One of the most common questions we’re asked by would-be sellers is how can they add value to their property and make it more attractive to prospective buyers.
In general – if you’re thinking short term – then it’s often wise to tread carefully. The truth is that everyone has different tastes – what might suit one buyer won’t necessarily appeal to another. So spending time and money renovating the kitchen or bathroom, for example, does not always bear fruit.
A much better alternative is to ensure the house is priced correctly and that it’s presented in the best possible way. Give rooms a fresh lick of paint, fix that squeaky door, declutter and keep the garden in good order.
Increasingly we’re finding that buyers don’t necessarily want to do a huge amount of work when they first move in, so the easier you can make it for others to see themselves living there the better.
Consider who is likely to be in the market for your home – a young family, upsizers, downsizers? First impressions are still hugely important and you might want to think about rearranging certain rooms or features to match their priorities.
For those planning ahead and thinking of moving in the next five to 10 years, then big ticket items – roofs, windows, increasing the square footage – are worth considering. If a house has good bones you will more than likely reap the rewards.
But the most important consideration is to ensure any alterations are based on your current needs.
The lifestyle benefits of having more space or an en suite bathroom for example often far outweigh the financial gains. And if recent experiences have taught us anything it’s that the enjoyment we get from our homes is now more important than ever.
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