How to add £30K to your property value and find a buyer fast this new year
New insight from Yopa reveals how home sellers entering the market in 2026 can add more than £30,000 to their property value by carrying out some basic home improvements.
Yopa looked at five easily implemented tasks that home sellers can undertake before entering the market in order to make a good first impression with buyers, as well as the boost they are thought to have on the value of a home, and what that equates to in pounds and pence on the current average UK house price.
De-clutter. Tidy. Deep Clean – Value Boost: 3.7%, £9,985
The beginning of the year is always a good time to give the home a big clean and a fresh start, but if you’re planning to put it on the market, the positive impact goes far beyond a renewed sense of calm.
The impact that clean tidy rooms have on potential buyers is enormous. It can be the difference between them being able to visualise their life in the home, and wanting to run a mile as soon as they step foot inside.
Cleaning and dusting makes everything feel more attractive, while decluttering creates more space in your rooms. So powerful are these simple steps that it can add an estimated average of 3.7% to your property’s value. Based on the current average house price of £269,862*, this is a value boost of £9,985.
Fresh Paint and Redecoration – Value Boost: 3.1%, £8,366
A fresh coat of neutral paint can make a big difference when selling your home. Not only will it brighten up rooms and make them feel larger, but it will also help potential buyers picture how they might use the space and imagine how they might adapt the rooms to suit their personal taste. Painting all of the rooms can take some time, but it’s energy very well spent as it’s thought to add around 3.1% to your market value, equivalent to £8,366.
First impressions at the front door – Value Boost: 1.7%, £4,588
The front door plays a crucial role in creating a good first impression, so make sure it’s well presented. Cracked or dirty glass is one of the most common issues that can turn buyers away, and if there are any cracks or peeling paint, it’s time to make repairs or add a fresh lick of paint. A broken doorbell or knocker can also be off-putting, so make sure everything is in working order before any viewings. The difference between a shabby front door and a well-presented one is around 1.7% of property value, which means this small improvement can add £4,588 to the price you achieve.
Garden maintenance – Value Boost: 1.5%, £4,048
The first thing buyers will notice when they approach your property is the front garden. A well-maintained garden creates a welcoming atmosphere and shows that the home has been cared for. Take the time to tidy up your garden by cutting back any overgrown bushes and ensuring the grass is well-kept. Clean the patio and outdoor furniture, and make sure there is no litter or debris. A neat garden will make your home look more inviting and could help seal the deal for a potential buyer. Once done, you will have added around 1.5% to your property value, equivalent to an average of £4,048.
Aroma essentials – Value Boost 1.2%, £3,238
One of the most powerful ways to create an inviting atmosphere is through smell. Bad odours can be a major turn-off for buyers, so it is important to address any unpleasant smells in your home. Avoid trying to simply mask them with air fresheners. Instead, take the time to identify and fix the source, such as clearing drains, washing bins, and airing out rooms where cooking or pet smells may have lingered.
On the flip side, good scents can help make your home feel more welcoming. Simple touches, such as freshly baked bread, brewing coffee, or a light scent of citrus or vanilla, can create a homely feel that appeals to buyers. Add a finishing touch with a vase of fresh flowers to brighten the space.
Good smells can add 1.2% to your price, which is around £3,238.
Verona Frankish, Chief Executive Officer at Yopa, commented:
“January marks a prime opportunity for sellers to enter the market, as the start of a new year typically brings a noticeable uplift in buyer activity.
This is particularly true this year following a muted 2025 that was overshadowed by political and economic uncertainty. With the Autumn Budget now behind us, momentum is returning, buyer confidence is improving, and the recent reduction in interest rates has provided an additional boost, encouraging more people to actively search for their next home this January. For sellers, this creates an ideal window in which to list.
By making simple, cost-effective improvements, sellers can not only boost the value of their home by as much as £30,000 but also reduce the time it takes to secure a sale. These changes do not require major investment, just thoughtful attention to detail. From refreshing tired décor and tidying outdoor spaces, to creating a welcoming atmosphere through lighting and scent, small upgrades can significantly enhance a property’s appeal and help it stand out in an increasingly competitive market.”
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