With its
blooming flowers and longer daylight hours, it’s no wonder spring is typically
the time of year when activity in the buyers’ market starts to boom.

And with
favourable conditions such as the stamp duty holiday encouraging buyers to
search for their next home, sellers should use this time wisely to make
improvements to their property before listing it for sale.

Fortunately,
there are a number of ways to add value to your property; some that are
low-scale, cosmetic changes and some that will prove to be a worthwhile
investment for years to come.

Here at
Ideal Locations, we lean on top tips from home improvement experts Stormclad to
outline four useful improvements that can add value to your home before you
come to sell.

A fresh
front door

A front door
is one of the first things that potential buyers will see during a viewing –
whether it’s virtual or in-person – so making a good first impression is key.

Incorporating
a new front door could not only improve the focal point of any home, but also
add significant value to your property. From the materials used, to the colour,
glass and energy efficiency – there are many things to consider when choosing a
new front door.

The best way
to begin is by determine a realistic budget, so you can narrow down the most
suitable options available to you.

Aside from
kerb appeal, a new front door will also help heat retention in your home,
potentially saving money on energy bills, as well as providing added security
with the latest locking systems.

Replace
existing patio and back doors

A new patio
or back door can breathe new life into the interior and exterior of any
property, adding unique character to all architectural home styles – from
contemporary builds to period pieces – often maximising natural light in any
property.

With an
array of patio door styles available including French doors, bi-folding doors
and sliding doors, a back door upgrade can be a great way to bring the outdoors
in during the warmer seasons.

This could
further secure access points and, depending on the door option, improve the
view out to a rear garden or courtyard – something your buyers would yearn for
as we ease out of lockdown.

Replace
windows

Replacing
windows is one of the single biggest improvements you can make to your home
that can have the largest impact.

Not only
will new windows improve the performance of your home in terms of energy
efficiency (by retaining heat and regulating the temperature during the summer
months) but it will also provide added security and improve the aesthetic appeal
of your property.

Windows are
one of the areas most prone to heat loss in the home, with single-paned windows
capable of emitting around 84% of a room’s heat.

To safeguard
your home for the future and add sell-on value, consider investing in double-glazing
to retain heat in your property and save money.

Older
windows can look outdated, so replacing them with a durable frame such as
aluminium will transform the look of your home outside and in and continue to
look smart over time.

Refurbish
your existing conservatory

Conservatories
that may be suffering with damp or a leaking roof, or struggling with
temperature control, may be in need of refurbishment.

Refurbishment
is a great way to utilise some of the old components or rebuild a new structure
on your old conservatory’s base to provide a refreshed space.

Consider
transforming an under-utilised conservatory into an entirely new room – such as
somewhere to enjoy a hobby or relax.

Bringing the
potential out of the conservatory will demonstrate how it can be used to
prospective buyers, helping to garner more interest in your home.

Whether you
make small or large improvements to your property, spring is still a great time
to sell. Ensuring that your home is clean, tidy and adheres to the current
guidelines can help to secure an eager buyer, and you may even achieve above
asking price.

As a top
estate agent operating across Essex and East London, here at Ideal Locations we
can help you to get the most out of your sale. For more information,please contact us today.

We also
offer afree online valuation to give you an estimate on how much
your home could be worth on the current market.