Adding value to your home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can make your home stand out from the crowd by sprucing up some key features and investing in others; spending a little and increasing your home’s value in return.
It’s a common misconception that you have to invest in large improvements to increase the value of your homes, such as a new conservatory or an extension. However, unless you have a large amount of money saved up, this is something most homeowners simply cannot afford. Here you’ll find three clever and easy ways to increase your property’s value, without spending a huge amount of money or losing time making the changes.
1. Get That Kerb Appeal
You only get one chance to make a great first impression – that’s why it’s important to make your home stand out from the moment a prospective buyer walks up to your front door. The impression they form can set the tone for the entire property viewing and if you make a great one, it gives them the chance to see the true value of your home.
Purchasing a new front door with all the bells and whistles doesn’t cost as much as you may think. Home improvement companies often participate in Cyber Week deals, January sales and they sometimes offer their own discounts that can reach up to a fantastic 50% off.
Alongside this, why not add some small features around your front door for an attractive final touch? If you don’t have green thumbs, pot plants that last all year round are a great and low maintenance option. Plus, they’ll make your home look beautiful and sophisticated. Try ‘Green Mountain’ boxwood for all-year-round colour or ‘Emerald’ arborvitae for some great height.
And you don’t have to stop there. Add some character to the front of your home by laying chic graphic floor tiles leading up to your door. They’re a great choice when you’re on a budget, as you’ll only need a dozen or so if you have a small porch or entry. Try bold colours or attractive design for the real wow factor! Also, opt for the most cost-effective types – limestone, travertine or sandstone. A few simple but eye-catching features at the front of your property will create a welcoming and lasting first impression.
2. Green Home
Some of the best property for sale in Central London features energy-saving capabilities and you can join in too without breaking your budget. These forward-thinking features are all the rage for homeowners who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and live a greener life.
You don’t have to spend a tonne of money on the latest upscale products either. Start by fixing any drafts and effectively insulating your home. Drafts can be pricey and they’re much easier to fix than shelling out hundreds of pounds on the energy and heat you’re losing. Try installing weatherstrips to seal any air leaks around your windows and doors too. They’re a cost-effective way of dealing with drafts and you can install them yourself in a matter of minutes.
There are plenty of D.I.Y. ways to insulate your home. How about trying your own window insulation by placing a layer of plastic film on the window frames and using a hairdryer to smooth it into place? You can pick up window film kits at your local shop for as little as £5 these days, therefore, making them much more affordable than double or triple glazing. To prevent losing heat through your roof, try a cost-effective insulation solution. Two of your cheapest options are Fibreglass Batts and Spray Foam Insulation. Both can be done as a D.I.Y project or by a professional for a small labour charge.
For some really simple ways of showcasing the energy efficiency of your home. Why not swap your showerhead for a water-saving one? This will save you up to £160 a year on water bills, according to This is Money! Also, if you’ve yet to join the crowd of homeowners using energy-efficient lighting around their homes, now is a better time than ever to make that change. It’s a fantastic selling point that you can mention when showing off your under-counter kitchen lights or even your stylish lamps.
3. Presentable Garden
Gardens can often be overlooked when homeowners are sprue up their home before property viewings, but most people truly enjoy the privilege of having a neat and practical garden.
Privacy is a key attribute that you’ll find in any great garden – we all love to lay out in the sun or enjoy a fun family BBQfrom time to time. If a new fence is out of the question, why not try some in-expensive garden screens, panels or dividers? Adding some design and discretion to your outdoor area. If you already have a fence, maybe bring it back to life with a lick of paint? Or perhaps you have hedging? Keeping that maintained can add value to your home as well, plus, a well-trimmed hedge is a stunning, timeless feature in any garden.
According to research conducted by Zoopla, 50% of prospective buyers find a well-designed garden as important as the presentation of a kitchen or bathroom. A new flower bed, vegetable patch or some simple potted plants can really liven up the place. And they don’t cost much either, just a bit of elbow grease. For the right buyer, a flourishing vegetable patch can add true value to a home. It’s also a fantastic way of attracting those who love gardening or perhaps those who lead a more plant-based life. Incorporate a compost heap as well and you’ve got a fully functioning outside space that even novice gardeners will love.
Furthermore, who doesn’t love a tidy garden? Simply purchase a small, cosy shed and tuck any tools and strimmers away for safekeeping. Or for something a little more discreet, maybe pick up a small storage box at your local homeware store or nearby garden centre.
Add these features to your home and you’ll see the value rise without breaking your budget. Don’t forget to mention them to your estate agent at your next property valuation!