Spring is here – and it won’t just be wardrobes that will be getting a makeover.
March and April is also a popular time to carry out at Spring clean closer to home and finish those DIY jobs which have been put on the back burner.
For many the tweaks will be designed to make life a bit more luxurious. While for others they will be designed to help boost the chances of selling up and securing a quick property sale.
Property expert Jonathan Rolande, founder of House Buy Fast, says there are number of things people looking to sell up can do over the coming week.
He said: “Nowadays it is not solely about the outside of the house but more about what we see on the estate agents’ listings. A high-quality built-in storage can add to the overall allure of the house. Clutter-free space evokes feelings of calm and tranquillity. Exactly how you want the buyer to feel when they enter the property.
“If the walls are in poor condition – perhaps with peeling paint or discoloured from cigarette smoke – it might be a good idea to repaint them before listing the property. While painting walls typically doesn’t directly increase property value, it can significantly speed up the selling process. Neutral-toned walls serve as a blank canvas for potential buyers and their imaginations.
“Landscaping adds value too. A well-maintained garden can add even 10% to the value of the property. When people are viewing the property, especially in the spring and summer they imagine themselves drinking morning coffee and spending time with their loved ones. Wildlife-friendly gardens, teeming with bees and fragrant blooms, hold particular appeal – they’re low-maintenance, full of life, and can discreetly hide minor imperfections.
Outlining the top 5 DIY jobs he believes can boost a home’s value Jonathan added:
1. Sprucing up the front door with a fresh coat of paint and power washing the front path: This crucial first impression can add approximately £2,000 to the property’s value. And it can be finished in less than an hour!
2. Updating the kitchen, including painting old cabinets and replacing outdated hardware: Whether opting for a neutral or bold palette, a revamped kitchen can steal the spotlight and potentially add £7,000 to the property’s value.
3. Tackling quick-fix tasks: Addressing minor issues that often go unnoticed in day-to-day living – such as broken door handles, bathroom cord replacements, carpet threshold repairs, dead plants, wall stains, and faulty light fixtures – can increase the property’s value by around £2,000.
4. Deep cleaning and decluttering: Despite its mundane nature, this job is frequently overlooked by home sellers. Ensuring every item has its designated space and each room serves a clear purpose can create an illusion of spaciousness and warmth, potentially adding around £2,000 to the property’s value.
5. Upgrading to energy-efficient light bulbs to improve the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating: Achieving an upgraded EPC band can potentially boost the property’s value by approximately £3,000.
