What Are The Best Ways To Increase The Value Of A New-Build Home?
What Are The Best Ways To Increase The Value Of A New-Build Home?
Whilst new build homes are freshly constructed, decorated and furnished; it is a myth that there is little homeowners can do to increase their value other than relying on property market forces. Andrea Fawell, Sales and Marketing Director at Kebbell, shares her top tips on how to increase the value of a new build home over time.
1. Be sustainable and lower the bills. Some developers incorporate solar panels in their new builds and this is expected to increase over the next few years, but if your new house doesn’t have them already, then adding solar panels yourself can help to reduce your energy bills by as much as eight times and can increase the value of your home.
2. Upgrade the boiler. There will be no new installations of traditional gas boilers in new homes after 2025 so investing in a new energy-efficient boiler such as ground or air source heat pumps will definitely be one for the future, as gas boilers are phased out. Investing in an A-rated heating system will save you money and is likely to increase the value of your home, particularly as the push for Net Zero by 2050 advances.
3. Developing the garden. Gardens in new builds are often a blank canvas, something you can really work with to add value. Adding contemporary decking, an outdoor seating area, a green or summer house, a vegetable patch, raised beds and water butts are all great ways of bringing your garden to life, adding to the UK’s wonderful wildlife whilst adding overall value to your home.
4. Install electric charging. With the sale of new petrol and diesel cars being banned from 2030 and new hybrids by 2035, the majority of the UK adult population are likely to own an electric vehicle in the next 15-20 years so installing an at-home electrical charging point is increasingly becoming more of a necessity. Many fuel and service stations offer this service at a premium rate, whereas charging at home could save you between £2 - £5 every time you charge, according to the RAC.
5. Consider a home gym. On the back of the increase in those working from home, according to www.postoffice.co.uk/mortgages a £10,000 home gym could see a return of around 44% for your property so you can wave goodbye to monthly membership and travel costs and instead add to the value of your home.
6. A work-from-home space. Install a summer house fitted with electricity and broadband and enjoy a short commute to the end of the garden. Or convert an existing space, such as a garage, a spare room or the loft space. It is estimated that a home office can currently increase a property’s value by up to 10%.
Additional touches that may make all the difference.
7. Keep on top of updates. Over time keeping on top of your home maintenance is important. The key is to keep your property looking fresh and up-to-date by replacing things, such as kitchen unit doors, flooring, guttering etc as they deteriorate in condition. A fresh lick of paint every few years can also go a long way to keeping your home in peak condition.
8. Clever storage space. New builds are likely to have some storage solutions already built in but adding more clever shelving units or innovative fitted cupboards or wardrobes, can help you make the most of every inch of your home. You can never have too much storage!
9. Adjust the lighting. New builds are often fitted with neutral light fixtures but upgrading to interesting fixtures can add a stylish new dimension to any room.
10. Changing up the curtains. Curtains can be one of the biggest indications of the style and age of your property. By spending a little bit more on great quality, timeless curtains you immediately change your space to something more warm and homely, creating a unique look for you and a prospective future buyer.
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