Mark Manning, managing director of Leeds and West Yorkshire estate agent Manning Stainton, shares his top 10 tips on cost-effective ways to add value to your property.
1. Makeover your kitchen
Mark says: "A great-looking kitchen always appeals to buyers and therefore adds value, but you don’t have to invest in a new kitchen to make it look great. Simply replacing worktops, doors and flooring can completely transform it and make it look like new." Photo: Shutterstock
2. Neaten up outside
Mark says: "First impressions count when selling your home, so creating an attractive outside space is a must when it comes to getting the maximum price for your home. Make sure your outside areas look neat and tidy. Buyers also like to visualise how they could enjoy the outside space, so create an attractive seating or dining area to help them visualise sitting or eating out there." Photo: Shutterstock
3. Decorate
Mark says: "Fresh paint in modern colours will give your home a new lease of life and make it look its best, so people will be more likely to pay a premium for it. It’s also a good idea to get rid of any garish or old-fashioned wallpaper or décor, as it can age a property and put buyers off." Photo: Shutterstock
4. Spruce up your bathroom
Mark says: "Like kitchens, great bathrooms are a huge selling point. If yours isn’t looking its best, updating it with a new suite and modern tiling will add value. And, if it’s not in too bad a condition, simply replacing taps and repairing and cleaning any unsightly tile work can transform your bathroom in a couple of hours." Photo: Shutterstock
5. Add storage space
Mark says: "Everybody wants good storage space, so incorporating clever storage solutions into your home will add value. This can be as simple as having your loft boarded out, clearing out your under-stairs cupboard and incorporating shelving, or putting up a good-sized garden shed." Photo: Shutterstock
6. Maintain and service your appliances
Mark says: "Well-looked after properties will always sell for a premium, so you can add value to your home simply by looking after it. Make sure you get your boiler serviced every year, have electrical safety checks every few years and get your chimney swept annually if you have an open fire or log burner." Photo: Shutterstock