In the lead up to listing your home it is important you make sure your property’s potential value is realised. We asked five of our Local Property Experts to share some ways in which you can increase the value of your home in 2016. Read on…
Planning Permission
One of the cheapest ways to add value without spending a fortune is to gain planning permission for an extension or loft conversion. This gives potential buyers confidence that they can carry out the work themselves and mould a house into a home. If time or money is restricted, a pre application to a local planning authority is cheaper and faster than a full planning application.
Increase Space
Increasing space is always the best way to enhance the value of your home, as long as it is in keeping with the area you live. Care needs to be taken sometimes not to over extend a property as you may then be restricted by a ceiling price. Finally, if you have the option to drop a kerb and make a driveway from your front garden, it often makes a considerable difference to your home. In my area this can add between £10k and £15k in value.
Face Lift
More times than not, people make up their minds within the first 15 seconds as to whether they will buy a house. I believe a good de-clutter and spending a bit of money on a professional cleaner will almost always increase the value of your home. First impressions count after all!
Office or Bedroom?
Whilst converting a bedroom to an office may be beneficial to many, it may devalue your property. It’s far more beneficial to keep a bedroom so the new owner can decide what to do with it. Losing a bedroom will more than likely reduce value even if it is clear that it can be converted back.
Focus On The Kitchen
Kitchens are without a doubt the showpiece of each and every home that is up for sale. No longer simply the domain for culinary requirements, kitchens need to be versatile. Invest in modern fittings and if possible find room for an inbuilt work surface. It’s said that a modern kitchen can increase the value of a property by 4-5%.