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Thinking about selling your home? Consider home renovation first

Renovation is a fantastic way to increase the value of your property while realising the added enjoyment of having a refreshed space.

Over the last 12 months we have seen the Bank of England base rate rise to 5.25% and the average house price by 1.4%[1]. This has led many homeowners to reconsider selling and instead look at how they can improve their properties to mitigate the reason they were originally looking to move.

Even if you are not looking to move, there are improvements that can be made to your home that over time may save you money, add value, or simply make your home a more enjoyable place to live in.

In this article, James Glover, Head of Regulated Lending, explores ways to improve the value of your home and things to consider before investing in your property.

Adding comfort and value through home renovations

Whether or not your home needs renovation, it can be a fantastic way to increase the value of your property while realising the added enjoyment of having a refreshed space.

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Luxury attic bedroom

Create more space in your home

One of the most common reasons people look to move is for more space, be it because their families have grown or the way they use their home changes, such as the recent shift to working from home.

Often creating more space means going up (into the attic), down (creating or extending a basement), or out to the rear of the property. But before investing in a significant building project it pays to consider if the layout of your existing home is optimal.

A far more cost-effective approach may be to consult with an interior designer or architect to explore if you are using your existing space in the most efficient way for you and your family. This approach may only require interior renovations which will be significantly less costly than building an extension or digging out a basement.

Improving functionality

With hybrid working looking set to stay, we are spending more time at home than ever before – unsurprisingly we are therefore demanding more of our homes. 

Health and wellness have become a focus. Incorporating a well-equipped home gym, yoga studio, or even a wellness spa can give you somewhere to escape to at home. 

Adding cutting-edge smart home technology into your home is almost a given, but you should concentrate on what will enhance the functionality and convenience of a home, rather than the latest gimmick or craze. Features like automated lighting, security systems, climate control, and entertainment systems not only increase a home’s value but improve daily life.

Creating a specific entertainment or recreation area can also make a residence more flexible – and therefore more desirable. Creating a space that can be customised to suit multiple interests not only improves functionality but can also create a personal oasis within your home.

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Bathroom with private sauna
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Modern bathroom in the attic room

Interior renovations

Investing in a high-end interior can instantly improve the value, look and feel of your home but remember having a ‘wow’ factor interior should not compromise your homes’ practicality. Below are some suggestions on how to achieve this:

Selecting premium materials, such as marble, granite and exotic woods for surfaces like floors and countertops can quickly create an opulent atmosphere but consider wear and tear. Just because a material is expensive  does not mean it will be hard wearing, in fact it can be quite the opposite; many expensive materials need a higher level of care and maintenance to keep them at their best.

Kitchens and bathrooms are focal points in any home. For kitchens, investing in top-of-the-line appliances, custom cabinetry, and innovative storage solutions can make all the difference. The kitchen is considered the heart of their home, which means as a space it can often see the most use, therefore practicality is key, carefully consider the layout and accessibility, look at what works well in your existing kitchen and work to improve on unused or unutilised spaces.

For bathrooms, features such as free-standing bathtubs, wet room and rain showers can add a touch of home-spa luxury. However, before investing in the latest innovation in shower technology ensure you have the basics right: simple things such as underfloor heating, storage and ventilation can often be an afterthought and yet without them the luxury look and feel of a well-appointed bathroom can quickly be lost.

Exterior renovations

When people think of home improvements most will envisage improving the interior, with a new kitchen, bathroom or redecorating, but don’t overlook your property’s exterior.

Increasing the value of the property ‘curb appeal’ should always be a consideration, and even if you are not looking to sell, a refurbished exterior can change how you feel about your home. Improvements such as repainting rendered brickwork, landscaping your front garden, or resurfacing your driveway can make a noticeable difference.    

If we focus on the garden, landscaping can have a substantial benefit, not in improving the visual appeal of your home, but it can also create an extension to your home, adding accessibility and functionality means you will spend more time out there. Although the weather in the UK can be temperamental at best, a well-planned garden can provide usability for all weather types and seasons, with amenities such as a pool, outdoor kitchen or well-appointed outbuilding or covered patio.

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Swimming pool area in the garden
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Houses with solar panels

Security and privacy enhancements

We all want to feel secure in our homes, therefore security and privacy should always be a consideration when investing in your home. A high-quality security system will make a property more appealing if you are looking to sell it, but will also make it more enjoyable to live in or leave when you go on holiday giving you year-round peace of mind.

 

Environmental and sustainable changes

Sustainability and eco-friendliness are highly regarded, catering to an increasing environmentally conscious market will make your home more appealing. When making changes to your home be aware of what impact this will have on the environment. Are your actions making your home more efficient? Even luxury properties can benefit from reducing their environmental impact and in turn reducing their operating costs.

If you feel you have exhausted the potential of your property or it fundamentally no longer meets your needs, then selling may remain your best option, but hopefully we’ve provided some helpful alternatives and ideas to help you make the most of your home.

 

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[1]  Based on last 12 months to December 2023 – ONS - UK House Price Index - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

 

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Author -

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James Glover

Head of Regulated Lending

James Glover is Head of Regulated Lending at Arbuthnot Latham. He has thirteen years’ experience in banking and has been at Arbuthnot Latham for seven years.

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