclusion, while the specific value added to your property from making improvements can vary, a well-considered combination of the enhancements outlined could, on average, contribute to an increase in your property’s value by up to 10-15%. This estimate takes into account both minor and major upgrades, from cosmetic touch-ups like painting and decluttering to more significant investments like kitchen renovations and energy efficiency improvements.
Remember, the key to maximising your return on investment is to focus on changes that enhance the appeal and functionality of your home, align with current buyer preferences, and are cost-effective relative to the expected increase in property value. Consulting with a local estate agent can also provide personalised advice tailored to your property and the local market, ensuring you invest your time and money wisely.
By thoughtfully applying these simple tips, you’re not just improving your home; you’re investing in its future saleability and potential to attract higher offers, making your next step on the property ladder that much easier.