According to research from NAEA Propertymark, 65% of homeowners have renovated their kitchens before selling up, followed by 29% who have installed new bathrooms and 22% who have added an extension to increase the value of their property .
Some more surprising home improvements on this year’s list saw three per cent of homeowners install a summer house in their garden and a further two per cent install smart technology, although more traditional renovations remain the most popular.
Mark Hayward, Chief Executive, NAEA Propertymark, says: “Homeowners make the decision to improve their property for a whole range of reasons, and making small changes can dramatically alter a first impression and really increase saleability. While many of the properties we sell have brand new kitchens or bathrooms, whatever your budget there are always smaller improvements that can be made to add value to your home. If you are thinking about taking this step, it’s important to remember to keep the décor neutral so it appeals to a range of buyers.”
NAEA Propertymark’s top 10 home improvement tips to increase the value of your home:
1. Makeover the kitchen
Kitchens are often the focal point of the house, but you don’t have to break the bank to freshen up yours. Painting units a new colour and replacing doors or handles can transform your kitchen. Good lighting and clutter free, clean surfaces in neutral colours can create a welcoming and spacious feeling quickly.
2. Spruce up your garden
Most buyers form their first impression of a property within seconds of arriving, so if you have a front garden taking a little time to spruce it up can make all the difference. Spend some time tidying away any clutter, putting out a few fresh plant pots, and clearing the pathway to instantly create a more appealing space.
3. Think Smart
Smart home technologies are increasingly popular and can add thousands to the value of your home. Considering smart technology such as Hive, which gives mobile control over heating systems, can really make your property stand out.
4. Update your bathroom
Bathrooms need to look fresh, up to date and most importantly hygienic. Again, small tweaks like a neutral paint on the walls can easily help with this. If you do have a little more to spend, consider replacing old shower curtains with a glass screen, eliminating all limescale and replacing the taps.
5. First impressions matter
Your garden needs to be welcoming, but the front door needs to match. If you can’t afford to replace the door completely, then a power wash or a fresh lick of paint is an affordable alternative. Even a new doorknob, house number or sign can ensure that your front door looks the smartest on the street.
6. Keep the noise out
Noisy roads can have a big impact on the value of your home, so spend a little money to keep the noise out and double glaze your windows. This also keeps the house warm, ensuring energy bills stay low.
7. Crack out the toolbox
A fresh lick of paint and some general maintenance is probably the easiest way to improve your home and can be done at a low cost. Things to look out for include peeling paint, dirty walls, dripping taps and broken lightbulbs. All small superficial improvements which you can quickly make to your home.
8. Create some space
Open plan living is increasingly popular, especially for kitchens and dining rooms so consider combining the two to create one spacious room. Remember, many buyers still like a front room that can be used for special occasions.
9. Loft conversion
While a loft conversion is certainly on the pricier end of home improvements, adding a bedroom can increase the value to your property and converting your loft it a great way to do this.
10. Work from home
When thinking about improving your house, it’s important to consider your target audience. For example, is your home most likely to appeal to young professionals? If so, then a spare room which could function as an office is an easy way to maximise your property’s appeal.
