If you’re looking to make the next step up on the property ladder but are struggling with jumping up to the next price bracket, it could be time to consider making changes to your current property to increase its value.
Beirne & Wise have a 10 step guide on how you can add to your homes' value:
Turn the garage into a living space
If your garage has become a dumping ground for all your old junk rather than a space to park your car, it is worth considering transforming it into a usable space. So why not take a look at your garage and think about what you could do? Turn it into a playroom for the kids, a home office, utility room or home gym.
High Cost. High Impact
Create a driveway
In some urban spaces, parking is very important and to be able to park right outside your front door can come at a premium. If you have a front garden that is going to waste perhaps consider paving it to create off-street parking. It will certainly increase the appeal and value of your property.
High Cost. High Impact
Attic conversion
This is probably the easiest way to add extra living space and a bathroom to your property without causing too much disruption, and can typically add around 12-15% to your property’s value. It is essential to consult an architect or builder who will tell you if you need to strengthen the joists and any other changes you might need to make to the structure, to ensure it is safe and liveable.
High Cost. High Impact
Go for glass
Whether it’s adding bi-fold doors or building a conservatory or sun room, making improvements to how your outside and inside space flow could add as much as 15% to the value of your home. A conservatory or sun room adds another room to your living space, and designing it as a little oasis to sit and relax in will increase its appeal to potential buyers. Bi-fold doors are a clever option, they give the illusion of an extension making the outside space into a functioning living space you can enjoy during the summer months.
Medium Cost. Medium Impact
Update your kitchen
The kitchen is usually the heart of the home so if yours is looking a little tired now is the time for a revamp. A cost-effective way is to repaint or replace doors and update any integrated appliances. If you have some money to spend on creating an open living space this could make it more saleable and increase the value of your property.
Medium Cost. Medium Impact
Improve your garden
A tidy and well-designed garden can add a great deal of value to your home. Whether you have a large green space or a cute courtyard, outside spaces have become a room in their own right. Investing money right now could not only make it more enjoyable to live in.
Low Cost. Medium Impact
Buy a new front door
You’ve heard about curb appeal and there’s nothing more off-putting than a bad front door. Whether it’s damaged, neglected or just plain ugly it can give potential buyers the wrong first impression. While it may not add thousands to your home’s value like a loft conversion does, it will certainly help with first impressions and more viewings from potential buyers.
Low Cost. Medium Impact
De – Clutter- less is more!
Clean the windows, hoover the carpet, plump those cushions, ensure beds are neatly made ! A homeowner can do a lot to improve their property’s internal appearance to entice prospective purchasers. First you need to begin by depersonalising and de-cluttering the place. The general rule? Get rid of a third of your stuff. If you haven’t used it in the last month, store it. Holiday decorations, baby gear, seasonal clothes, the sandwich toaster you use twice a year — they can all go into storage.
Low Cost. High Impact
Light it up
A dark or poorly lit home feels damp and depressing. Brighten it up by using natural and artificial light. Add some extra lamps to a room. Increase the wattage in your bulbs to instantly brighten up any room. “When you leave for viewings, turn the lights on and open the curtains and blinds.” A fresh coat of paint can also brighten a room and a deep clean will help brighten skirtings, architraves, windows, and light fixtures.
Low Cost. Medium Impact
Update your Bathroom
Bathrooms make a big impact on buyers, so think about changing the sanitary ware and tiling. A cheaper option would be to re-grout the current tiles, and change the taps on baths and wash hand basins.
Medium Cost. Medium Impact
Thinking of selling, if you would like help and advice on your property market value, we would love to hear from you so get in touch with Beirne & Wise Estate Agents today. Call on (01) 288 0900 or drop us an email at info@beirnewise.ie
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