3 cost effective ways to add value to your properties.

There are many articles, blogs and people saying that they know the best way to add value to a property. From a simple dust to an extension, I have been working hard for the benefit of all the landlords and property managers to narrow it down to the best way to make more from your property. So what’s the conclusion? Gardening? Insulation? Solar Panels? Although these are all good ways; I couldn’t find a simple one-size-fits-all answer but until then, here are the top three methods out there that are bound to boost the profits that your property hosts.

Firstly, give the place a paint job.  That’s right, at 20 quid per can, how expensive can it be? You could even do it yourself! I think I need bigger emphasis on ‘could’.  Get some help from your tenants, brother, wife or whoever is capable and there you have yourself a property with added value with little cost. (Although you might owe a few favours!). A few tips to consider: it’s not just the walls, the skirting boards and window frames all add to the overall aesthetics of the building. Not to forget the exterior, if in doubt, go with white. A white exterior makes the place appear larger and appeals to %40 more potential buyers.

Secondly, this one concerns your monthly costs, and your properties value. Win-win! Go green – you may have done it already, you may loath those 30 seconds it takes for the energy-saving light bulbs to come to their full brightness but stick with it. Your bank account will agree. There’s still more you can do, like installing energy efficient appliances. When you’re next shopping for kit, make sure to spot the ‘energy efficient’ logo. Once your property is fitted out with these appliances, your bills will thank you (and so too will the environment!). Not only will your monthly bills be reduced significantly, with these furnishings,   you can add a little extra to the price of your property!

Finally, in our quest to find cost effective ways to improve the home, we bring you to the loft.  Converting the loft will bring an estimated 10 to 15 percent increase in the value or your property -Especially in London where space is in high demand. At an average cost of £550 per square metre, there’s profit to be made. Besides, what is your loft currently doing now? Hoarding those boxes that you still haven’t packed from the day you moved in? Now you can turn it into an office, or another bedroom, squeeze in another tenant – And there you have it, it’s paying itself off in no time!

Every property is different and that’s where you can decide where the most improvements can be made. Whether you’re a landlord or family homeowner, you have to work out how much it will disrupt tenants or your family and for how long will you reap the rewards of a long term investment? These questions are ones only you can answer but hopefully after reading this you have had a little push in the right direction.

Ashley Charles is an estate and lettings agency in Reading; Specialising in residential sales and lettings.

http://www.ashleycharles.com/

Sources used include: http://blog.propertyowl.co.uk/

Alex Evans

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Households facing £114 council tax increase

The latest research from eXp UK shows that the average household could see their council tax increase by £114 over the next year following increases of up to £986 over the past ten years. At the beginning of April, the majority of local councils are expected to put council tax up by 4.99% – the…
Read More
Breaking News

UK House Price Index for January 2025

The latest index shows that: The average monthly rate of house price growth in January was -0.3%. Average UK house price annual inflation was 1.3% in the 12 months to January 2025. As a result, the average UK house price currently sits at £268,000.   Here are some thoughts from the Industry.   Damien Jefferies,…
Read More
Breaking News

Exchange time reaches 135 days

Property transactions slow as exchange time reaches 135 days — up 45% on 2019 The time it takes to exchange contracts has risen to 135 days — 45% longer than in 2019 and 3% higher than last year — despite a drop in property transactions year-on-year, it emerged today. Novus Strategy, the transformation consultancy for…
Read More
Breaking News

Industry response to latest inflation figures and its impact on housing

Industry response to UK inflation remaining at 3%. Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments: “Although inflation has remained steady since last month, it is important to acknowledge geopolitical tensions moving forward, and the effect such pressures may have on many households over the coming months. “Today’s news should help bring a measured sense of consistency…
Read More
Breaking News

Foxtons Lettings Market Index – February 2026

Seasonal recovery as improved supply and demand indicates a return of market momentum   Lettings market is showing signs of seasonal recovery as we see market activity picking up, with February performance indicating that momentum is returning following a usually quieter winter period. Renter budgets remained broadly stable, averaging £540 per week year to date…
Read More
to let sign 2025
Letting Agent Talk

The best time to list a rental property in London revealed

Lettings experts at Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward reveal the best time to list a rental property in London to get twice as many enquiries Spring is a natural reset for our homes with a light refresh going a long way to help us feel rejuvenated. A quick coat of paint where walls look tired, fresh…
Read More