More and more people are becoming disillusioned with the performance of traditional pension funds and are seeking to invest in the property market. Some of those with spare capital are buying properties to refurbish and sell whereas others are buying properties to let. Without a doubt improving your property wisely will add value to it when you come to move, however it is worth remembering that certain alterations may decrease rather than increase the value of your property.

• Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses. If you have a very out-of-date kitchen and an avocado colour bathrooms suite change them! Prospective buyers will instantly be put off by old fashioned sanitary ware. When people buy a property they are often stretching themselves financially so they may not be able to modernise these rooms immediately. So if you have done it for them it may just clinch the sale.
• If your home does not have central heating or good insulation do get it fitted. People expect it these days.
• Properties are usually valued on the number of bedrooms they have so don’t be tempted to knock two small bedrooms into one or lose a bedroom to create an extra bathroom or gym. It could lose you money.
• Conservatories are a good investment. But don’t build one so big that it takes over your garden and do make sure that the style is in keeping with your home. Try to buy the best you can afford with proper foundations and double glazing otherwise it could be a bitter disappointment. Bear in mind that if you have a south facing garden you may have to spend a large sum of money on roof blinds to avoid the boiling hot ‘greenhouse effect’ in summer. Don’t forget you may need planning permission.
• A loft conversion is a great way of adding space to your property but make sure it doesn’t make the property top heavy. There is no point in having a property with 4 bedrooms and only one tiny reception room. If you do a loft conversion make sure it complies with Building Regulations otherwise it cannot be classed as an extra room when you come to sell.
• Make sure that any extensions are in keeping with the age and style of your property and the neighbourhood. An ugly extension may give you more space but it won’t necessary make your home more marketable. Don’t build an extension which sacrifices most of your garden. People do like open spaces! Extensions that add value are usually sitting rooms, downstairs toilets, bigger kitchens, ensuite bathrooms, studies and garages.
• Whilst the ‘open plan’ look is definitely in at the moment do think twice before knocking two reception rooms into one. Remember that when your property is on the market most people will be interested in the number of reception rooms rather than the size of them.
• Improving your home is fun but do make sure that you don’t price the property out of the market place. Every road or street has a ceiling price and buyers will not necessarily go over that because your property has far superior facilities to those around it.
• Whilst your taste might be ultra modern never be tempted to rip out any period features in your home. They really do help to sell properties and, as a company, we spend a lot of time putting them all back!
• Don’t add tennis courts or swimming pools to your home unless you live in a huge mansion. They will devalue rather than add value to your home.

Most importantly enjoy your home and make it work for you. But do just bear in mind that maybe, one day, you may want to sell it!

For further information on improving your property contact Southover Design for a FREE consultation.