Things you can do to unlock the value of your home

If you're looking to sell your home, investing in the redecoration and renovation jobs that need doing will help to present your property in a more favourable light to potential buyers.

There are numerous home improvement shows on TV that will tell you to paint your entire walls magnolia, or get some planters out front to improve your home's 'curb appeal' to passers-by.

But did you know that there are some other little tricks you can try, which can help increase the perceived value of your home to would-be homebuyers?

Parking a luxury car on your driveway during a viewing is said to have a positive psychological effect on visitors, according to a survey conducted by Avis. Of the 2,000 people questioned in the study, more than a third said that seeing a luxury car parked outside would give them the impression that the area was a nice place to live. Some even went as far as to say that a flash car would make them more inclined to raise their offer up to £4,300 above the asking price (source: Avis).

Plant a tree

Even if you're not looking to sell your home in the near future, planting a tree in your garden is a relatively cheap, largely overlooked improvement that many homeowners could do to make their gardens more attractive. As well as looking great, mature landscaping features such as trees are good for the environment, offer shade and make a lovely home for nearby wildlife.

Visually increase your homes square footage

Many home sellers' advice columns will encourage homeowners to extend, convert and utilize every square inch of floor space in their homes. However, if you have already maximised every nook and cranny and the space still feels a bit 'pokey', you can always take steps toward increasing the visual space in your home with a few clever optical illusions.

For instance, the inclusion of a mirror on the wall of a narrow hallway will give the appearance of a larger, more light-filled space. You can also change your window treatments from heavy drapes to light and airy cream curtains or blinds, to try and get as much natural light into your home as possible.

Resurface our driveway

If your driveway is looking past its best, with cracks and potholes in the concrete or paving, then you should consider resurfacing this area, in order to enhance your property's curb appeal. Getting the whole of your driveway repaved may be out of some homeowner's budgets, but you can always look at resurfacing your existing concrete in a number of different colours and finishes, for significantly less money than getting the whole driveway replaced.

Apply for planning permission

Even if you have no plans to extend your property or convert parts of it, it may still be worth applying for planning permission from your local council. This will prove to those looking to buy that your property has plenty of potential for change.

Getting a survey, planning and designing may cost you from a few hundred up to one thousand pounds, but if you cannot afford to extend your house yourself, securing planning permission for others will still make your home appealing to viewers and will add to the perceived value of your property.

Switch up your switches

Modernising your light switches and sockets to a design that looks more clean and contemporary is a sure-fire way to improve the overall appearance of any room, making it look more 'fresh' and expensively decorated. Dimmer switches are also a popular inclusion in living areas, as they give a nice, soft-light effect at night, which again will appeal to the potential home buyers who may look around your property in the evening time.

Update your kitchen cabinets

Many interior designers would advise spending the bulk of any redecoration budget on the kitchen. However, if your budgets are tight, you can 'cheat' the appearance of a new kitchen by just changing the doors and handles on your existing cabinets and drawers. It's wise to opt for a colour and finish that looks neutral, as this will appeal to the majority of people looking around your home.

Clean the windows

This little seller's trick can make a huge impact on visitors to your home and all it takes is a little elbow grease. Cleaning your windows allows more natural light to enter your home, which in turn will make the space seem more desirable to potential buyers.

If you want to go the extra mile, you could also consider installing sliding patio doors to the back of your property, to create that 'outdoors in' feel which many modern interior designers favour for communal living spaces.

Update your security

Home buyers like to feel safe and secure in their new homes, so updating your home security is likely to raise the perceived value of your home to potential buyers. The inclusion of a sensor security light to the front entrance is a great place to start.

However, be wary of going overboard with the security features, as overkill in this area may give viewers the impression that the area isn't very safe.

Whilst these tips may increase the perceived value of your property, you can read our ’Valuations Guide' for further information.

Want to find out how much your property is worth? Use our handy tool to find out how much value could be unlocked in your home.

If you think you might be looking to sell your home now or in the near future, then take a look at our ’Sell Your Property’ page.

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