10 ways you can add value to your home without spending a fortune
Want to increase the value of your home without undergoing the cost and hassle of major renovations? Here are 10 cost-effective ways you can add value.
When it comes to selling your home, your asking price isn’t only shaped by location, size, or condition. Homeowners may be pleasantly surprised to learn that other factors can significantly increase their property’s value.
In a competitive housing market, standing out from the crowd is important. In this article, Patrick Garner, installation manager at Property experts Martin & Co, and Hester Van Hien, professional organiser at Tidylicious, have teamed up to share 10 cost-effective factors that can add value to your property.
1) Remove clutter
Clearing clutter is a free way to maximise a room’s potential and prevent it from appearing smaller. Work on one room at a time, and work your way clockwise through the room. Divide all items into categories and put any unwanted items on a discard pile straight away.
Gamify the decluttering, turning it into a scavenger hunt, which might be the way to get your children involved. Another way is to play the Minimalism Game developed by The Minimalists – a 30-day challenge where you get rid of one thing on day one, two things on day two, and so on.
Prospective buyers also need to see themselves living in your home, so show character and try to sell them a dream. Additionally, for tenants dealing with housing issues, such as disrepair, creating an appealing home environment can be crucial.
If you’re facing challenges like damp, leaks, or structural issues, consider addressing them promptly and exploring options like a claim for housing disrepair to ensure your rights are protected.
If you want to go for homely, but not too personal, try art on the walls, or displayed in picture frames, instead of photos of your family; plants and candles instead of holiday souvenirs, and displaying your books by colour. It can make the difference between a cluttered bookshelf and an attractive display.
2) Add storage spaces
Storage is something you can never have too much of. First declutter, then organise. When you haven’t decluttered, you don’t know exactly what kind of storage you need. Many people hold onto items just in case, but in case of what? More often than not, the reason that follows doesn’t usually justify holding onto the item.
Now that hybrid working is here to stay for many of us, office furniture with a homely look with storage solutions have increased in popularity. Think folding or narrow desks with storage compartments.
In the kitchen, hang your pots and pans above an island. In your wardrobe, organise your hanging section by category, stand up your folded clothes, and coordinate everything by colour. This is also very much in line with Japanese tidying expert Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method®.
3) Keep your home clean
A dirty home decreases the desirability of the property. By staying on top of any spillages, mould or stains, you can promote a healthy environment which is attractive to prospective buyers. Cleaning windows is also an overlooked task, so make them shine.
In bathrooms and kitchens, ensure that any caulk or grout is clean and crack-free. It is a simple job which makes a huge difference to viewers as it shows the home is well-maintained.
4) Upgrade your boiler
Installing a new boiler could increase property value, according to property experts at Martin & Co. If your boiler is old, it may be worth upgrading to a newer model as an efficient boiler will significantly reduce your energy bills and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
To help us understand more about the cost of a new boiler, installation manager, Patrick Garner from Heatable offers his advice:
The average cost a new boiler (including thermostatic radiator valves) in the UK is around £4,000, but in reality, the actual cost will depend on factors including the type of boiler e.g., combi vs system, the model/brand of boiler selected, as well as location in the UK, since labour costs vary from place to place.
Similarly, the average boiler service including VAT is around £130, but again, this will be influenced by location with places like London typically charging a premium.
If you live in England or Wales, the government has a Boiler Upgrade Scheme which provides you with a grant to cover a portion of the cost for specific types of boilers:
- £7,500 towards an air source heat pump: £7,500 towards a ground source heat pump (including water source heat pumps and those on shared ground loops)
- £5,000 towards a biomass boiler: It is also good practice to check that your boiler works correctly and have it serviced minimum once a year to ensure your home is a warm and welcoming space.
5) Create ambient lighting
Lighting can alter a room’s perceived spaciousness and ambience. A well-lit space not only makes your home more inviting for viewings, but it offers assurance to prospective buyers that it is a comfortable and energy efficient living space.
Smart lighting lowers utility costs as they usually come with energy-saving features such as motion detectors, which can be a major selling point for environmentally conscious buyers. They also add a modern and sophisticated touch, increasing the value of the property.
6) Improve kerb appeal
First impressions count, and how your home looks from the outside can say a lot about the rest of the property, especially your front door. Ensure it has been cleaned and looks presentable, making it look smarter than your neighbours’ will make your property stand out.
A well-maintained exterior with a cared-for front garden, a fresh coat of paint, and tidy surroundings can instantly attract potential buyers. A new house number or name plaque can also go a long way.
7) Replace fence panels
A well-maintained garden enhances the property’s overall aesthetics, creating a positive first impression for potential buyers. Well-kept, attractive fencing can create an inviting and secure outdoor space which is highly desirable in today’s housing market.
If your current fence looks weathered, it is worth investing in new ones or adding a lick of paint to your existing panels, saving a job for the new owners.
8) Replace door handles and knobs
Handles and knobs of doors and cupboards are small details which can complete a look. Pairing their style with the theme of the room will transform the space. In bathrooms and kitchens, investing in new door handles and knobs can refresh the space and update its look.
9) Consider redecorating
Redecorating is the most obvious home improvement that can add value. A lick of paint can be relatively inexpensive and make a massive difference to a room.
Opting for subtle, neutral carpets and wall colours allows viewers to easily imagine themselves in the space as it is a blank canvas for them to personalise without too much effort required.
Poor interior design and unconventional colour choices can indeed have an impact on a property’s value, mainly because the new owner may need to completely redecorate it.
10) Enhance historical charm
Homes with distinctive architectural details or historical significance often increase your property’s worth, appealing to buyers with an eye for character. If your home stands out from the rest with unique features, capitalise on this at viewings.
Where possible, enhance your home’s historics by adding finishing touches, such as vintage lighting fixtures or antique furniture, to maximise its charm.
If you want to get the most out of your property, understanding these unexpected factors and leveraging them to your advantage can help maximise your home’s value when it’s time to sell.
For more advice on how to add value to your home, take a look at Martin & Co’s home improvement tips.
Hester Van Hien is a professional organiser from Tidylicious. She helps people to declutter and organise their spaces at home and in work, and is certified in the KonMari Method®, developed by Japanese tidying expert and bestselling author Marie Kondo.
Photo by Evelyn Paris
