4 June 2010
Get the hoover out!
Recent research conducted by property specialists Move with Us has revealed that the best way to increase the saleability of a home, for less than £100, is by cleaning it.
The survey questioned over 200 leading estate agents across the UK and revealed the top ways for adding value to your house whilst selling, the top six things that can devalue your home and the most valuable additions to a property and how much value they add.
The best way to add value for under £100:
OPTION ranked
- Clean it 1st
- Hide all the clutter 2nd
- Freshen up the paintwork 3rd
- Tidy the garden 4th
In contrast, the survey also revealed the top things that would devalue a house:
The most common factors that devalue a house:
OPTION ranked
- Structural damage 1st
- Extreme mess 2nd
- Damp 3rd
- Poor or personalised decoration 4th
- Strong and unpleasant odours 5th
- Overgrown garden 6th
In addition, the respondents also listed the top 14 value-adding improvements and how much they add respectively.
Most valuable additions to a property:
Typical average value added
1st Extra bedroom 8.8%
2nd Loft conversion 7.1%
3rd Extra bathroom 6.1%
4th New kitchen 5.8%
5th Central heating 5.4%
6th Off street parking 5.2%
7th New bathroom 5.1%
8th Conservatory 5.0%
9th Double glazing 4.2%
10th New conservative decoration 3.7%
11th Improve/ landscape garden 3.6%
12th Insulation 2.3%
13th Wooden flooring 2.0%
14th Alarm system 1.6%
Robin King, Move with Us director, added: “The summer of 2010 looks like being the busiest quarter for the housing market since 2007. However, many people fail to realise the top price for their property because they don’t appreciate what buyers are looking for. Contrary to popular belief, the best way to add value is not necessarily to splash the cash on lavish improvements. Putting the hoover around and tidying the mess can be one of the most important things to do before marketing a home, especially before showing people around.”
About Move with Us:
We are one of the UK’s leading property experts, as we deliver simple and effective services to help customers buy a home. Our trusted and professional services are second to none.
Based in Cambridgeshire, we currently have over 280 members of our team, who all share the same core values and goals. Through our commitment to continuous innovation, exceptional service and outstanding value we do property, properly.
We work with independent, accredited estate agents across the country, providing property instructions and a host of moving services to help them earn revenues and provide their customers with a smooth, efficient move.
Each element is incorporated into an integrated approach, focused on bringing together the right people, properties and professionals to deliver what we believe is an unrivalled service.