Adding value

[weaverhomes]

How can we add value to our 1 bed garden flat.

We have thought of the following things - will this help:

1) Revamp the kitchen with a new kitchen (it is in need of repair)
2) Repaint the house
3) Do the garden up (also in need of sorting out) by putting in some nice decking and gravelling the lawn over and putting in some shrubs and plants.
4) Double glazing the windows

What do you rekon? We are very keen to get this all done in the first two months of living there and would like to be in a position in two years time to move onto the next rung of the ladder - possibly keep the flat and have a buy to let mortgage.

[brian]

It's worth bearing in mind that making the place look neat and tidy and welcoming may help with the value, but additionally help with the speed of the sales process.

Personally, I think if you find yourself selling in adverse market conditions, then anything done to help improve the property adds to the overall sales process - so even if repainting doesn't add £££ to the property value, it makes it more likely to sell.

Do remember to focus on being neutral where possible (in terms of colours and decorating), and bear in mind your target buyer - ie, if likely to be bought by a family, leave the garden with grass for children - but
if more likely a single person or couple, keep the garden low maintenance (as you've suggested).

Overall, best of luck with it and hope all goes well for you.

[pippaw]

New boiler if yours is older than 10 years.
Extending kitchen
Adding a second bedroom
Adding a car parking space if possible.
Extending into loft space if any.
If its leasehold, look into purchasing the freehold


1) Revamp the kitchen with a new kitchen (it is in need of repair)
2) Repaint the house
3) Do the garden up (also in need of sorting out) by putting in some nice decking and gravelling the lawn over and putting in some shrubs and plants.
4) Double glazing the windows

[John @ www.eviee.co.uk]

Hi,

As far as double glazing is concerned, i would be surprised if any new properties are built without it nowadays, and therefore if many people would buy an existing property without it unless they had no alternative. Even if you end up holding onto the property, double glazing would help keep heat in your home and save you money on your energy bills, paying for themselves over time.

Hope this helps.

John

[gdwebs]

Definately - look at rearranging the layout so its more user friendly and make use of the space as much as possible.