Are you thinking of moving? It is, so they say, one of the most stressful times of your life. I think people who say that need a little perspective; there are far more important things to stress over. If you are about to put your home on the market perhaps you should pause for a while and think if there are any ways you can add value to it before you proceed.
There are certain upgrades that are almost guaranteed to increase the sale price of your home. How much by? That is the big question. Often the cost of the upgrades may be more than the increase to the value.
Here are a few upgrades and other things you may not have considered that can make a difference to the sale price.
Is The Property Leasehold?
On the Gillhams website it says that the value of a home can increase if the lease is bought outright, or renewed should it be nearing its end. The processes are complicated, and that is why it is best to consult professionals. Not many people consider this method of making their home more desirable, and it is a fascinating subject that more people should look into.
Frontage
What first impression does your property give to prospective buyers when they arrive at your property? Now, tidying up the front of your house may not add a vast amount to the value of the property but it can certainly lead to higher offers and a swifter sale.
Often a property owner will not notice how tired their home is looking as they are so familiar with it. By applying a new coat of paint to the woodwork, cleaning the driveway, and tidying the garden, the property will look more attractive and welcoming.
Kitchen
If the kitchen in your home is past its best, it could be worthwhile installing a new one. If there is a family member who can carry out the work for free, the idea of a new kitchen is even more attractive. All of the components of a kitchen are available cheaply from DIY shops and often the only skills needed are basic carpentry and plumbing, to install them. There is no point in buying the most expensive units and fittings; remember why the kitchen is being fitted.
Heating
If your home is heated by old night storage heaters, it will affect the property’s desirability. By installing a modern, efficient central heating system, the property becomes instantly more attractive to buyers.
Conservatory
Fitting a conservatory is relatively cheap and takes only a couple of weeks. By adding this extra room to the house, it makes the home more spacious and, as a permanent feature, it will affect the value.
Loft Conversion
Adding one or more bedrooms to the home by extending into the loft will make the house worth more. After all, five bedroom houses attract a higher price than three bedroom houses. The work must be carried out to a high standard, but the good news is that it is unlikely planning permission will be required.
There is always the danger that more money will be spent on the upgrades than will be recouped when the house is sold so take advice from your estate agent before proceeding with any of them. There is also the danger that once you home is improved; you will decide to stay where you are. That’s not so bad though; is it?