How To Add Value To Your Home (2024)

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If your home is looking a little rough around the edges, a good clear-out and a lick of paint could be enough to get it back up to scratch. On the other hand, it may well be time for some wholesale changes, especially if you’re considering selling up and moving out. Not only could you add to the appearance of your property, you could add to its value.

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How To Add Value To Your Home (1)

How to add value to your home

From emergency repairs to cosmetic changes, any work you do on your home should add to its sale price, or at least help retain its value. But if the improvement aren’t done out of necessity, think carefully about the changes you make as certain alterations add more value than others.

Homeowners can add significant value - up to tens of thousands of pounds - to their homes through making improvements. A newly landscaped garden or new kitchen can add enormous value - historically as much as 77% or 26% respectively (but remember that the property market is changing all the time, so these values are not guaranteed).

Here are some of the most effective ways to add value to your home:

  • Fit a new kitchen

    A new kitchen is the most common improvement carried out by homeowners, with revamped kitchens accounting for 25% of all home improvements carried out over the last five years. And it’s easy to see why – not only does a newly fitted kitchen make for an eye-catching addition to any home, it can also represent the best value returns, as a layout of around £7,500 can add as much as 26% on to the value of your property.

    It might also be worth combining the dining room and kitchen to create a more attractive, multi-functional living space. Having a new kitchen fitted is a big job that can involve work on the plumbing, electric and gas supplies alongside any construction work, so make sure you use a reputable company to carry out any renovations.

  • Build an extension

    If your family is outgrowing your current home, you might be tempted by a move away to a bigger property, but adding an extension to your current one could prove to be a more financially sound solution. In general, the bigger the extension, the more space it creates and the greater the value it adds to the sale value –a 2017 report from the Office for National Statistics(ONS) found that that a medium-sized extension of 25 square metres adds an average of £59,000 on to the price of a property.

    The type and size of extension will determine how much value will be added to your house, but your main consideration should be the type of extension that will suit you best. If, for instance, you need more living space, a double-height extension might be most suitable as it can add extra living space downstairs and an additional bedroom upstairs. If, on the other hand, your kitchen space is limited, you might want to extend out into the garden or onto your driveway. Bear in mind you might need planning permission before building an extension, and even just getting the relevant plans and permission in place can enhance the value of your property, even if you don’t have the work carried out. If you are getting the work done, bear in mind that building an extension represents a sizeable investment, so always be sure to use a reliable contractor to carry out the work.

  • Converting a garage, loft or cellar

    If you’ve not got the money, space or planning permission for an extension, it’s worth considering other options, such as building a conservatory or converting your loft, garage or cellar. If you’re considering a loft conversion, remember that you’ll need to make room for a full staircase and this in itself can take up a lot of room, so always plan thoroughly to make sure it adds all the space you need without encroaching on and limiting the space in other rooms. If you’ve the option of a garage, loft or cellar conversion, it’s worth considering which is the most practical for your specific needs and property-type, as well as which will add the most value. While all should add roughly the same amount of room to your house, a garage conversion is the cheapest option, at around £7,000, while you can expect to pay at least double that for a loft conversion. A cellar conversion is generally a lot more expensive, and you could easily pay in the region of £90,000 and only add around 10% to the value of your home.

  • Make it more energy efficient

    All homes are now rated for energy efficiency, and homeowners must invest in an energy performance certificate (EPC) when selling, so anything that makes your home more energy efficient will make it more attractive to potential buyers. Consider installing a new boiler or insulating the loft or walls, and bear in mind that fitting double glazed windows and doors can have the added benefit of improving the look of your home while making it more energy efficient.

  • Split your home into two or more properties

    If you own a particularly large building, you might be able to split it into two or more properties. But while this can add considerable value to your property, and even generate an income from rent, this is one of the more complex options. You might even need to move out while the renovation work is being done. If you want to split your property, you’ll need to get a solicitor on board to get advice on ownership of the freehold and drawing up leases for separate residences, and also work out if there are any legal barriers, such as caveats in the deeds, that could scupper your plans.

    But your first stop should be the planning department of your local council, as you’ll need planning permission for any work you do. You may even find there are local planning policies that could place restrictions on parking, the size of each flat or the number of rooms in each, or there could even be a general policy of not allowing conversions to flats.

