OPINION: Improvements '“ are they worth it?

with Andrew Richardson, director, Jackson-Stops & Staff

A recent survey suggests that the average homebuyer spends about £4,000 on home improvements within four months of moving.

These changes are typically things that had little bearing on the decision whether or not to buy the property, but more about turning a house into a home.

Examples include ripping out a rather dated bathroom suite, changing the light fittings, adding a garden shed, replacing kitchen unit doors and painting the walls a different colour.

But how far should a vendor go when deciding what improvements to make before putting the property on the market for sale?

We would of course be happy to advise on this at the same time as providing you with a suggested market price and marketing plan, but generally speaking properties tend to fall into different categories of condition.

Each category appeals to a different sector of the market and the rule of thumb is that if your house is generally very well presented, it is usually worth repairing/updating anything that falls short of the standard of the rest of the house, such as a rotten window frame or shabby carpet.

If however, your house is basically scruffy – don’t be ashamed!

It is likely to sell to someone who wants to make improvements, so don’t waste your money on superficial enhancements.

When you come to sell, why not ask us for our opinion?

We go to great lengths to understand our buyers’ needs and we can help you present your house to reflect these, which could save you money and reduce some of the stress as you prepare for your sale.

Please feel free to get in touch.