AD | Choosing home improvements that add to the value of your property can be tricky and it’s not always obvious which aspect of your home you should invest in first. So, how can you decide what will be the best return on investment for your property? Here are some of the most popular ways you can increase the value of your home, plus tips on what to focus on in particular.
Seven Popular Improvements to Increase the Value of Your Home
While redecorating and decluttering add to the visual appeal of your home, one of the most popular ways to add real value prior to selling is to increase the size of your property by adding extra space or even an extra room. After space, most buyers are keen to know about energy efficiency, security, the lack of any major repair or maintenance issues, and any original or traditional features.
Kitchen Upgrade
Great kitchens are almost universally at the top of home buyers’ wish lists in terms of the desirability of a property. However, if you’re considering investing in a new kitchen to add value to your home, it’s worth thinking it through carefully.
Replacing cabinets and fittings may refresh the space but this is unlikely to add significantly to your property’s value. That’s why you may need to think about changing the layout or increasing the size of the space with a kitchen extension.
Do your research about what potential purchasers are looking for in a kitchen, such as energy-efficient appliances, new countertops, or updated fixtures. However, it’s best to avoid personalising your kitchen too much as it needs to appeal to a broad range of people when it’s time to sell up.
New Windows
Good quality, energy efficient windows are a must when upgrading your property. If you have old uPVC windows that are well past their sell by date, it may be time to invest in some modern replacements that not only look good but also focus on energy efficiency with better insulation.
Aluminium is one of the most popular materials currently. It’s a lightweight but strong material which allows the window profiles to be slimmer than other materials. This allows more natural light into the room.
Windows made from aluminium are very durable with an expected life span of 30-45 years. They can also be powder coated in a variety of RAL colours to match your decor and won’t rust. Although aluminium windows are more expensive than other materials, they can outlast many other materials on the market and so are more likely to increase the value of your home.
Wooden Floors
Surveys suggest that wood flooring can increase a property’s value by up to 10% with hardwood floor homes commanding higher prices and faster sales. The timeless beauty and traditional durability of oak, walnut or cherry floors make them the best choice for both the aesthetics and return on investment.
Engineered wood is also a popular choice as it looks like solid timber but is lower maintenance, faster to install and more resistant to moisture so it can be used in kitchens and bathrooms. Parquet flooring is an elegant and sophisticated choice which will impress any potential buyer.
Reclaimed wooden flooring can look amazing in the right setting, adding character to your home while also being environmentally responsible. Other eco-friendly options are bamboo and cork flooring, which are sustainable and durable.
Bathroom Renovation
The return on investment for a bathroom renovation may be less than other improvements but along with kitchens, bathrooms are the rooms most likely to make or break a sale. When potential purchasers see a dated or pokey bathroom, what they actually see is a large bill to turn it into the bathroom they want. They also see weeks of building work and disruption.
A home that already has a stunning bathroom, and one that’s functional and stylish, will present much better than one where buyers have to ‘see the potential’, i.e. renovating the bathroom themselves. Even if you’re not intending to sell your property any time soon, a quality bathroom is still a good, long term investment.
Smart Home Technology
An increasing number of home buyers are looking for smart technology as standard. While the installation of this equipment is not likely to bump the value of your property as high as more physical improvements, it will add to the property’s desirability. In surveys, half of home buyers said they would pay more for a smart home, in particular for security features and energy-efficient systems.
A home that can be heated, secured, and monitored remotely appeals to a lot of potential purchasers and makes a fast sale more likely. The prices of these systems aren’t excessive and you’ll recoup your costs as well as enhance the appeal of your home to future buyers.
Repairs and Maintenance
Don’t sleep on any superficial defects, essential maintenance, or repair work for critical systems like plumbing, HVAC, or the roof. Buyers pay close attention these systems, as they directly impact safety, comfort, and future expenses. A leaky roof, outdated HVAC system, or faulty plumbing can be a major red flag, potentially deterring offers or driving down your home’s value.
Investing in professional inspections and addressing any issues proactively not only provides peace of mind for buyers, but it also positions your home as a well-maintained and reliable property, making it more attractive and likely to sell at a favourable price.
Kerb Appeal
Finally, don’t forget your kerb appeal, which is your home’s first opportunity to make a strong impression. Never underestimate the power of a few cost-effective cosmetic upgrades. Simple changes like such as planting colourful flowers, sculptural plants, or trimming hedges to create a well-kept and inviting appearance.
A fresh coat of paint on the front door can enhance your home’s personality and charm. And updating exterior lighting with stylish fixtures will also improve visibility. These small, affordable touches can significantly increase your home’s appeal and set the stage for a positive impression before buyers even step inside.
Have you ever tried any of these ways to increase the value of your home? Do you think it was money well spent? What else would you recommend a homeowner should try for a good ROI and quick sale?
* This is a collaborative post – please see my Disclaimer.
Kitchen and bathroom upgrades are true game-changers when it comes to ROI and making a strong impression on potential buyers. Smart home technology is gaining appeal with eco-conscious homeowners and buyers alike looking to save on utility costs.
Agreed, a stylish kitchen and luxurious bathroom can make all the difference, and smart tech is always a plus.
We’ve renovated our kitchen a couple of years ago and the bathroom this year. I’m sure the value of the house rose with these changes. It’s also easier to rent/sell the house if these 2 look good.
We are not planning of changing our home, but increasing the value of the property was something we took into consideration, of course.
Our kitchen and one of our bathrooms are on my To Do List for the same reason – no plans to move, or sell, but good to add value if and when we do.