As a homeowner, there are many different reasons why you might decide to improve your property, and most home improvements not only increase saleability but also add value to your property. Depending on your budget and what improvements your home needs, you could be improving its overall décor or be dramatically changing a whole room.

It may not come as a surprise to you that kitchens and bathrooms are the two most common home improvements, but do they add value? Research by NAEA Propertymark found that 65% of homeowners have renovated their kitchen, 29% have installed a new bathroom, and 22% have added an extension with the aim of increasing the value of their home.

Here are the top 10 home improvements that will increase the value of your home

1. Kitchen

Considered the heart of most homes, the kitchen isn’t just a place to cook, which is why homeowners are ensuring that their kitchen is a focal point for all the right reasons. If you’re improving to sell, kitchens can be costly but there are alternatives to a complete renovation, such as painting cupboard doors and replacing handles, which can instantly update and refresh a tired kitchen. Keeping surfaces clean and clutter-free can also change how a space feels.

2. Garden

Spending a little time tidying your front and rear garden can be a quick and cheap way to create a good first impression. Particularly in the summer months, potential buyers will consider whether your outdoor space suits their lifestyle, by keeping it tidy and clear the space will instantly appeal to any visitors. A few pretty plant pots and fresh flowers are cheap to buy and easy to maintain.

3. Home Tech

Smart home gadgets are taking over our homes, adding thousands to its overall value. Smart technology such as Hive allows you to control your home’s heating remotely, which makes your home stand out to buyers. Smart devices such as speakers, security cameras and light bulbs are also popular gadgets that can increase your home’s value.

4. Bathroom

When potential buyers are looking at a new home, the kitchen and bathroom are the two rooms that they’re likely to need to spend the most money on updating. Keeping the overall look neutral and clean will appeal to most buyers. You can freshen up your bathroom without breaking the bank by replacing taps and shower screens/curtains and using neutral coloured paint.

5. Entrance

As we’ve already stated, first impressions really matter. You have already tidied up your garden but what about your entrance? Your front gate, path and door should all be welcoming so give these a lick of paint, clear away the weeds and add lighting where needed.

The rest of the top 10 home improvements that add value are double-glazed windows to keep out any unwanted noise, general maintenance around the home, open-plan living areas, loft conversions, and giving function to a spare room, such as a home office, to appeal to more buyers.

If you would like advice from your local estate agent about which home improvements would add value to your home in the current local property market, give our team a call on 01633 870777.