5 Tips on How to Increase House Values
by Carly Morson on Feb 17, 2020
If you’re looking for ways to increase the value of your property and make potential buyers weak at the knees, these five handy tips on how to increase house value are a great place to start. First things first though - always check the current value of your home before you plan renovations to establish if they make the best financial sense. For example, if you’re selling your property in Mayfair, study the price of other properties for sale. Should the cost of your renovation project push your property over the current top-out point of other properties in the neighborhood, renovations could end up costing you more than they make you.
Target kitchens and bathrooms
Of all the rooms in the house, the kitchen and bathrooms have the most power to seal that deal. A newly-renovated kitchen can make all the difference between your property being on the market for months, or being snapped up in a flash, plus it can add up to 4% to the value of the house. Buyers will be enticed by a sparkling kitchen, with decent appliances, that they won’t have to lift a finger to make liveable. Likewise, a bathroom can add between 4-5% to the value. If you can’t afford to have the whole thing renovated, adding a second sink, giving the room a lick of paint, and installing a fancy shower can have a similar effect.
First impressions count
It’s not all about the inside of the property – outdoor space is top of most buyers’ wish lists. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a garden, make the most of it to guarantee your potential buyer falls in love with your property at first sight! A new door and a mowed lawn can be enough to put a twinkle in their eye before they’ve even stepped inside. Similarly, installing a deck or landscaped patio can win people over easily, especially if you set it up so they can visualize entertaining friends on warm summer evenings. Also, landscaping is one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways of pushing up your home value and can add up to 10% to the value of the property.
Transform your existing space
If your property has cellar space, you can add as much as 30% to the value of your home by converting it into additional living space. One significant bonus of this type of renovation is that you won’t require planning permission for the job as it’s only classified as ‘change of use’, which keeps things nice and straightforward! In London, most plots are restricted from expansion outwards by neighboring properties. Therefore, owners are opting to build up, or have basements dug out beneath their properties or under their gardens (which works out cheaper). Conversions of this nature are charged on a per square meter basis, with the average cost of a 25 square meter basic fit-out (under the house) costing around £87,500 + VAT. A cheaper, less disruptive option to convert your garage into additional living space. This has the potential to add up to 15% to the value of the house.
Modify the floor plan
Buyers just love open-plan properties, so a sure-fire way to add value to your home is to open up a closed-off floor-plan. Removing a wall here or there, particularly to link a kitchen and living room, has the potential to add thousands to the home value.
Bump up the square footage
As a general rule, bigger homes equal bigger price tags. Adding an additional bedroom increases the value and also broadens the list of potential buyers. Many people hunting for the perfect home will consider viewing properties with more rooms than they need, but very few will look at those with less. A loft conversion that adds an extra bedroom and en-suite bathroom can add around 15% to the value of the property. Another popular way of adding square footage is with a side-return extension. Many semi-detached or terraced houses have a narrow alley by the side of the kitchen, which is essentially wasted space. Opening the property out to the full width of the plot can completely transform the downstairs of a property. A conservatory is another winner that can push the value of your property up by 10%.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
95796 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
74456 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71821 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
52899 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30639 Views
Latest Articles
How Much Does It Cost To Take A Bath?
Plumbers know that a bath may seem like a relaxing luxury, but the real cost extends far beyond your water bill. The average soak uses 35 to 50...
on Apr 8, 2025
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Bathroom Countertops: Top Factors to Consider to Make the Right Choice
A classy and beautiful countertop can give a quick makeover to your bathroom. They are available in a huge range of styles, colors and patterns....
Top Reasons to Keep Overhead Door in Working Condition
Preventative upholding assists keep cars running and furnaces dirt free. It is recommended adding your overhead door to the list of appliances that...
How to Protect Your Home From Burglaries
Hopefully, you are reading this as a preemptive measure, but too often people don't consider their home security until after the worst has already...
3 Things to Consider Before Building a New Home
Building a new home is definitely an exciting experience, but it is also one of the biggest investments you will likely ever make. In order to...
3 Important Reasons to Purify Your Water
When improving your house you should take very precise attention to your kitchen, because according to the statistics this is the place where...