When it comes to selling your home, it’s only natural that you’d want to get the most you possibly can out of a sale. And that’s not always as easy as it sounds. Want to increase the value of your property without shelling out a small fortune? Here’s how…
Boost your kerb appeal
You know that old saying, you should never judge a book by its cover? While that is true in many walks of life, it kind of falls by the wayside when it comes to property, where first impressions are everything. And that first impression isn’t restricted to the inside of your home. It forms the moment a potential buyer pulls up outside.
That’s why it quite literally pays to pay attention to your exteriors. We’re not saying you need to channel the Chelsea Flower Show, but do make sure everything’s neat and tidy. One study by Post Office Money found that garden landscaping had the potential to add an eye-watering 77% onto the value of a home! Pretty-up the front, and don’t forget the front door – could it benefit from a fresh lick of paint or a fancy name plaque? You decide.
Fix any ‘snags’
By snags, we’re talking superficial imperfections, as opposed to important issues such as damp, which will flag up on the home survey and shouldn’t be covered up. These little defects aren’t going to make a huge difference to the overall sale price granted, but they can give off the wrong impression that the house isn’t well cared for, and that it may come with more deep-rooted issues elsewhere. Here are some examples:
- Broken or flickering lightbulbs
- Peeling paint
- Leaky taps
- Limescale
- Mould
- Dirt marks
Don’t replace, refresh!
It might be tempting to completely overhaul your home if you’re planning to sell it, but this isn’t always feasible budget-wise, and, more often than not, it’s unnecessary. A healthy-looking plant here, a new lampshade or cupboard handle there – these ‘tweakments’ can make the world of difference to that all-important bottom line.
Focus on the ‘money rooms’
Some rooms are more expensive than others to renovate – namely the kitchen and the bathroom, and that means potential buyers will pay more attention to these when they’re viewing. Presenting these rooms at their best can increase the value of your home considerably. Refresh these in the manner we’ve talked about above, declutter worktops and always keep cleaning products tidily tucked away.
Consider layout
Speaking of decluttering, it goes without saying you’ll want to make sure your place is spick and span for any viewings. Clearing any mess away is one thing, but what about the furniture? Too much can make a home feel a lot smaller, so try and maximise the illusion of space and jettison items to the garage or a friend’s house if needed.
Make eco-friendly updates
Most of us are considering our carbon footprint more than ever before, and industry estimates show that many younger buyers, in particular, are paying 2 to 3% more for environmentally friendly features within a home. Double-glazed windows, energy-efficient roofing and insulation, and smart technology are all growing in importance, so consider what changes you could make to benefit.
Don’t forget the floor
One area of your home that you may consider replacing is flooring. According to one study, buyers are willing to pay 10% more for a property with wooden flooring. Why? It’s more durable than carpet, easier to clean and it contributes to resale values.
Younger buyers are reportedly keener to move into a property with hardwood floors for these reasons, so if you’re looking to sell in an area that’s attracting younger buyers, upgrading your floor could be well worth considering.
Need help increasing your property value quickly in the ways we’ve talked about above? Call in the experts. Rezigo connects you with reliable service providers who specialise in everything from wallpapering to waste clearance. Click here to find out more.