There are no two ways about it. Whether you’re selling a family home or a bachelor pad, selling property can be a real headache. A dated property can be even harder to sell in the modern housing market. If you want to do up your property to give it the best chance of selling but you’re struggling to know where to start, then you’re in the right place.
Probe your plumbing
Leaky pipes can really put buyers off purchasing a property. As well as worries about future repair bills, no-one wants to live in a damp house. This means that it’s essential to ensure that your property’s plumbings in tip-top condition. Plus, eliminating any leaks, can help to save you money on your water bills in the meantime.
Consider a new kitchen
Ripping out an old, tired kitchen and fitting a new one, before putting your home on the market, can really help your property to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Kitchens and bathrooms can be the most expensive element of home renovations. Ensuring that these rooms are up to scratch, even if the rest of the house needs a little TLC, can really help to sell your home to potential buyers.
Plus, the good news is, with a kitchen at least, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get something that looks great. If you have a few DIY skills, you can probably save money and fit most of it yourself.
Alternatively, if your budget is really tight, you could just change the worktops and replace the handles on the kitchen doors, to give your kitchen a fresh look.
Install a wood-burning stove
Over the past decade, wood-burning stoves have greatly increased in popularity. Installing one in your home can help to make your property attractive to today’s buyers.
Is there space for a guest room?
It’s becoming more and more common for people to rent out rooms in their homes on websites such as Airbnb. If your home has that extra space, maybe with an en-suite bathroom or even a kitchenette, this potential additional income stream could tempt buyers.
White paint is your best friend
There’s no accounting for taste. Which is why you should try to decorate your property in a neutral, light and airy way that won’t offend potential buyers. Yes, you can say that it’s easy enough for them to re-decorate when they move in if your green walls don’t suit their taste. But do you really want to risk such an easy-to-fix thing resulting in them choosing another house over yours?
First impressions are key
When potential buyers first enter your home, you are going to want to impress them. If you have a limited budget and can only afford to do up one part of your house, make sure your hallway is looking smart.
When trying to make your dated property stand out in the modern market, it’s important to know what buyers are looking for. Making your home as neutral as possible and ensuring that any problems, such as leaky pipes, are rectified, can help your home to appear more attractive.
Finally, remember that many people buy a lifestyle, rather than a home. The smell of freshly baked bread or a table laid out for dinner can go a long way towards making a house more desirable.