8 Ways to Add Value to your Midlands Home

8 Ways to Add Value to Your Midlands Home

One of the most common questions we hear on a valuation or appraisal visit is, ‘How can I add value to my property?’ In this article, we'll offer insights from our many years of experience as independent estate agents who work across the Midlands on how to add value to your property. Whether you're a homeowner hoping to spruce things up or an investor looking for an edge, these tips will all help to increase the value of your property when it’s time to sell. 

1. Upgrade Your Outdoor Appeal
An often underestimated aspect of property value lies in the exterior, your home's first impression. Consider the happiness you feel when seeing a well-kept garden or a freshly painted fence - these small upgrades can do wonders for your home’s value!
Begin with your property’s kerb appeal – tidy up the front garden, get rid of any weeds creeping up from the driveway, and repaint the front door and garage door if you need to! If you’re serious about getting the highest offers on your property, it needs to look its best for the marketing photos, drive-bys and those coming to view your property in person.
Don’t ignore the rear garden , a manicured lawn, blooming flowers, or even a vegetable patch can improve your property's aesthetics and functionality. Giving your fence a lift with a coloured stain or garden paint and jet washing the patio off, in addition to some pretty pots, can work miracles - giving your property a much-needed facelift. If you have a summerhouse or outbuilding, make sure this is looking it’s best too and has a clear use – maybe a garden room, a fun bar, office or home gym.

2. Embrace Smart Tech
Technology isn't just a luxury anymore; it's an expectation. Upgrading your property with smart technology can boost its value and improve your quality of life.
Think about installing smart thermostats for energy efficiency, smart security systems for peace of mind, and smart appliances to add that modern flair and ensure access to the fastest internet speeds available. These updates are increasingly in demand among property buyers in the Midlands, translating to a higher return on investment. Plus, they make life so much more convenient - and who doesn't love a bit of convenience?

3. Refresh Your Kitchen
Kitchens are said to be the heart of the home. It's where meals are prepared with love, and families gather and share their day. A well-appointed, modern kitchen can add significant value to your property.
While complete kitchen remodels can be pricey, and they won’t necessarily be carried out to every potential buyer’s taste, even small upgrades  can pack a punch and make your home more appealing to a prospective purchaser. Consider refreshing cabinetry with a lick of paint or new fronts, updating work surfaces and old appliances, or installing a new, stylish backsplash. It's all about making your kitchen inviting, functional, and in line with today's tastes. If viewers see they need to spend money, they won’t make their highest offer. 

4. Revitalise Your Bathroom
Just like the kitchen, bathrooms play a critical role in property valuation. A clean, modern, and well-maintained bathroom can significantly enhance your property's appeal.
Upgrades can range from replacing outdated fixtures with sleek matt black or brushed chrome ones to installing eco-friendly toilets. Perhaps you could add a touch of luxury with a heated towel rack or swap out an old shower curtain or screen for a modern black framed Crittall-style screen and a luxurious rain shower head. You can modernise a plain white bathroom with some hanging or trailing plants and treat yourself to some new fluffy towels and funky pictures to hang on the walls. Whatever you decide, remember that a well-thought-out bathroom upgrade can really pay off!

5. Makeover the Master Bedroom
The master bedroom is your personal oasis. Upgrading this space can add serious value to your property. Aim for a neutral, soothing, and universally appealing design.
Upgrades can range from installing built-in closets to replacing old carpets. Wall panelling is increasingly popular at the moment and not particularly expensive to do. Even something as simple as a fresh coat of paint in a calming, neutral colour can have a considerable impact. 
If your budget allows you could even upgrade your bedding, furniture and lamps. After all, it’ll not only improve how inviting and luxurious the room looks, but these are all items you can take with you when you move!

6. Create More Space
Space is a hot commodity in the Midlands property market. If you can, consider ways to create more of it. This could be through a loft conversion, an extension, or even by knocking down a non-structural wall to create an open floor plan. Remember to get the right permissions first!
Not only does this add to your square footage, but it also gives the feeling of a more modern, spacious home, and may even allow you to add another bedroom or reception room, which will certainly increase the value of your property.

7. Don't Forget About Maintenance
Nothing deters potential buyers more than a property in disrepair. Regular maintenance is key to preserving and even enhancing your property's value. Attend to leaks promptly, keep the paint fresh, and ensure the heating system is in top shape; if you have a log burner or open fire, ensure the chimney is swept annually, replace any double glazing where seals have blown, fix any broken locks or creaky doors and floorboards, keep the house clean and tidy throughout - these might seem like minor details, but they can make or break a sale.

8. Home Staging for Maximum Profit

Selling an empty property? You may have heard of home staging, but how can it increase the value of your property?
In a nutshell, staging turns a house into a home, making it easier for prospective buyers to imagine themselves living in it. Big development companies create show homes for a reason! If you can give people house envy, you easily add value to your property, as they see your home as something to aspire to and wish for!

Home staging combines crucial elements that can turn property viewers into high-value offers. These include stylish furnishings, rugs, lamps, and tables, as well as artwork and scented candles.

So, there you have it! Simple, exciting ways to add value to your property. Not only do these upgrades make your home more appealing to potential buyers, but they also enhance your own living experience. So why wait? Start planning your property upgrade today and reap the rewards when you come to sell. 

For a Free Valuation, contact your local Arden branch; our friendly team of experts are here to advise and help you every step of the way!