The housing market may have taken a downturn at the start of the year, but things are on the up – in part thanks to the Government’s stamp duty holiday. If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market in the next few months, there are a few simple things you can do that won’t break the bank which could have a dramatic impact on the value of your house.
First impressions count
We’ve all heard of kerb appeal, and having an attractive exterior can really be the difference between a full-ask offer, and one that comes in way under asking. While we may be used to the broken guttering or the dead bush by the driveway, these things can put prospective buyers off.
Before going to market, give the outside a tidy-up – especially on the day the photographer is coming. Ensure bins are out of sight and the lawn is freshly mown. And if you’re not green fingered, why not spend a few hundred pounds on some low maintenance perennials?
Fresh coat of paint
When selling your house it’s important to remember everyone has different tastes, and while you might like your bold feature wall, your new buyers might not. The key to a successful house sale is appealing to a wider audience.
Neutral colours in warm whites and pale greys will always look clean and bright and will help people picture themselves in your house. If you’re sticking to a tight budget, you could just paint high traffic areas such as hallways and doorways. This fresh lick of paint will instantly lift any interior.
Convert your loft
A loft conversion – if executed well – will always add value. And with many of us working from home for the foreseeable, having a flexible space that works well as an office and a spare bedroom could really pay dividends.
A typical conversion costs around £500-£600 per square metre and is a much cheaper alternative to an extension. And with a loft conversion adding around 21% to the value of your property it might be a worthy investment. You’ll have to take a look at your budget and do the sums to figure out if it’s worth doing.
Sort out the structural issues
There’s no worse feeling than having a buyer pull out of a sale because of a bad HomeBuyer Report. Not only could this impact the purchase of your new home, but the longer your current house sits on the market the lower your chances of achieving a full-ask offer.
If you think your home might be suffering from structural issues, it’s better to get them sorted before you put your property on the market. Whether it’s rising damp, a leaking roof or just some broken roof tiles, ensuring your home is in the best sellable condition will ensure you achieve the best price possible for your house.