Home improvements that offer the best return on investment

Home improvements that offer the best return on investment: With UK house prices up almost 4% the previous year, if you are hoping to strengthen the value of your home to sell in the future, it is wise to invest in those improvements that are likely to bring the greatest return. Of course, you may also be hoping to create a property that works harder for you, whether that means generating rental income or providing a more efficient home for you and your family. Whatever your motivation, it is wise to choose those improvements when it comes to the valuation of your house.

Whether you are looking to increase the value of your property in order to sell or simply to make your home work harder for you, there are a number of home improvements that are likely to increase the value of your home more than others. In order to reap the greatest returns, it is best to focus on improvements that increase the value and potential of your home and that also improve the way in which you are able to use your property on a day to day basis.

Refreshing kitchens

Many properties have a tired kitchen that is still functional but perhaps not the prettiest space. The potential return on investing in a full kitchen refit is often less than expected as the vast majority of kitchens are not designed to be visually stunning but to be functional. A kitchen that is neat, clean, and well-lit with modern appliances is often far more desirable than one with the latest and most expensive finishes. Look to update the cabinet doors, replace worn worktops, add some modern handles and try to improve the lighting. New taps, modern energy efficient appliances and a fresh coat of paint to the walls can all make a huge difference to the overall look of the room and could cost a fraction of a full refit.

Typically it’s better to update the cabinet doors rather than opt for a full refit. Change the worktops to ones that are worn and damaged and give the kitchen a much needed update. Update the handles on the cabinets and give the kitchen a make over with new lighting. Update the taps to ones that are energy efficient and add some modern appliances. Then paint the walls with a fresh and modern color. When looking at updating your kitchen to gain value, it’s a good idea to have a good look at all the elements of your kitchen to see where money can be saved and where it will give the best return, for example if you have outdated or damaged cabinets it will draw attention to itself in a negative way, so it’s best to give them an update to show buyers the kitchen in the best possible light.

Creating more usable living space

Whether you choose to have a loft conversion, re-fit a garage or build a home office, extending a property to increase its living space will generally have a good return on investment.

The most profitable projects are those that are designed to meet local needs. So, in a family house in a street of other family houses, adding another bedroom is very likely to be more profitable than a games room. In areas where remote working remains common, a dedicated workspace can help your property stand out. So, it’s worth looking at other houses for sale in your area to see what other buyers are looking for and therefore how you can make best use of the space you have and add value to your property.

Enhancing kerb appeal

First impressions count and this starts from the outside of the property, therefore the way the property looks from the street is very important and can immediately make a good or a bad first impression on potential buyers. An untidy exterior can immediately give the impression that the rest of the property must be in a poor condition, whereas a well-maintained exterior gives a good first impression immediately and can start to win over potential buyers from the word go.

Whether you have a front porch or a small path up to the front door it is always worth giving it a good clean to remove any dirt, leaves etc. Also give the pathways leading up to the door a good clean. Clear any weeds from the pavement and give the paving slabs a good sweep to remove any dirt. Paint the front door to give it a fresh new look and make it stand out from the crowd. Repair any broken fencing to make sure that the garden doesn’t look like it’s been taken over by weeds and overgrown plants.

Clear any clutter from around the outside of the house and make sure that the bins are not left sitting on the drive. If the house has a driveway then give it a good clean and fill any potholes to make sure that the driveway looks in good condition. Repainting the front door, repairing damaged fencing, cleaning pathways and maintaining the garden can dramatically improve appearance at a relatively low cost. Add some clear exterior lighting to highlight the best features of the house and to make it look more secure.

Improving energy efficiency

Rising energy costs have made efficiency a priority for many buyers. A home that costs less to run often attracts more attention than a similar property with higher ongoing expensesLoft insulation, cavity wall insulation, double glazing and a more efficient heating system can help make a home more cost effective to run, as well as increase its value. Buyers regularly review Energy Performance Certificate ratings, making these upgrades increasingly important during the decision-making process. These assessments, which can cost anything from £60 to £150, can provide homeowners with a list of recommended improvements. Those that improve the energy efficiency of a home will not only increase its value, but also provide long-term savings by reducing the amount that is spent on heating and powering other systems.