  • Make it more open plan

    It’s amazing how much difference just knocking a wall through can make - a lighter and larger open-plan living area is often a lot more desirable than several ground floor rooms. This can be a relatively simple and inexpensive job for a professional, but prices can increase significantly if you have to remove a supporting wall.

  • Improve the garden

    A great looking garden can really make all the difference when selling your house, not only in the minds of any buyers but in terms of it valuation – the Post Office Money study found that shelling out around £2,750 on garden landscaping can add a whopping 77% onto the value of your house.

  • Give it a good clean

    If you’ve not got the time or money for wholesale renovations, then simply having a good clear-out and giving each room a lick of paint can make a huge difference. Although this won’t necessarily add any value to the property, making it feel a lot more bright and airy will certainly make you feel better about the place and will have a positive impact on any prospective buyers.

What adds most value to your home?

It all really depends upon the type of property you live in, but new research from Post Office Money has found that garden landscaping and new kitchens are the home improvements most likely to offer the biggest return on investment, adding between one-quarter and three-quarters to the value of the property for between £2,750 and £7,500 worth of work.

Splashing out £10,000 on a home gym can add as much as 44% on to the value of a property, while an £80,000 extension could see returns of 37%. At the other end of the scale, parting with £90,000 for a basem*nt conversion could yield a return of just 17%.

The least profitable renovations are the addition of a conservatory, which adds around 10% to a property’s value, a new driveway, which adds 9% and a wet room, which offers a return of just 7%.

The study, which polled 2,001 homeowners, found that three out of five (64%) made improvements to their homes, spending £14,015 on average. The analysis also found that homes with improvements such as a new kitchen, garden landscaping, extension or walk-in wardrobe had a market 10% higher than the median asking price of £286,000 for a three-bed semi-detached home in the UK.

What adds most value to your home?

Improvement

Estimated cost of improvement

Value added on average (%)

Garden landscaping£2,75077%
Gym£10,00044%
Extension£80,00037%
Walk-in wardrobe£3,40034%
Jacuzzi/hot tub£6,00027%
New kitchen£7,50026%
Swimming pool£30,00022%Est
Basem*nt conversion£90,00017%
Conservatory£9,00010%
Driveway£25,0009%
Wet room£7,5007%

(Common home improvements over the last five years by % value added, Source: Opinium Research for Post Office Money)

What will adding value mean for my mortgage repayments, or if I want to remortgage?

Making improvements and adding value to your home should make no difference to your mortgage repayments, unless you’ve remortgaged the property to release some equity to pay for the renovations. If this is the case, your mortgage repayments will increase in line with the rates and timescales agreed with your lender.

If you’re looking to remortgage after you’ve made the improvements, then you should find that there is a lot more equity in your house to release. This all depends upon the type of work you’ve carried out – not all renovations offer the same returns, as highlighted above - and bear in mind that remortgaging means your monthly mortgage payments will increase, so never take on more than you can afford to pay back, else you could find yourself in financial trouble.

At Post Office, we understand that everyone’s situation is different. That is why we have teamed up with Bank of Ireland UK to offer a new mortgage range that could work for you. Use ourmortgage calculatorto get an estimate of how much you could borrow.

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FAQs

How can I drastically increase my home value? ›

8 ways to increase the value of your home
  1. Clean and declutter. ...
  2. Add usable square footage. ...
  3. Make your home more energy-efficient. ...
  4. Spruce it up with fresh paint. ...
  5. Work on your curb appeal. ...
  6. Upgrade your exterior doors. ...
  7. Give your kitchen an updated look. ...
  8. Stage your home.
Jul 5, 2022

What would add the most value to a house? ›

Projects That Boost Your Home's Value
  • Remodel the kitchen. Updates to the kitchen pay off. ...
  • Upgrade the appliances. ...
  • Boost the bathrooms. ...
  • Remodel the attic or basem*nt. ...
  • Get decked out. ...
  • Boost curb appeal. ...
  • Improve energy efficiency.

