02 May Prioritising Updates and Maintenance for a Successful Home Sale
Though it may seem daunting to take on home projects before selling, prioritising key areas can pay off when it comes to attracting investment property buyers. Proper planning and budgeting for upgrades and maintenance can ensure you see a return on investment upon sale.
Here, we’ll explore the most important areas of the home to update for sale and provide tips on the maintenance and repairs buyers look for when house hunting. With a thoughtful approach, you can highlight your property’s best features and address any issues before listing photos are taken. A strategic home refresh can capture investment property buyers’ attention and raise the value of your largest asset.
Areas to Prioritise when Making Updates
Heating and Ventilation systems
Internal systems in the home are integral to comfort and convenience, so buyers will be keen to invest in properties where the heating works well, the taps run smoothly without issue and there aren’t any draughts to contend with. Installing new HVAC systems can be a great investment to boost the value of your property, making it comfortable for new residents year-round. Likewise, adding features for energy efficiency such as double-glazed windows, underfloor heating or loft insulation can help to make the home more functional for the long-term.
Kitchen
The kitchen is seen as the heart of the home and, as a result, is usually a top priority for anyone buying a new home. Investing in new stainless steel appliances, stylish cabinets with modern hardware, granite countertops, and creating an open, spacious layout can greatly increase your home’s appeal to buyers.
Even small changes like new taps and lighting fixtures can make this space look fresh and updated, if your budget doesn’t allow for a full renovation. If you want to make a big impact quickly, consider swapping tired features first, such as installing a new worktop. Coupled with a fresh coat of paint on the walls and resealing around surfaces will freshen up the room instantly.
Bathrooms
An outdated bathroom can turn off potential buyers straight away, so it’s a worthwhile investment of your time and money if you’re hoping to make a great first impression on viewers. Replacing outdated tiles, old bathtubs or showers, and replacing toilets will create a fresher look, as will regrouting tiles or recaulking around sinks and showers where the silicon might have become damaged or stained. If space allows, expanding small bathrooms can also make your home more enticing in a competitive market.
Flooring
Don’t underestimate the difference new floors can make. Replacing worn wall-to-wall carpeting with hardwood or laminate options gives a modern, clean look. Laminate flooring has come a long way in recent years, and you can now invest in laminates that give the look of real hardwood without the cost or maintenance. Opting for a high-quality underlay can also help provide greater comfort underfoot and will extend the lifespan of the floors for the next owner.
Exteriors
Kerb appeal is huge – remember, your home’s exterior is the first impression buyers get of your property. A fresh coat of exterior paint in a neutral colour, updated landscaping with colourful plants and a neatly mown lawn or tidied paving stones, and exterior lighting all increase perceived value. Power washing also keeps the exterior looking crisp without you needing to replace what’s already in place.
Focus on Repairs
In addition to making updates, it’s a good idea to go through areas you know you’re keeping in place and make any necessary repairs. Handling the key systems and infrastructure should be a priority before listing your home. For example, it’s a good idea to inspect electrical systems and wiring to identify and resolve any issues, as faulty electrical systems can be a major red flag for safety-focused buyers.
Take time to caulk windows, repair drips and leaks in plumbing fixtures, and ensure water flows properly through pipes. Identify any roof repairs required too, as both leaks and overall roof condition will be scrutinised by viewers and could make or break a sale. Check for cracks in concrete, shifting foundation, water damage or other structural issues, and address any problems ahead of putting your home on the market.
It’s also important not to overlook the benefit of simply deep cleaning areas of the home that might look tired and worn. Carpets, for example, can gain a new lease of life simply with a professional clean and this may save you the expense and effort of replacing them. Likewise, you may be able to bring dingy tiles or cabinets back to life with a specialist cleaning product designed for that material.
Making these important repairs shows buyers the home has been meticulously cared for. While maintenance tasks take effort upfront, a well-maintained home can yield a faster sale at a higher price. Invest time in repairs during ownership and before listing to prevent headaches and arguments with buyers later down the road.
Consult with Professionals
When deciding which updates and repairs to make, tap into the expertise of your estate agent. Agents have their fingers on the pulse of the current market and what investment property buyers in your area are looking for. They can advise you on which investments will pay off most when it comes time to sell.
For example, an updated kitchen may be a top priority for homebuyers in your city while a bathroom remodel may not yield as much return. Let your agent walk through your home to assess its current condition and point out any red flags you should address, so you don’t waste time and money on upgrades that won’t provide ROI.
Strategic updates and diligent maintenance prior to listing your home can maximise its appeal and value for investment buyers. Focus first on renovating significant areas of the property such as the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as flooring, windows and the exterior for maximum return on investment. But don’t neglect essential maintenance and repairs to ensure all systems and infrastructure are functioning properly.
Prioritising the projects and areas that matter most to buyers, and properly budgeting for this prep work, will pay dividends when it comes time to sell. The effort you put in now into upgrades and repairs will come back to benefit you in the sale price you receive.
If Time is Money
While making renovations can increase your home’s market value, some sellers may prefer the convenience and certainty of an instant property sale. Here at Home House Buyers UK we buy your property for cash, with no hidden fees and can close quickly without waiting for mortgage approval, avoiding potential delays. The option of selling your property fast may appeal to those who don’t want to go through the hassle of staging, holding open houses, and making repairs before listing. Accepting a fair cash offer for your home provides a straightforward path to selling if your priority is a fast, guaranteed sale over maximising your profits.