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Investing in bricks and mortar has always been a smart move. While the residential property market may not be running at the pace it was at the start of the century, it's still consistently chalking up year-on-year price rises.
When it comes to giving your home added kerb appeal there are a number of sure-fire improvements you can make.
Here are ten ways you can increase the kerb appeal of your home.
1. Tackle any structural defects
Before you put your property on the market you should attend to any structural issues it might have. This could include:
All these issues can lower your home valuation and the value of any offer you might receive from a potential buyer. Cosmetic issues such as cracked bathroom tiles, dripping taps and wonky door handles might not lower the value of your property, but they can be off-putting to potential buyers.
2. Think first impressions
After you've tackled any structural issues, the next thing to consider is what first impression does your property make? The exterior of your home should look neat. If you have a garden, make sure it's well tended. Clean the windows, unblock the gutter, give the place a lick of paint. The overall appearance of your home is not just important to potential buyers, it will also impact on the valuation you receive. A neat, well presented home will usually sell at a higher price than an identical one that looks neglected.
3. Install automated gates
If you're thinking first impressions, there's one way you can make a real impact. When it comes to increasing a home's kerb appeal as well as enhancing its overall security, nothing competes with automated gates. Once the preserve of the rich, they're now a highly coveted feature that can add real appeal to your home. They act as a deterrent to criminals, add a degree of privacy and security, and also come in a range of styles and finishes. Privacy always commands a premium in the housing market, and automated gates can give a property an immediate 5% increase in value. This represents a considerable return on the initial outlay.
4. Extend your property
As a general rule, the larger your property, the higher the price it will command in the market. An extension, whether single or double storey, will generally increase the price of your home by more than the cost of having it built. The value of this increase tends to be compounded over time, meaning that you probably shouldn't build an extension thinking it will give you a quick return. If you need the extra space for a few years before you intend to put your home on the market, then it can make sense.
5. Add a conservatory
An easy way to add extra space to your home is by adding a conservatory. Creating a comfortable, sun-catching place to relax and unwind can add up to 5% to the overall value of your property. Depending on the size and current value of your home, this can be an easy investment on which to make a quick return. Homes with conservatories are often more attractive to buyers than those without. A conservatory is less likely to need planning permission than a full-blown extension and is usually quicker and cheaper to complete.
6. Loft conversion
If you don't want to go to all the trouble of building an extension or a conservatory, an easy way to increase your overall floor space is by converting a loft space. You won't need planning permission, and it's a relatively straightforward process for most homes. Whether you're creating an extra bedroom, or a home office, using the dead space in your loft can add up to 20% in value to your home.
7. Add a second bathroom
If you can do it without losing too much space, it can make good financial sense to add an extra bathroom to your home. In most cases, this will be an en-suite to the master bedroom. Taking a tiny box room and turning it into a bathroom can be an intelligent use of space but beware of reducing a three-bedroom home to a two bedroom one. Giving your existing bathroom an update can also help increase the appeal of your home but won't add much value.
8. Update the kitchen
Beautiful kitchens sell homes. It's often top of the list of factors homebuyers consider, but be careful how much you spend; this should be in proportion with the overall value of your home. There's not much point spending £20,000 on a kitchen in a home that's worth £200,000 unless you intend to stay in it for a few years. Open plan kitchen/living space is currently fashionable, but ensure the different zones are clearly defined.
9. Go green
Increasingly, buyers are placing environmental concerns higher up on their list of priorities. Eco-friendly homes are now believed to command 6% more in value than a standard home. Whether that's investing in high-quality insulation, good quality windows and glazing, installing solar panels, condensing boilers or heat pump heating systems, anything which promotes energy efficiency and reduces bills is now a real selling point.
10. Add a garage or off-street parking
Adding a garage to a property can add as much as 11% to a property's value. This is particularly marked in city neighbourhoods where parking is at a premium. If you have the space and the money, consider a garage with an extra bedroom above it. If you don't have the space, then see if you can create extra off-street parking. Bear in mind however, that buyers can be put off by too much concrete at the front of the property, so include space for plants.
To learn more about how electric gates can add value to your property and increase its kerb-appeal get in touch with the experienced team at LinkCare today. Call us on 01895 232 626 or email info@LinkCare.net
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