What is the best way to add value? ›

Here are eight ways you can add value to your company's products or services:
  1. Be a customer. ...
  2. Submit high-quality work. ...
  3. Make a unique product. ...
  4. Encourage faster production. ...
  5. Adjust your marketing strategy. ...
  6. Ask the right questions. ...
  7. Become an expert. ...
  8. Focus on what you can do.
Feb 3, 2023

What makes a house appreciate in value? ›

Supply and demand play a key role in appreciation trends – so in a seller's market, home appreciation will increase, while a buyer's market may lead to home values staying the same or decreasing over time. Location: The area your home is in will also impact its appreciation.

What decreases home value? ›

What hurts property value can be things specific to your house — such as deferred maintenance issues, outdated kitchens and bathrooms, or a noisy location — or by outside factors such as your local real estate market or the state of the overall economy.

Does flooring increase home value? ›

So the short answer to “does new flooring increase home value?” is yes—if you're smart about your selections. The right upgrades also make your house move faster on the market. Follow these 5 pro tips to get the most out of this wise home investment.

What actually increases property value? ›

Supply and demand. The basic law of supply and demand have a major effect on the housing market. Simply put, as the housing supply decreases or as demand rises, creating an inventory shortage, home values go up. A real estate inventory shortage means that there are fewer sellers than there are buyers.

What are the top 5 ways to increase home value? ›

30 Tips for Increasing Your Home's Value
  • Tip 1: Spend an Hour With a Pro. Invite a realtor or interior designer over to check out your home. ...
  • Tip 2: Inspect It. ...
  • Tip 3: Paint, Paint, Paint. ...
  • Tip 4: Find Inspiration. ...
  • Tip 5: Cut Energy Costs. ...
  • Tip 1: Plant a Tree. ...
  • Tip 2: Low-Maintenance Landscaping. ...
  • Tip 3: Money-Saving Luxury.

What makes a property more valuable? ›

A home's value is affected by local real estate trends, the housing market, the home's condition, age, location and property size.

What increases your value? ›

Commit to adding personal development growth to skills, and you'll create the kind of value that leads to an increased salary. Treat your job as if it's your business. Understanding and developing the entrepreneurial mindset is one efficient way to add value to yourself and be seen as an asset.

What type of home appreciates the fastest? ›

Answer: Since 2012, the data is clear — single-family homes appreciate the fastest, followed by townhouses/duplexes, and then condos. Since 2012, the average single-family home has appreciated 69% compared to 27% for condos.

What are the four factors that influence value? ›

The current and future importance consumers place on the four factors of value (Desire, Utility, Scarcity, and Effective Purchasing Power) represents Demand and Supply of the product or service.

How do you tell if a house will appreciate? ›

Good signs for home appreciation
  1. It's in a great location. It's a real estate cliche, but for good reason: Location really matters. ...
  2. It's a smaller home. ...
  3. The property has value on its own. ...
  4. The home could use a bit of work. ...
  5. The local housing market is strong.

What hurts a home appraisal? ›

Updating appliances or any major systems, like plumbing, electrical or HVAC, can be costly, so if yours are outdated, it could affect the overall value of the home. And if the interior hasn't been changed for decades, it may not appeal to buyers, which can also cause the value to decrease.

At what age does a house start losing value? ›

If you haven't renovated your home in the past 30 years or so, it won't show well when you put it on the market. In other words, it won't get the same price as a similar home that's been maintained and updated.

What are the best colors to sell a house? ›

When you're painting your house to sell, you'll want to stick with neutral or earthy tones, though you can choose white, beiges, greys, or even off-white colors. Depending on the room, you can even choose neutral shades of blue or green (like in the kitchen). You'll also want to avoid white in bathrooms.

What flooring adds the most value? ›

You may have already guessed it, but the floor with the highest resale value is hardwood. Since hardwood is always in demand, it is an easy choice to up level your home.

What color flooring has the best resale value? ›

Dark hardwood flooring is in style. It makes your home easier to sell and also boosts your home's resale value. Shows off the furniture in the room. Dark hardwood floors have a way of contrasting with lighter colored furnishings.

Do buyers prefer carpet or hardwood? ›

It's a smart idea; hardwood flooring is preferred by home buyers and renters across the United States so it could improve the resale value of your home when it comes time to sell.. But consider all your options carefully. Here's more about flooring made from hardwood and why you might prefer it to wall-to-wall carpet.

