Eight easy ways to add value to your home
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you’re probably already wondering how much your property is worth. Whatever that figure may be, the chances are that by making some small improvements now, you could increase the value of your home and maximise your selling price when the time comes to list your property.
We know that selling your home isn’t an overnight decision, so if you think you might want to take the plunge in the next few months, now is an ideal time to consider making some small, cheap and easy changes that could add value.
Read on for our top tips on easy ways to add value to your home.
Think about the kerb appeal
Cleaning and tidying the outside of your home can instantly boost its overall value, as Francesca Hill, Senior Property Valuer at Coulters, says: “It’s well-known that decluttering and cleaning your property is vital when marketing it, however the exterior can often be neglected. Many owners no longer notice the exterior of their property; buyers on the other hand, can be strongly influenced by first impressions. Whether it’s the front garden or the communal stairwell, it’s important that you pay attention to the view buyers see as they approach your property.”
Repainting your front door and choosing a stylish and welcoming colour can help to create a fantastic first impression for both your surveyor and prospective buyers.
Get rid of grotty sealant
Making one small change in your bathroom could make more of an impact than you may think. Tzana Webster, Sales Director at Watermans Legal, explains: “Get rid of mouldy, gross and grotty sealant around the bath or shower tray. It’s such a cheap and easy thing to repair that will not only make a massive difference to the look of the bathroom, but it can also make a big difference with your Home Report surveyor. A surveyor will note that worn sealant can lead to water spillage, which can cause rot or damp behind the shower tray or bath panels, which can put buyers on edge. If it’s not mouldy, the surveyor won’t comment and you have a very happy Home Report, with lots of ‘category 1’s!”.
Give your kitchen a quick makeover
We know that not every kitchen is Instagrammable, but with some quick fixes, you can freshen up tired cabinetry to give your kitchen a new lease of life. Try painting the cabinets in an on-trend colour – think deep blue or sage green – and replace worn handles. In an instant your kitchen will look newer and more attractive, helping to boost the value of your property overall.
Highlight a sunny spot in your garden
South-facing gardens are traditionally the most desirable, but of course not every home has one. If yours faces in a different direction, boost its appeal by paying attention to the area that gets the most sun during the day. By accentuating this space with furniture or fairy lights and plants, you can highlight that your garden is a valuable outdoor asset, whichever direction it faces.
Make eco-friendly improvements
More and more buyers are looking for environmentally friendly homes to help with the climate crisis (and the bills), and the rating your home receives on its EPC certificate can certainly impact its valuation. Making as many eco-friendly changes as possible in your home can make all the difference when it comes to selling. Try switching lightbulbs for smart LED lighting and improve insulation where you can – you don’t need to install expensive solar panels or electric car charging points to make your home more appealing, but every little helps.
Get rid of stains and watermarks
Surveyors and buyers alike will be on the lookout for any suspicious stains in your property that might hint at future repairs, as Tzana Webster explains: “You’d be surprised at how many properties I visit (especially top-floor tenement flats) where I notice old, dried-out watermarks or stains from previous leaks on the ceilings or in corners of rooms. The sellers will always explain that it’s not an issue and has long been fixed – well, paint over it then! Don’t draw the eye to a previous issue, that could be a recurring issue.”
Refresh your paintwork
It’s an obvious one, but many sellers don’t think about the difference a lick of paint can make – and it doesn’t always need to be repainting whole rooms. If your walls are covered in small marks, chips or scuffs, spend time touching up the paintwork – it makes all the difference when it comes to your Home Report.
Care for or cover your floors
Many properties, particularly tenement flats, have wooden floorboards, but as with all period features, these can quickly show signs of age. A cheap way to add value to your home is to fix any loose or creaky floorboards, sand them and oil them, to immediately improve their condition.
If they look grubby or worn but are otherwise in good condition, you could also consider laying on-trend patterned vinyl flooring on top, to instantly add impact and help you on your way to a better Home Report.
Arrange a house valuation through an ESPC solicitor estate agent
ESPC solicitor estate agents cover areas across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, the Scottish Borders, central and west of Scotland, and Dumfries and Galloway. So, whether you live in areas around Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dumfries or Dunfermline, you can get a free property valuation with an ESPC solicitor estate agent.