If you want to increase the value of your property while sticking to a budget, there are a range of options available. We look at how to make improvements without breaking the bank.
When selling your property, you will want to ensure it has an edge over the competition and achieves the best price possible. Carrying out some minor works can pay dividends.
1. Decorate
A relatively quick and easy way to add value to your home and improve the appearance of your home is to decorate. Pale and neutral colours will reflect the light, make rooms appear clean and fresh and help potential buyers visualise the way they would put their own stamp on the property.
It is also an opportunity to deal with any small cracks and chips and ensure that skirting boards and doors are neat and in good order. At the same time, declutter as far as possible, making rooms appear more spacious.
2. Update your kitchen and bathroom
Kitchens and bathrooms experience heavy usage and can become faded. Kitchen cupboards can be painted where necessary and new, modern handles added. Paint the walls if they are grubby and look at whether splashbacks need replacing.
In the bathroom, ensure that grouting is clean and reseal around baths and showers. Replace the shower curtain if you have one and ensure that the details, such as bath siding, shower panels, toilet seat and towel rails are in good condition.
Clearing away unnecessary items, putting up some art and adding plants can all make kitchens and bathrooms appear more spacious and attractive.
3. Lighting
Lighting is particularly effective for sales outside of the summer months. As well as updating lightshades and ensuring you have energy efficient options, add lamps to darker corners to make rooms cosier and more appealing.
4. Add value to your home with kerb appeal
First impressions are crucial in attracting buyers. Make sure your front garden is as tidy as possible and that the path to the front door is clear and neat. Consider painting the door if it is wood and clean any glass and door furniture.
You can add plants in containers to the front of your property. These not only make the approach attractive, but have the benefit that you can take them with you when you move.
Put bins and recycling containers out of sight in your back garden where possible. For viewings, you can move cars out of any parking spaces you have and check that the spaces are clear of weeds.
5. Add storage solutions
Buyers will want to know that all of their possessions will fit comfortably in your home. Make sure that you have enough storage but not too much to make the rooms feel cluttered.
6. Make sure the garden is tidy
Spend some time making your garden neat. Clipping hedges and cutting back overgrown shrubs can be particularly effective. Make space for seating and if you have patio furniture, put this out so that potential buyers can picture themselves eating outside.
Again, plants in containers can be transformative and can add value to your home.
7. Improve energy efficiency
With EPCs compulsory, buyers will be checking what energy efficiency measures are in place. Consider improving insulation and ensuring light bulbs have been switched to LEDs.
A smart thermostat is also a budget-friendly way of keeping an eye on energy consumption.
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