Do appliances increase home value? ›

If you do have the budget for this it is also worth considering how much value new appliances will add to your home. For example, if your home is worth $250,000, these appliances could increase its value by $17,000. If you spend $13,000, you'll make an extra $4,500.

Does adding a bedroom increase home value? ›

An extra bedroom will typically add 15 percent to the resale value of a house. However, that may not necessarily cover the initial cost of a room addition.

What adds value to kitchen? ›

Update, Paint, or Replace Cabinets

Another one of Olhausen's favorite ways to increase the value of a kitchen is to update the cabinets. "Whether painting cabinets, updating hardware, or completely changing them out, this is a sure way to completely change the look of a kitchen," explains Olhausen.

Does adding a garage add value to your home? ›

Typically, the ROI of a garage addition is sixty-four to eighty-one percent, adding an estimated $20,000 to $35,000 to your home's value.

What are the 4 ways to value a property? ›

Top 4 Methods of Real Estate Appraisal
  • Sales Comparison Approach. The sales comparison approach assumes that prior sales of similar properties provide the best indication of a property's value. ...
  • Cost Approach Appraisal. ...
  • Income Approach Appraisal. ...
  • Price Per Square Foot.
Feb 22, 2022

What is adding value simple? ›

What is added value? Added value refers to the increased utility of a product as it passes through different production stages. This can be in the form of extra features on a product or service to increase its perceived value for the customer. A business may use different ways to add value.

What are some phrases about adding value? ›

The world needs people who can add value. Many people cross our paths either by choice or through Kinship. Those who are not meant to be part of our lives will leave but those with who add value to our lives will remain. Focus your efforts on adding value rather than on promoting your achievements.

How do you add value addition? ›

Value can be added by providing better or extra services in the form of after-sales services and better customer support. Value can also be added by improving a product in some way, or by including extras with the product.

What are the three things that value the most? ›

  1. Your Health. Treat your body with the respect it deserves. ...
  2. Your Friends. Spending time with friends is key to our emotional wellbeing. ...
  3. Gratitude. Appreciate the miracle of life. ...
  4. Your Reputation. ...
  5. Your Family. ...
  6. Your Education. ...
  7. Giving To Others. ...
  8. Life Experiences.
Oct 17, 2022

What determines your value? ›

According to the self-worth theory, self-worth is determined mostly by our self-evaluated abilities and our performance in one or more activities that we deem valuable. However, people commonly use other yardsticks to measure their self-worth.

What two things create value? ›

Creating value means maximizing benefits within an acceptable price point. Benefits and cost are the two key components of customer value.

What are 4 examples of value? ›

Examples of values include honesty, integrity, kindness, generosity, courage, and confidence. These values help individuals determine what is desirable or undesirable for them.

What are 3 ways to create value? ›

Three principal ways to create value within a company include organic revenue growth, growth through acquisition, and cost reduction.

What items appreciate in value the most? ›

Appreciating Assets: 9 Ultimate Examples
  1. Real estate. They usually consist of land or buildings used for residential or commercial purposes. ...
  2. Stocks. ...
  3. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) ...
  4. Commodities. ...
  5. Art. ...
  6. Private Equity. ...
  7. Saving Accounts. ...
  8. Bonds.

What time of year are home values the highest? ›

Particularly between March and August, purchasers are likely to spend significantly more money than they planned because home prices are higher during this time and are also being sold over the asking amount.

Where do houses sell the fastest? ›

Nashville was the hottest market, with an average listing time of 14 days. Seattle was the second fastest-moving, averaging 17 days. Omaha and Salt Lake City both averaged 18 days, and Cincinnati, Birmingham, Charlotte, Denver, Las Vegas, Manchester and San Francisco were also among the busiest.

What are three influences on values? ›

Your faith, culture, education, mentors, and personal experiences heavily influence your beliefs, and they can change over time. Your belief system then impacts your personal values. These are the things you identify as important to your personal well-being.

What are the four most important values? ›

Integrity, kindness, honesty, and financial security are typical examples of personal core values. Others often see these values as your character traits. For example, someone is known for always doing the right thing likely values integrity.

