Selling your home can be overwhelming – first you’re letting go of a place filled with memories, and then you’ve got to try and sell it for the highest price possible. Before putting your property on the market though, it’s worth thinking of ways you can alter your home to give you the best chance of achieving your asking price.
And remember, while large-scale projects will see you gain the most value, smaller projects can be just as effective. Read on to find out our expert tips for adding value to your home.
Update the interiors
From decluttering to a fresh coat of paint and new furnishings, updating the interior of your home can add 5-10% to the value of the property. Some valuers may find it tough to increase the worth made by only cosmetic improvements but the market will always favour homes that are both styled and decorated well.
One of the effective ways to increase a property’s value is to have fitted furniture installed. Homeowners appreciate stylish architecture and décor, especially those that can free up space and improve practicality. If your home is on the smaller side, opting for bespoke furniture is a no-brainer.
Make an open-plan layout
It’s no secret that homeowners now desperately seek open-plan living. The ability to keep an eye on the kids while cooking meals allows families to spend more quality time together – and you can’t put a price on that. Well, turns out you actually can given that open-plan living spaces can add up to £50,000 to the average home.
Better yet, it’s not hard to create one of these communal spaces. All that’s required is to knock down an internal wall to merge the kitchen and diner. Typically, these projects aren’t on the expensive side either, costing about £3,500 and taking just a week to complete.
Get planning permission
If you can’t afford to do much to boost the value of your property, it’s worth applying for planning permission. Some buyers are prepared to pay a premium for a home that already has approval so they can get started with any renovations and know all the paperwork has been dealt with.
While submitting a standard planning application can set you back up to £400, it could see your property increase in value by as much as 10%.
Create a parking space
Depending on where you live in the country, finding space for your car is often a luxury. The ability to keep your vehicle close to home is rare, so if you have the means to add off-street parking, you’re almost guaranteed an increase in the value of your home – from around £2,000 to £13,000.
You can easily create a parking space by sacrificing part of a front garden. Paving it over offers a low-maintenance option that buyers will usually see as more valuable than a garden, which they’ll likely never use. Before conducting any significant work, however, it’s important to check with your local council to see if planning permission is needed.