How To Add Value Before You Sell Your Home

News at Fox Grant | 26/01/2016


 

Re-decorate & De-clutter

Bedroom Butlers BarnFirst impressions count.  Preparing your country house for sale is really important if you want to achieve the best possible price for your home. The first thing to do is to de-clutter and dress your country house for sale. Put in boxes any ornaments and possessions that are not required and only leave out what adds to the ambience of your home. Redecorate tired paintwork and consider replacing dated or tired fixtures and fittings, for example, light switches, light bulbs, door knobs, cracked tiles and broken windows.

 

Broadband

Broadband is becoming an increasingly important criteria on a buyers wish list. Properties are very much falling into those that have and those that have not. If you are fortunate enough to have Super-Fast Broadband then make sure you let your estate agent know and include it within the property particulars. If you are in the less fortunate position of not having Super-Fast Broadband then there are a couple of things you can do to improve the situation before you come to sell. Firstly, try to establish from BT when Super-Fast Broadband is going to be introduced to your area and secondly look into fitting satellite broadband. Satellite broadband will involve installing a satellite dish to your country house and will cost between approximately £16 - £60 per month, depending on which package you choose.

 

Seek Planning Permission

A relatively easy way to add value to your home, with limited hassle, is to apply for planning permission to extend your home. Or you may even have a plot in your garden suitable for a separate dwelling. The first thing to do is to get a survey and architectural plans drawn up and then you can apply to your local council for planning permission. Buyers are always keen on properties that have potential to extend and by having the permissions already in place, it removes any uncertainty from the buyers minds before purchase.

 

Update Your Kitchen

Kitchens are at the heart of most country properties and a new kitchen can improve the overall value of your country home. Take time to spruce up your kitchen. De-clutter the work surfaces and cupboards and make your kitchen as welcoming as possible. Remove overcrowded notice boards, children's artwork and fridge magnets so that your prospective purchasers can imagine themselves living in your property. If your kitchen is very dated, either consider replacing it or if that is out of the question, give it a facelift. Old cupboards can be painted a mutual cream, given some new handles and it's worth investing in a new work surface and taps.

 

Spruce Up Your Bathrooms

Bathrooms aren't as high up on the list of priorities as kitchens but they're still Bathroomimportant. It probably isn't worth investing in new bathrooms to sell a country house but it would be worth making the best of what you've got. Changing old and dated taps and making the colour scheme as mutual as possible will all help. It's also worth replacing any broken tiles, cleaning the grout and replacing any defective sealant.

 

Remove Dominant Trees

Trees are a very important part of the landscaping of a country house and should not be removed without the relevant permissions or due consideration. However, where a property has trees that dominate the garden or can cause structural damage e.g Leylandii or Willow Trees, it may be worth getting these removed before you put your house on the market so buyers can see the true scope of the garden.

 

Tidy Up The Garden

Garden pond viewA tidy garden gives a great first impression. Pay particular attention to the front garden and the front of your country home because this is what your prospective purchaser will see first. Cut back any out of control climbers, particularly those which have climbed so high they are dominating the front of your house or reached your guttering. Trim back any shrubs that have got too large, mow the lawn and strim the edges and give the patio and paths a good clean. A general de-weed throughout will ensure that your property is shown off to it's best potential. If you are short on time you may consider getting someone in to help you. This initial investment will be worthwhile as it should be reflected in the final sale price of your country home.

 

Convert Underutilised Spaces

Garages and attic space are commonly underutilised areas of many country houses. In order to maximise the sale price of your country home it might be worth looking into the cost of converting your garage or attic space to make additional living areas or even an annexe. You will need to speak with your local council to check whether you need planning permission or not, at the very least you will need building regulations.

 

Caution

1. Don't go above the ceiling price for your area

2. Adding bedrooms doesn't always add value

3. Don't overspend on your renovation works, ensure the money you invest will pay for itself and more.

4. Seek advice from your local agent before undertaking any major works to ensure that you will get a return on your investment.

5. If in any doubt, always speak with your local planning department before carrying out any works.