Property development is extraordinarily popular and there are dozens of programmes on the television devoted to just that. Experienced property developers can look at a house or flat and see exactly what needs doing in order to attract the best price. They know enough not to spend too much money on the wrong things, which is often what catches amateurs out. So if you have a property to sell and you are wondering where to spend your money for maximum value, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Tackle the Serious Problems
Leaking roofs, rising dampness, subsidence and insect infestations are all guaranteed to put off all but the most starry-eyed buyers. Nobody wants to spend their hard-earned cash on a property with a long list of problems; unless they are a savvy property developer of course.
If you want to achieve the best possible price, you need to fix all the serious problems before you put the property on the market. This doesn’t mean plaster over the cracks to hide the fact that the ground floor is sinking into the cellar – no, what you need to do is hire a builder and sort things out properly. Yes, it will cost money, but if you are planning to sell soon, you will get the money back.
Install a New Kitchen and Bathroom
Old-fashioned kitchens and bathrooms that have seen better days are very off-putting to buyers. Thankfully it doesn’t cost all that much to replace old fixtures and fittings and replace them with shiny new ones. Most DIY stores stock basic bathrooms and kitchens at an affordable price, and if you can do the majority of work yourself, you won’t have to spend a fortune.
New Windows and Doors
Energy performance is a very important selling point for modern homes. Buyers want to know that their new home won’t cost them a fortune to heat over winter. If the property has old windows, consider replacing them with new uPVC windows. Shop around for a good price and you might be surprised at how cheap the work is. Don’t forget to replace the doors, too. And if the job is too expensive, repair and re-paint the old windows so that they look brand new.
Keep it Neutral
Décor should always be as neutral as possible when selling a home. Wall-to-wall beige isn’t necessarily the way forward as it can feel a bit impersonal to a potential buyer but stay away from dark or lurid colours. Anything too loud will be off-putting to the majority of people and you will have to wait longer for a buyer to come along. If you want to add a touch of personality, add a ‘feature wall’ into key rooms such as the living room and bedroom. A gorgeous wallpaper or strong colour will add impact and make the property more memorable.
Lastly, remember that kerb appeal is very important. Don’t neglect the outside of the property, particularly the front. No matter how lovely the inside is people will lose interest if the garden is a jungle.