What are the five factors that promote good values? ›

The factors that enriches good values are,
  • Literacy.
  • Creating awareness and interests.
  • Trying hard till success.
  • Ones own evaluation.
  • Acceptance.

How much does a house appreciate in 5 years? ›

We show both the cumulative appreciation rate, and the average annual appreciation rate for each time period (e.g., last 5-years: 84% total appreciation, Avg. per year: 16.8%).

How do you buy a house that will appreciate? ›

Buy in a Good Area

Lower prices may tempt you to buy a larger home in a less affluent area . In some cases, when the area is “up and coming,” this may pay off. However, you are usually far better off purchasing a small- or medium-sized home in an area where property values are unlikely to depreciate significantly.

How often do houses depreciate? ›

Determine Your Asset Depreciation Method

The General Depreciation System will allow owners to depreciate a portion of their initial cost every year over a period of 27.5 years.

Does adding HVAC increase home value? ›

A new HVAC system is simply new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Does New HVAC Increase Home Value? We often receive the query, 'does new HVAC add value to home', and though there are a few factors to consider, the answer is that yes, generally it does. It can increase your home's value by up to 10%.

Does updating electrical increase home value? ›

If you hope to increase your home's value before putting it on the market, consider an electrical upgrade. Several electrical upgrades can increase your home's resale value and attract more potential buyers, including grounded outlets, an electrical panel upgrade, and home rewiring.

How much does AC affect home value? ›

So how much does a new HVAC system add to the value of a house? Installing a new HVAC system could increase your home's value by as much as $2,500-$3,000 or approximately 5-10% of the total value of your home. The typical cost of installing a new heating and cooling system is about $10,000.

Does air conditioning add value? ›

The short answer is, it depends. Air conditioning can add value to a home in certain circ*mstances, but it's not a guarantee. If you live in an area where air conditioning is a must-have, then it's more likely that it will add value to your home.

How much does a heat pump add to the value of a house? ›

Not only can a heat pump increase the value of your home, but it's also an investment that can make your home more energy-efficient. Heat pumps serve a dual purpose, replacing both heating and cooling systems.

What home upgrades are not worth it? ›

Key Takeaways. Extensive landscaping, solar panels, and luxury touches like heated floors are among the items that won't increase your home's resale value much. If you're hoping to increase home value, highly customized upgrades or improvements that do not have universal appeal probably won't help.

Do adding gutters increase home value? ›

Good gutters will attract buyers but don't necessarily add value. All that being said, gutters themselves typically won't increase the value of your home. They're standard, especially in areas with a lot of rain, and having them isn't anything special.

Does replacing outlets add value? ›

Adding outlets will improve your home's value:

If you have enough space in your breaker panel, adding outlets can help improve the worth of your home. Prospective buyers love to see easy-accessed outlets. It will also help keep you from overloading any circuits.

What is the best color appliances for resale? ›

Stainless is the best choice for resale for any and every brand. Why? Stainless is timeless. The appliance industry has almost put to rest the almond and avocado green that is nearly impossible to match for the consumer.

Do dishwashers add value? ›

It's not going to add value...but it'll drop your property from the list of buyers who want/need a dishwasher. Also.... it's not a big deal to install a dishwasher...if you have the space and you will be changing your kitchen cabinets....

What is a popular room to remodel? ›

The rooms most popular for expansions are kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms, the Houzz survey shows. 2. Remodeling budgets are rising. The median expense for home renovations in 2022 was $22,000—up 22% from 2021.

What costs the most in a kitchen? ›

While cabinets are the clear winner, some elements are next in line, too. Other expensive aspects of a kitchen remodel include appliances like the refrigerator, microwave, oven, and dishwasher that cost $7000 – $12,000 on average.

What adds the most value to a kitchen remodel? ›

12 Ways to Add Value to Kitchens
  • Add an Island. If you have space, add a hardworking island or mobile workstation. ...
  • Make Sure It's the Right Height. ...
  • Use a Neutral Color Scheme. ...
  • Refresh Cabinets. ...
  • Swap Out Lighting. ...
  • Update Fixtures. ...
  • Add a Splashy Backsplash. ...
  • Update Finishes.

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