Getting ready to sell? When planning for a move, many homeowners want to maximise the value of their property with quick, simple changes. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to boost your home’s value in the lead-up to selling.
Get a New EPC
EPC certificates last for 10 years. When you’re selling a property, you don’t need to get a new EPC certificate if the previous version is still in date. Yet it might be a good idea to invest in one if you’ve carried out home renovations.
If the renovations have improved the energy efficiency of your home, this may be reflected in your energy performance rating. The more energy-efficient your property is, the higher your property value may be.
Improve Energy Efficiency
Similarly to the above point, quick changes to your property can increase its energy efficiency, which can add significant value to your home. For example, you can:
- Re-insulate the loft
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs
- Upgrade old appliances to newer, energy-efficient models
Enhance Kerb Appeal
Your kerb appeal is one of the most important things that sell your property. Small changes can go a long way in raising your property value and its desirability. Before selling, try to:
- Repaint fences
- Jetwash patios
- Fertilise and re-seed the lawn
- Trim bushes
- Add new shrubbery
Replace Old Guttering
If existing gutters are damaged or in poor condition, this can cause various problems for buyers. Even if they don’t notice the damage immediately, it can be picked up in a homebuyers survey, which your buyers may use to knock money off the sale price.
Poor guttering is a major concern, as it can leave a home open to water damage and mould growth. Yet new guttering is an attractive feature – which can also add value.
Add Exterior Lighting
Well-lit properties can attract higher resale prices and more buyers, often for a small installation cost. To homebuyers, properties with lighter exteriors have better kerb appeal and more security, which can make them more valuable.
Lights should be strategically placed to add the most value. For example, around front entrances, over driveways, around backdoors, and in patio areas in the garden.
Install Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is constructed from real, solid wood, which makes it strong, durable, and highly desirable in homes today. Properties with hardwood flooring are often viewed as more luxurious and this is reflected in the resale value.
If you’re renovating floors in large areas, consider hardwood flooring if you want to increase value. Experts estimate it can add between 3% and 5% to your listing price.
Add a Driveway
Relandscaping the front garden isn’t necessarily a ‘quick’ job, as you often need planning permission to install a drop kerb before hiring a contractor. Yet all in all, the process of getting a driveway can take as little as one month – with high returns.
Driveways can add between 5% and 10% to the value of a property, which, on average, could add as much as £22,000 to the value of a home.
Ready For a Valuation?
Before embarking on home renovation projects, get an instant valuation to establish your property value right now. While many projects can add value, it’s good to know just how much they can add to property prices in your area.
Or book an in-person valuation with local experts near you.