6 affordable ways to add value to your home

So you want to increase your home’s value without spending a small fortune? Extensions and conversions may cost the earth, but there are plenty of cheaper options to give your house a new lease of life – and make it more attractive to buyers.

Work from the outside in

What does a potential buyer see first when they take a look at your house? The exterior, of course. Make a lasting first impression by keeping the front of your house in tip-top condition. Giving your front door a new lick of paint costs next to nothing, but will immediately spruce your house up a bit and make it seem more welcoming.

As well as painting the front door, you can replace old house numbers with new, brighter options. A new doormat, a few potted plants on either side of the garden path, and an out-of-the-way spot for your wheelie bin will all brighten up the front of your house.

Don’t forget the garden, either. Keep your lawn neat, your flower beds well-organised, and your sheds and fences painted, and your house will automatically be more attractive to buyers.

Go minimalist

You don’t have to go full-on zen – just make sure your house is less cluttered. If you’re serious about selling your home, then you’ll need to make it look as spacious as possible. Either tidy things away or, if you don’t really need them, throw them out. That way, it’ll be easier for a potential buyer to visualise their own possessions in your space.

Refresh your kitchen

In any home, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms. Make sure it’s looking its best by clearing out the clutter, adding a splash of paint to any tired-looking walls, and replacing old appliances with matching modern options. These don’t need to be expensive – they just need to look good.

If you’re willing to spend a little more, consider replacing the doors on your cupboards and cabinets if they’re starting to look their age, or replacing the blinds and curtains with stylish white Venetian blinds.

Brighten up the bathroom

Bathrooms start to show their age sooner than any other room in the house. A deep clean – taking the time to get rid of limescale and built-up dirt – can be enough to give your bathroom a new lease of life. Or consider replacing small pieces, like your toilet roll holder and plunger set, with timeless chrome alternatives.

A new toilet seat, shower curtain and shower head can also add a bit of a boost here. None of these are expensive to source, and can make your bathroom look new without going to the trouble of a complete overhaul.

Lighten up

When you’ve been living in a home for a long time, you may not realise just how dark it is – but that’s the first thing any potential buyer will notice. Add extra lamps, ideally coordinating, to literally brighten up any space.

Check your curtains, too. If they’re too thick, they could be stopping your rooms from getting enough light. Look for alternatives, or just take them down and give them a good cleaning before any viewings.

Look for planning permission

Even if you’re not going to build an extension yourself, it can’t hurt to apply for planning permission. This costs under £200, but just having the permission can be hugely attractive to buyers, adding thousands to your property’s value. If a buyer knows that your property can be altered, then it opens up their options and gives them one less thing to think about. Make their lives easier, and you might just make yourself a bit richer!