If you are considering making improvements to your home its always worth focusing on the areas which are likely to help add the most value. That way when you come to sell, the asking price should reflect the time, money and effort you have invested.
As a local Estate Agent in Poole and Bournemouth we understand the importance of this topic and have therefore listed 8 of the best ways to add value to your home below;
1) Maximise your living space
Utilising existing space to its full potential Is a great way to add value to your home. Converting garages, lofts or cellars into useable internal floorspace will help your home feel more spacious and will give you scope to add that extra bedroom, study or bathroom which will set it apart from the competition come resale time.
2) Extend
If you have already maximised the living space within the existing footprint of your property, then it could be time to think about extending upwards, outwards or maybe even downwards. When extending it’s important to weigh up the cost’s vs the benefits and have your areas ceiling value in the front of your mind. Adding additional bedrooms and bathrooms can be especially helpful when justifying why your property is worth more than the competition come resale time.
3) Overhaul your garden
Post-covid, outside space and home working have both shot up the list of priorities for prospective buyers. Getting the garden space right can unlock extra potential value in your property. Adding decking or a patio area could make your garden a more sociable space, whilst adding a garden room could make your property a more versatile place to live.
4) Create an open-plan kitchen/living space
It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home and far from being just a place to cook in, for many families a kitchen is now seen as sociable space in its own right. If you have scope to open-up your kitchen by removing a partition wall or relocating it within your property, you could create a modern open-plan kitchen/living space which a buyer will likely pay a premium for.
5) Get planning permission
If your property has untapped potential but you can’t afford the cost of a big project prior to selling, getting planning permission could still add significant value. Buyers are usually prepared to pay a premium when planning permission is granted because they get to avoid the paperwork and stress of the application process and have the assurance that they can get to work on the project as soon as they pick up the keys. In short, they get to buy into your vision of what could be.
6) Upgrade your bathroom
Replacing a dated bathroom can certainly increase the value of your property. A bathroom should feel fresh and hygienic as well as in keeping with the rest of the home. Adding luxury features like a heated towel rail, back-lit mirror, underfloor heating or rain shower will help give your bathroom the wow-factor.
7) Decorate
A lick of paint and replacing a tatty carpet can transform the feel of a property. If you are planning on selling your home it’s always worth ensuring that it shows at its best, both online and in-person, as you will likely attract more interest and secure a better sale price. A bright room is an appealing room. Using light and neutral colours can help to make a room feel more spacious.
8) Take care of any maintenance issues
Adding value is all well and good, but you should also consider potential issues that could actively reduce the value of your home. If you are putting your property on the market you need to realise that viewers will be on their guard, so be sure to take the time to fix that blown window, leaky tap, lose door handle, cracked tile or mark on the wall. Don’t give a viewer an excuse to offer lower!
Lastly, before you start any works you should take the time to consult the experts. Getting a valuation of your home prior to carrying out any major improvements is vital as it will help you understand the current and potential value so you can assess whether or not the project you have in mind is worthwhile.
If you would like to discuss your property value further, please call us on 01202 303044 or book a complementary valuation.
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James has lived in the Poole & Bournemouth area for over 25 years and has an extensive knowledge of the conurbation. He started his career in the property industry in 2015 following his graduation from the University of Kent, Canterbury and has worked in a variety of different roles in this time. Formerly a Sales Manager, he brings an in-depth understanding of the industry to his current role as Marketing Manager at Martin & Co.
