In a dynamic property market like the UK, making your property appealing to prospective buyers is essential for achieving a profitable sale. Perhaps you’ve already tried some of the most fabled tips you read on pages such as this; you’ve had bread baking when viewers came round. You packed off the kids to your mum’s place for the day, and you lit a fire to invite a sense of cosiness.
But sometimes, some more concrete, tangible changes are required to woo potential buyers. That said, increasing your property’s resale value doesn’t have to break the bank. Innovative, cost-effective measures can also make a difference in commanding a higher selling price. Today, we’re exploring 7 foolproof but frugal ways to increase your property’s sell-on value.
Redecorate Any Rundown Areas
A fresh lick of paint here and a replaced tile there can make an enormous difference to how your home looks, pre-sale. It’s not so much about making it look stunning, but rather undertaking a little damage limitation on parts obviously not at their best. Failing to rectify minor yet noticeable details or not revamping run-down areas of your home will play on the mind of potential buyers, as it means they’ll have to fix the problems themselves.
It can also jeopardise trust between the buying and selling parties; ‘if the owner couldn’t be bothered to flush the toilet, what else could be lurking in their property?’ Which brings us neatly to….
Fix Or Upgrade Your Plumbing
Plumbing is undoubtedly one of the most critical parts of any home. Without it, well, we wouldn’t like to dwell on that thought. With this in mind, it’s safe to say that the quality of your home’s plumbing is something that buyers will look at with a keen eye.
If your property has any plumbing issues — such as blocked drains or leaks — or you want to upgrade your current system, then your best bet is to invest in a plumber. This isn’t really a job you can simply roll your sleeves up for and dive in to. A little professional nous is essential. While this of course costs money, the value it adds to your home will be worth it, especially if you shop around for a reputable plumber that offers reasonably priced services.
Renovate Or Repurpose Unused Space
If you’re someone who has a vacant room at home or an unused space such as a garage, demonstrating the benefit and usefulness of these areas is a fantastic way to increase the value and interest in your home. Renovating a key area or room for a specific purpose — such as a workshop or home office — can substantially increase your place’s value by emphasising its versatility.
Rethink Your Kitchen
The kitchen often serves as the heart of the home. So, investing frugally but wisely here can reap dividends. You do not necessarily need a full remodel to make an impact. Painting kitchen cabinets, updating hardware, or replacing an old appliance with a more energy-efficient one can mark a noticeable difference.
Read: 5 practical kitchen improvements that make an aesthetic and functional impact
Create A Sense Of Space & Maximise The Flow Of Natural Light
Creating a sense of space and brightness in your property is a budget-friendly way to increase its value. Look into strategic ways to declutter and utilise an intelligent storage solution, making your property appear more spacious. Meanwhile, invite more light into rooms by using lighter curtains, adding mirrors to reflect natural light, and optimising window placement.
Read: 7 smart ways to create a sense of space and natural light at home
Spruce Up Your Garden
As a recent survey by Openpropertygroup.com revealed, ”39% of homeowners specified that wildlife and nature were “more important than ever” to their well-being, and 45% of adults are spending more time outside than they did pre-pandemic”.
And whilst you can’t change the location of your property, you can ensure that its outdoor space is as inviting as possible.
Indeed, aesthetics matter a lot when potential buyers come for a nosy around. A good looking, well manicured garden can be a dealbreaker; it plays on our emotional response, as it enables interested parties to picture social gatherings, sunbathing, kids activities….and you certainly want suitors to be imagining an idyllic life in your property. So if your garden is neglected or overgrown, you’re not doing yourself any favours on the property market.
This isn’t to say you need a full Ground Force makeover, but tidying things up a little, cutting your grass and trimming some bushes will definitely make a difference. Adding some inexpensive furniture will give your outdoor space a hospitable feel. We’ve written a little more on the subject here.
Should you be left with lots of debris, when you hire a moving company to help you move out, they can assist in the disposal of some of the larger items leftover in the garden.
Bathroom Upgrades
A clean, modern bathroom can significantly bolster your property’s sell-on value. Again, a complete overhaul isn’t necessary. Updating fixtures, re-grouting tiles, or simply investing in a new toilet seat can enhance the look of the room without a significant financial investment.
Read: 6 simple tips for decorating your bathroom on a budget
Upgrade Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is increasingly important to UK homebuyers. You can improve your property’s energy efficiency without spending a fortune. Small changes like using energy-efficient light bulbs, sealing any drafts, or installing a smart meter can make a noticeable difference to your property’s energy efficiency rating. We’ve written about some simple hacks for bolstering your home’s green credentials here. Do check it out.
These cost-effective improvements not only add to the property’s sell-on value but also make it more attractive to environmentally conscious buyers.