Home improvements that will increase your property’s value (and things that won’t)
Whether you’re staying in your home long-term or know you will be moving on in a few years, there are plenty of things you can do over time to gradually add value to your home.
With the right improvements, you can add thousands to your home. Some work may just be maintenance to retain the value, and some may be a worthwhile investment to really increase that sales price.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
1) Kitchen Renovation
What Works: A modern, functional kitchen can significantly add value to your home. Think sleek countertops, energy-efficient appliances, and ample storage space.
Cost: Depending on the scale of renovation, a kitchen makeover can set you back anywhere from £5,000 to £20,000.
Value: On average, a new kitchen can add 5–6% to the price of your house.
2) Bathroom Remodel
What Works: Like kitchens, bathrooms sell houses. A new bathtub, shower, and stylish fixtures can make potential buyers swoon.
Cost: Expect to shell out around £3,000 to £10,000 for a bathroom remodel.
Value: With a bathroom remodel, you could add 4–5% to your home’s value.
3) Loft Conversion
What Works: Need extra space? A loft conversion can be a game-changer. Whether it becomes a bedroom, home office, or entertainment space, it adds both square footage and value.
Cost: Prices vary depending on size and complexity, but typically range from £20,000 to £50,000.
Value: A loft conversion could add a healthy 20% value to your house.
4) Extension
What Works: If you have the space, extending your home can be a smart move. Whether it’s a single-story extension for a larger kitchen or a two-story addition for extra bedrooms, more living space equals more value.
Cost: Prepare to invest anywhere from £20,000 to £100,000 or more, depending on the size and type of extension.
Value: An estimated 10–23% can be added to the value of your house, depending on what type of extension you go for.
5) Energy-Efficient Upgrades
What Works: Going green isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for your wallet. Installing double-glazed windows, upgrading insulation, and investing in a new boiler can all increase your home’s energy efficiency and appeal.
Cost: Prices vary depending on what you choose to upgrade. If you decide to just upgrade your boiler, this can start at around £1800, whereas other upgrades can cost from £5k upwards.
Value: Making these upgrades could boost the value of your home by 14%+.
6) Curb Appeal
What works: First impressions matter. Sprucing up your front garden, adding a fresh coat of paint, and replacing an old front door can instantly boost curb appeal and attract potential buyers.
Cost: Depending on the scale of improvements, enhancing your home’s curb appeal can cost anywhere from £500 to £5,000.
Value: While it may not seem like a huge change to your house, increasing the curb appeal can increase the value by up to 10%.
7) Upgrading the electrics
What works: People can understandably be put off a home with unsafe electrics. Having new wiring, lights, and plug sockets can give people peace of mind that they won’t run into problems with the electrics down the line.
Cost: To rewire a home, you can expect to spend between £4-5k based on a 3-bedroom house, and it will take anywhere between 2 and 10 days to complete the work.
Value: You’ll have more committed buyers who won’t be put off by dodgy electrics. You won’t be caught out by surveys buyers have carried out leading to a price reduction once an electrical problem has been discovered.
What doesn’t increase the value of a home in the UK?
– Swimming Pool
What Doesn’t Work: Surprisingly, a swimming pool might not add as much value as you think, especially in the UK’s unpredictable climate. It can be expensive to install and maintain, and many buyers see it as more of a liability than a luxury.
Cost: Installation costs can range from £20,000 to £100,000 or more, not to mention ongoing maintenance expenses.
– Over-Personalised Upgrades
What Doesn’t Work: While it’s essential to make your home feel like yours, over-personalised upgrades might not appeal to potential buyers. That bright pink feature wall or custom-built aquarium might be a turn-off for some.
Cost: Personalised upgrades vary widely in cost but may not yield a significant return on investment when it’s time to sell.
In conclusion, when it comes to adding value to your house in the UK, strategic upgrades can make all the difference. Focus on improvements that enhance functionality, energy efficiency, and aesthetics while avoiding over-personalised or niche upgrades that might not appeal to the broader market. And remember, it’s not just about increasing your home’s value—it’s about creating a space you love to live in, too. Happy renovating!
