Quick and clever ways to add value to your property

With house prices increasing and the economic growth forecast to reach an all-time low, now is the best time ever to invest in your home.

Perhaps the best way to fix up a home and make a lasting impression, is via its walls. This means getting rid of its cracks, mould, bubbling paint and anything else that, not only looks an eyesore, but also lessens your property’s value.

It’s easy to fix up an interior wall: Simply sand off, repaint, re-plaster, or re-wallpaper, any old walls that are in need of TLC.

Another idea to appeal to potential buyers, although a little more time consuming, is opening up your home’s space. You could do this by adding an extension or knocking down a wall to link up your kitchen and dining room, for example.

Any professional real estate agent will vouch that a home’s kitchen is one of the first places that potential buyers seek out, so it may be worth revamping your kitchen through adding a fresh lick of paint, replacing old tiles or introducing new ones, or even opting for stainless steel appliances.

Bear in mind, too, that potential buyers would rather opt for an extra bathroom than an additional bedroom. To keep your bathroom looking new, functional and gleaming, replace the taps with modern, stainless steel designs, go for granite or marble counter tops, purchase illuminated mirrors and consider heated flooring.

If you are on a tight budget, never fear. Fixing tiny defects in existing space is a sure-fire way to up your home’s value without breaking the bank. You can do this by tending to carpet smudges, fix dripping taps, and even by oiling squeaking doors and windows.

Finally, clever lighting is perfect for making a home look neater and bigger. This is something that can be done easily by hanging a large mirror directly opposite a big window to brighten up the space, or by introducing a floor or table lamp to dark corners.

Similarly to usher in more sunshine, you could swap your thick curtains for light-coloured ones, or simply paint your room an airy neutral colour, such as light grey, cream, ivory or beige.