Would new windows and doors add value?

[lincslady2]

We are hoping to move next year, and are decorating at the moment. We are considering having new windows and doors fitted, but are concerned that we may not get the money we spend on them back, when we do sell the house. The property is nine years old, and currently has wooden windows, which are starting to look a little worn.
Any advise would be very welcome, thank you.

[brian]

I think when upgrading a house, the value comes in two potential forms:

1. Direct investment in value
2. Increase speed of sale

I think if the frames may put off buyers, then you may be looking at a slower sales process, or else buyers haggling the replacement price out of the value you're trying to market at anyway.

I personally think that anything that may help improve the speed of a sale has to be a positive thing.

[Steve]

Could you not maintain what you have and get it all painted?

What would you go for? Brown or white UPVC??

How many doors and windows are you thinking?

[Rob]

If you have someone come's and look at the house and likes it but comments on the windows and doors offer to have them done but if not why waste the money? You might have new doors and the new owner might not like them and change them anyway, just make sure the windows are double glazed because if there not that really puts people off.

[John @ www.eviee.co.uk]

Hello Lincslady,

If you look at selling your house from an energy efficiency point of view (as this is becoming an increasingly important factor for people when choosing property) then purchasing windows and doors that are the most energy efficient and keep the heat within the envelope of the building could be advisable. However, with you moving out of the property in a year i would be unsure if the value this would add to your property would cover your initial outlay.

John