How to add value to your home, 10 ideas

Thinking of moving house but can’t find the perfect property for your budget? Making some home improvements could be a great option and could mean you don’t have to move at all. Rising property prices, stamp duty, legal fees and removals add up quickly, making buying a new home expensive.

When you factor everything in, you’re likely to end up paying a hefty chunk aside from the investment in bricks and mortar. After that, of course, you have the stress of the house buying and moving process – sometimes it all goes smoothly, but at other times it can be lengthy and full of headaches. Instead, upgrading your current home can give you more space and boost its value, whether through small projects or larger renovations.

Read on to see how you can do this.

1. Try a conservatory

Merge the indoors and the outdoors by adding a conservatory, which gives you an extra room full of light, as it’s constructed mainly of glass. A conservatory can be a versatile room for entertainment, dining, or just to relax in.

A conservatory expands your home by providing additional space and increasing natural light. It also connects your home to the garden, allowing you to enjoy the view in any season.

Adding a conservatory can be a great way to increase your home's value. In some cases, it could add a significant amount. For a £300,000 home, this might mean an extra £15,000 or more, depending on the size and quality of the conservatory.

2. Consider a kitchen extension

Want a bit more room in your kitchen? Why not extend it? Depending on the layout of your home, you may be able to extend your kitchen further outwards, into the rear garden, or to the side of the property. An extended kitchen gives you a large space to play with. As well as a bigger kitchen, you could find the room to create a dining area, or a larger and lighter living space. It could transform your home and add extra value.

3. How about a loft conversion?

If you have a loft in your home but don’t really use the space effectively – and many homeowners admit to just storing ‘stuff’ in theirs – a conversion could give you an extra bedroom, perhaps with an en suite bathroom, too.

This may add value because an extra bedroom can make your home more attractive to buyers, especially families or those needing more space. It also utilises space you already have, which could be cheaper than building an extension.

4. What about a garage conversion?

Similarly, if you have a garage that you don’t really maximise, consider converting it to another room. Whether your garage is built into your property or is a standalone building located close to the house, you could transform it into a gym/leisure area, a guest bedroom or even a self-contained apartment.

Converting a garage can also increase the value of your home. By making the space more useable, you add to the total living area, which can help raise the home's worth. Many buyers are happy to pay more for homes with extra features like a gym, extra bedroom, or a rental unit. A well-planned conversion can make your home more appealing and valuable to buyers.

5. A garden renovation could be the answer

If your garden looks a little tired, a makeover could work wonders. Having it redesigned by a professional – perhaps adding paved or decked areas to section off part of the garden – can create a peaceful oasis of calm and make the very most of your outdoor space.

6. Add solar panels

Solar panels are a great way to increase the value of your home. They generate renewable energy, helping lower your electricity bills, which can make your home more appealing to buyers looking to save on energy costs. With energy prices on the rise, having solar panels can really set your home apart.

On top of saving money, solar panels are also great for the environment. More buyers are interested in homes with green features, and solar panels show a commitment to sustainability. So, not only can they help you save now, but they could also boost your home's resale value down the line.

7. Try double-glazing windows

Double-glazing windows can boost a home's value by improving energy efficiency. They help keep the heat in during winter and out during summer, which can mean lower energy bills – a big win for buyers.

Plus, they can reduce outside noise, making the home quieter and more comfortable. With fewer drafts and better insulation, double-glazing can make a home more appealing, which can bump up its resale value.

8. Revamp your home’s exterior

An exterior makeover can add to your home’s value by improving its kerb appeal. Simple updates like fresh paint or new siding can make your home look clean and well-kept. If your roof is looking tired, replacing it can add value too, giving buyers confidence they won’t face any costly repairs.

Other easy changes like upgrading your windows and doors, adding some outdoor lighting, or sprucing up the driveway can make your home feel more inviting. A little landscaping goes a long way too – tidying up the garden and adding a few plants can make your home stand out. All these small updates can help create a great first impression and increase your property’s value when it’s time to sell.

9. Get rid of clutter

Decluttering doesn’t directly add value to your home, but it can make a big difference in how it looks and feels. By clearing out unnecessary items, your space may appear cleaner and more organised, making rooms feel bigger and more inviting.

A clutter-free home can create the impression that it’s been well cared for. This could make buyers more inclined to see your home as well-maintained and move-in ready – potentially increasing its perceived value.

10. Addressing superficial defects

Fixing superficial defects doesn’t directly add value to your home, but it can make a big difference in how it’s perceived. Small issues like a leaking tap or cracked tiles may seem minor, but if left unchecked, they can lead to bigger problems like damp or water damage. Addressing these early can help prevent costly repairs and improve the overall look of your home.

Taking care of these little things shows that the home has been well-maintained, making it more appealing to buyers. While it may not increase the official value, it can enhance the home's perceived value and make a positive impression.

Will home improvements affect my home insurance?

Possibly, yes. If you’re planning to start a large scale home improvement project, you should inform your home insurance providers. 

If, for example, you’re having a two-storey extension built and the work is expected to take several months, your insurers will need to know there will be construction work taking place. As well as that, there will be builders and tradesmen entering and exiting your property regularly. If you’re not present throughout all of this, it means your property is unsecured and that more people than normal will have access to it. Your Insurer may also impose terms on your insurance policy during the work. For example, they may exclude claims caused by accidental damage while the work is ongoing.

After the work has been completed, you may need to update your home insurance provider, especially if the improvements have increased the number of bedrooms or bathrooms in your home. You’ll have a bigger property too, which may have an influence on the price of your policy.

The work may have changed the rebuild value of your property too, which could impact the cost of your buildings insurance.

If you’re strongly considering embarking on a DIY or renovation project and want to get a clearer idea of how much value such improvements would add to your property, first get a selection of quotes from professionals to do the work. Then, ask an estate agent to value your property before the work starts – and ask their opinion on how much value your plans could add. The chances are, they will know of properties in the same area that have had similar enhancements and improvements carried out and a have guide price in mind.