10 ‘simple’ methods to ‘quickly transform’ your property

Property expert reveals the latest buying trends for UK

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With the cost of living crisis affecting households across the UK, many are opting to stay in their current homes, instead of looking to move. This is a great opportunity to increase the value of a current property, through small home improvements, most of which can be done with DIY. The experts at 123v recommended focusing on the bathroom and kitchen as well as installing a carport if possible.

1. Paint over wallpaper 

The experts explained: “A study by Hammond’s Furniture claims ugly wallpaper would deter 24 percent of prospective buyers. That’s a big slice of your market to lose, for something that can so easily be fixed.

“Replacing wallpaper with fresh paint is a simple way to add value to your home. What’s more, you can quickly transform your property’s character and feel without spending a fortune. Soothing greens and blues, as well as muted pinks, are en vogue right now, while colour drenching, painting woodwork like skirting to match the colour of your walls, is a great way to establish a more contemporary feel.”

2. Install a carport

According to the pros, garages can be slow and expensive to build, and may not fit with the aesthetic of a home. They said a carport offers a stylish, modern alternative, providing many of the same benefits.

They added: “They can act as freestanding structures or can be attached to the external wall of your property. Like garages, carports protect your vehicles against the elements, but can also double up as covered outdoor areas and a home for solar panels. 

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“What’s more, they are much more suited to smaller spaces, can often be installed in a single day and have been known to catch the eye of prospective buyers.”

3. Freshen up your kitchen

Painting tiles, rather than retiling altogether, can be a “cost-effective” way to modernise a space as well as hide cracks or chips. Likewise, adding vinyl to countertops can spruce up the kitchen for a fraction of the price of a new one.

The pros added: “Grease and grime can prove a major deterrent, so you’ll want to make sure walls are washed and appliances sparkling clean. Also, don’t forget to consider lighting – which can have a transformative effect on a kitchen’s character. Go for warm, bright spotlights, and avoid harsh strip lighting at all costs.”

4. Rejuvenate your facade

The experts continued: “Estate agents love to talk about ‘kerb appeal’ as first impressions mean a lot when you’re selling a house. It’s not uncommon for vendors to obsess over the inside of properties, only to totally neglect the state of the building’s exterior. A pressure washer can give stone or brick a new lease of life, while freshening up your window sills could make a massive difference. 

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“If you’ve got the paint out, why not give your front door a fresh lick? A new coat will add value – but you may also want to think about a change of colour. White and black have long been popular choices, yet there’s also been a recent trend for pastels – which give a sense of warmth, character and whimsy.”

5. Brighten up bathrooms

Like in kitchens, tiles can be painted over rather than replaced altogether. The experts recommended opting for fresh, bright colours and making the most of natural light.

Installing a new shower can add a wow factor, while plenty of storage can hide clutter to achieve a sleeker aesthetic. Above all, the pros said a bathroom should be clean and hygienic, with grubby spaces making a “dent” in your home’s value.

6. Refurbish fittings and fixtures

The experts explained: “Installing new draws and cupboards can be an expensive and thankless task. Instead, why not try reviving them with some simple DIY fixes? Cabinets can be cheaply updated by gluing on painted MDF panels, and it’s oh-so-simple to replace ageing fixtures with more striking, modern alternatives. 

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“The finer details around your house – things like taps, handles and lightbulbs – might at first glance seem inconsequential. Yet, these aspects come to inform the overall aesthetic of your property: a close focus on the little things could have a mighty effect.”

7. Transform spare space into a home office

The number of people working from home has risen in the last few years, a trend which shows no sign of reversing anytime soon, according to the experts. This means having a dedicated office space has become popular for many.

A cluttered spare bedroom could be cleared out and replaced with a simple chair and desk, or a spare space in the dining room could also be transformed. The pros said: “Several industry experts have said installing one should be at the top of a sellers’ to do list.”

8. Ergonomic storage solutions

Experts at 123v explained: “Another growing priority for prospective buyers is storage space. Fitted wardrobes are popular but can be slow and costly to install. Creating ergonomic, cost-effective storage solutions might be much easier than you think. Hanging hooks and open shelves can transform a kitchen – and bring character and warmth to a space. 

“Likewise, try removing unwieldy cupboards and replacing them with hanging rails or wooden shelving, which can be easily built into nooks and corners. This should declutter your property and bestow a more contemporary feel – while providing a practical solution that sets buyers’ minds at ease.”

9. Energy efficiency

Making your home energy efficient can help to cut down on bills, which will attract plenty of buyers if you are selling your property. The experts recommended insulating the roof and external walls which doesn’t cost “an arm and a leg”.

They added: “Filling up gaps in the floorboards can make a big difference too, while switching to LED lights will also help bring down your bills. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even install a solar panel or two – after all, few things entice buyers as much as the tangible prospect of future savings.”

10. Invest in your garden

An overgrown, unkempt garden is unlikely to attract any buyers to your home nor add any value to it. RatedPeople claimed a weedy garden could drive your home down by over £8,00.

This means replacing broken fences, mowing the grass and adding a few potted plants can quickly revive the outdoor space. The experts said if you want to think bigger, installing a decking or creating bordered areas can give the garden better framing.

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