Buying, selling and letting - Renovating to sell

Beat the housing market and add value to your home

Although the outlook for the housing market is on the gloomy side, there are still buyers out there looking for the right home. And one way to make sure you make a successful sale is to present your home in its best possible condition.
In this climate many are opting to improve rather than move – but many others will still want or need to change their circumstances, so vendors are advised to make sure their home has the spec and the décor that brings in the buyers. The right improvements can add real value to a property - and often don't require a big financial outlay or months to complete.
The organisers of The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which is at the SECC, Glasgow on 17 & 18 May, have got some great tips for anyone who is looking to improve their home with a view to selling in the near future.

Update your kitchen
One of the key rooms in your home, the kitchen can be given an effective makeover for only a modest outlay. If your carcasses are in good condition, consider adding new doors, handles and worktops. Alternatively, spray paint your existing cupboard doors to give them a fresh new look.  Remember that in a small house a new kitchen can cost as little as £1,500 to £2,000 excluding fitting.

The business of bathrooms
Replacing a coloured bathroom suite for a white one could cost you as little as £500 and will completely transform this important room. If the walls look dingy, think about re-tiling. At least one shower in the house is a must for most people today. If your bathroom is too small, create a shower room by taking space from a larger bedroom. A basic shower room need measure only 900mm wide by 2.6m if it is to include a WC and basin.

The smallest room
Most homes have scope somewhere for a downstairs loo and this will invariably add more value than it costs. Many buyers see a downstairs loo as a must-have. Consider understairs space, a section of the hall or a large cupboard. A loo needs only 1.3m2 and today's compact sanitaryware allows even the smallest space to be used effectively.

Be clever with your conservatory
A conservatory often requires no planning permission or Building Regulations approval and can be quick to build. A standard kit conservatory bought off the shelf (kits start at just £1,299) will add space and value but an integrated conservatory or sun room creating extra living space can add much more. Generally, the greater the proportional increase in floor space and the more usable the space, the more value it will add.

Aspiring to lofty heights
According to the Halifax, a loft conversion can add the most value to your home. If a property is in the right location and the project properly managed, it is possible to recoup 100% of the amount spent. As a general guide, expect to pay between £750-£1,000 per m2 - that's considerably less than the cost of the average extension. The best way to add value is to use the conversion for further bedrooms and an en-suite bathroom.

A window onto the world
Shabby windows can put buyers off before they even get to the door but don't assume that replacing windows will automatically make a difference. Windows that are the wrong style, size and character can seriously damage appeal and value, particularly in a period home. However, double glazing is essential for many buyers and will add at least as much as it costs to the value of a property so it will never be money wasted.

Kerb appeal
Improving kerb appeal costs little but can give a great return. Tidying up the garden and driveway, re-pointing brickwork or stonework, painting doors and windows and other external joinery, replacing an old garage door and repairing cladding and render are all worthwhile investments.

Maintain the structure
Structural repairs and updating services such as heating and wiring should always be top priority. Ignoring the basics such as damp, structural movement or outdated wiring is a false economy. If a property is ready to move into, you'll broaden its appeal to a larger number of buyers, increase its value and sale price. For advice on finding a builder, visit fmb.org.uk or meet them at the Homebuilding & Renovating Show

Never forget the basics
Painting and decorating is an excellent, cost-effective way of giving your home a new lease of life and can really put value on your house – but keep it neutral and  hold the purple paint.  Newly painted rooms in neutral colours appear bigger and brighter, improving your home's appeal and saleability.

Do Your homework
Get as much information as possible by buying specialist magazines. This time of year is also good for exhibitions on home improvement and property investment