There are many reasons you may choose to sell your current property. You may be buying a bigger property, downsizing, moving to a new area or moving to a rental property. Maximising the value of your property before putting it on the market can help you achieve a good sale price. At Bell Estate Agents, we understand the importance of presenting your home in its best possible light to attract potential buyers. We’ve put together some effective strategies to increase your property’s value before selling.
First impressions
Create a great first impression for potential buyers. You could improve the exterior of your property by tidying up the garden, and repairing any damaged fencing or gates. A smart exterior creates a good first impression and helps to entice potential buyers.
Update the interior
Making cosmetic improvements to the interior can increase the value. This may include repainting walls to cover any scuffs, replacing cracked tiles and fixing any leaky taps. You could also replace any worn carpets or flooring. Consider minor renovations if anything needs repairing or updating, but nothing that’s too costly. You don’t want to spend a lot on updates that will not increase the property’s value. This is especially the case if the existing condition will not detrimentally affect the property’s value. For example if the kitchen is adequate, it is not worth replacing, especially considering new owners may want to change it to their taste anyway.
Maximise space and light
Remove clutter and unnecessary furniture before photos are taken to show off the space and openness in each room. Maximise natural light by cleaning windows and removing heavy curtains or blinds. You can also place mirrors strategically to reflect light throughout the space.
Highlight the potential for extension or conversion
Perhaps your property has potential for extension or conversion, such as a loft or garage conversion. If so, you could think about obtaining planning permission to showcase these possibilities to potential buyers. Highlighting the potential for future expansion can increase the perceived value of your property. This may well attract buyers who are seeking additional living space.
Check out the energy efficiency of your property
Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) show potential buyers how energy efficient a property is. Unlike when renting out a property, there is no minimum rating required to sell. However you must have an EPC to sell your property. The EPC rating is displayed on sale listings. The better the rating, the more attractive the property may be to buyers. Improving the rating could also increase your property’s value.
Some of the ways you could improve your EPC rating include:
- wall and floor insulation
- energy saving lighting (i.e. LED lights)
- solar panel installation
- improved lost insulation
- double-glazed windows
- energy efficient boilers
- removing storage heaters and replacing with a more energy efficient heating method
Whether you’re looking to make minor improvements or undertake more extensive renovations, Bell Estate Agents can help guide you. We’re here to provide expert guidance and support throughout the whole selling process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your property selling goals.
