Photo by Curtis Adams

How Can You Increase the Value of a Property?

If you own a property that you’re thinking of putting on the market, you can improve your chances of a quick sale and achieving your asking price by taking some simple steps to increase your home’s value.

There are a few key factors that buyers look for when viewing potential homes and it’s important to take these into account when it comes to selling a property. Read on to find out how you can increase the value of a property before selling it.

Design and Decoration

The interior design and decor of your property are vital to creating the right impression for prospective buyers. We all make judgements based on visual appearances and property is no different.

Old, outdated decor will suggest to buyers that the interior of the home hasn’t been updated in some time and that expensive facelifts may be required. Some buyers may be looking for a property they can redecorate to put their own stamp on, but many others will want a property they can move into straight away and feel immediately at home in. Contemporary designs let viewers know that you’ve kept the home up-to-date and can attract a higher asking price.

Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash

Energy Efficiency

in today’s market, energy efficiency is more important than ever and buyers want to know that their new home will be warm and comfortable and – crucially – that they will be able to afford to heat it.

Heat efficiency ratings are a key factor in the asking price of a property as these affect the bills the homeowner will have to pay. You can use roof insulation to increase the energy efficiency of a property and make your home attractive to potential buyers.

Decluttering and Cleaning

When photographing your property ready to place on the market, ensure that it’s as clean and clutter-free as possible. This also applies when it comes to viewings too. When buyers visit, try to have your home looking as tidy as you can, and keep the number of personal belongings on display to a minimum this will help potential buyers to envision themselves living in the property.

Make sure that the kitchen and bathroom areas look clean and fresh. Even if you can’t afford new fixtures, a deep clean can go a long way in helping your home look well-kept and maintained. Rid your bathroom of limescale and pay particular attention to taps, tiles and shower screens.

Photo by Kindel Media

Fixing Damages and Defects

Before putting a property on the market, first, correct any obvious damages or defects. Even minor issues such as peeling paint can put off potential buyers as it indicates that expensive repairs may need to be factored in and suggests there could be additional problems with the home they can’t see.

Fixing all visual damage or defects before putting your home on the market will help to justify a higher price so take care of issues like mould, creaky doors and squeaky floors etc.

It’s also important to keep in mind that any major issues, such as damp, will show on a homebuyers survey, so it’s better to be transparent about these rather than try to cover them up and ideally, you should take remedial action before putting your house on the market, or you could risk buyers pulling out when unexpected issues arise.

Don’t Forget the Garden

The garden or outdoor space should be an extension of the property, not an afterthought and showcase its full potential. Having a well-maintained and well-designed garden or outdoor space such as a yard or balcony offers something additional to potential buyers and can be the icing on the cake after viewing the inside of your home.

An attractive and practical outdoor space is a bonus for many people and will set it apart from other homes on the market, attracting more buyers and a higher asking price.

 

Gail P
I am a beachy type of person, living in Newport Beach, and oftentimes I’ll go for a swim with my daughter. When I’m bored, I’ll help make package boxes for my little girl’s sticker company on Etsy.