Small but mighty: modest improvements that add the most value & appeal

An article recently published by Property Reporter effectively sounded the death knell for big budget home improvements. Instead, it used information from property firm Stacks to claim purchasers were being drawn to good value properties that needed more manageable, achievable – and cheaper – upgrades.

Gone are the days when a two-storey extension was the default position. Instead, buyers want to make modest improvements that make a big difference to appeal and value. The switch means purchasers need to appraise properties in a slightly different way, taking the advice of their estate agent before they make an offer.

So, what are the small improvements that will make the biggest difference?

Restoring/repairing original features: if you see a period home on the market that’s been stripped of all its character, or is in a state of disrepair, an opportunity to add value may await. Checkatrade.com says restoring original features can add up to 30% to a property’s value.

Many people find tracking down ceiling roses and fireplaces from salvage yards, restoring sash windows and stained glass, and returning a home to its former glory a fulfilling project, with a boost to the home’s worth a happy byproduct.

Creating extra bedrooms: in most cases, increasing the number of bedrooms in a property will increase its value (by up to 15%, according to Nationwide) but it's a balancing act. The added value must be worth more than the project’s costs. This can be tricky when extending a property due to the rising cost of materials and labour.

Carving an extra bedroom out of the existing floorplan is the savviest move. When looking at properties for sale, check the bedroom dimensions - one that’s unusually large could be divided into two using a stud partition. Usually an improvement of this nature won’t require planning permission but may require building regulations approval.

Providing more bathrooms: buyers are increasingly motivated by how many bathrooms there are versus bedrooms, with one bathroom in a large family home proving a real turn off. With clever planning, however, it is possible to add an extra bathroom to a property without extending, potentially increasing the home’s worth by 6% in the process.

There may be an opportunity to steal space from the biggest bedroom to create an en suite – a simple stud partition can divide the area. The improvement doesn’t have to be as grand as a bathroom, however. If a property doesn’t have a ground floor cloakroom, consult with a builder or architect to see if it’s possible to add one to an under-stairs area.

Converting existing space

At the more involved end of the spectrum are conversion projects, which use the existing square footage to yield more liveable space. Checkatrade.com says converting your loft or an attached garage could add up to 20% to a home’s value.

While conversion projects of this nature don’t usually require planning permission, there may be local restrictions, such as being in a Conservation Area or living in a listed building. Converting your loft or garage will almost always require building regulations approval.

Remodel the layout

Perhaps the most complex improvement of all that doesn’t require an extension is a remodel. This is usually performed on the ground floor as modern lifestyles now demand modern layouts.

If a house for sale has a series of small rooms, you can increase appeal and value by switching to a more open plan set up – especially if you can create an eat-in kitchen diner with access to the garden. A redistribution of space may also allow you to create a home office or a utility room – both sought-after features. Be mindful that there may be restrictions on what’s possible if the property is listed and you will need building regulations approval, especially if you are removing load bearing walls. 

We sell properties of all ages, sizes and layouts and there’s bound to be a project waiting for you. Contact us if you’re planning to move - we can match you with your future home.