Adding a home gym might make you lose the wrong sort of pounds

Home improvements don’t always add the value you might think to your home, says Home Buyer Bureau
Ad Feature by House Buyer Bureau
Published 17th May 2023, 08:26 BST
Are you inadvertently losing money when you try to sell?Are you inadvertently losing money when you try to sell?
Are you inadvertently losing money when you try to sell?

Your home is your biggest asset, so how do you make sure you don’t accidentally reduce its value. Chris Hodgkinson from property buying specialists House Buyer Bureau says, “Property prices have risen significantly over recent years, so most homeowners will have seen the value of their house rise, but there are certain actions that can actually make a serious dent in the re-sale value”. Here is his top 10:

Neglecting maintenance: Regular upkeep is crucial for maintaining a home's value. Failing to repair or replace broken appliances, leaky roofs, guttering, soffits, or damaged flooring can turn off potential buyers, or they’ll reduce their offer to cover expected repair costs.

Poorly done loft insulation: Good home insulation is essential to keep the costs down, but you need to ensure it is installed correctly. Many people opt for spray foam as it is a great insulator, but if it is not installed correctly then it can lead to rot and mould, and will make your property harder to sell.

Outdated decor: Old-fashioned wallpaper, shag carpets, and other outdated design elements can make a home look old and tired. Updating your decor can make your home more appealing to buyers. Neutral colours are always the safest bet when thinking of selling.

DIY renovations: While DIY projects can save money, if they are not done well, they can also devalue a home. Poorly done renovations can make a home look cheap and poorly maintained.

Converting bedrooms: Chris says, “Turning a bedroom into a home office or gym may be convenient for you, but it can devalue your home by reducing the number of bedrooms. When the time comes to sell, put it back the way it was or risk wiping thousands off the re-sale value”.

Poorly done extensions: Adding a room or extending a house can increase living space, but if the work is not done well, it can detract from the home's overall value.

Poorly done conservatories: Conservatories were incredibly popular in the 2000’s, but more recently people are much more cost and efficiency focused. Chris says, “Conservatories are increasingly like marmite. You either love them or hate them. They can cost a lot to heat, and are rarely useable all year round, meaning many people now favour an extension or a bigger garden”.

Poor lighting: Insufficient lighting can make a home look dark and uninviting. Adding more lights or updating fixtures can make a big difference in the overall appearance of a home.

Converting garages: Converting a garage into a living space can be appealing for some homeowners, but it can decrease a home's value by eliminating a valuable storage space.

Poorly done landscaping: While landscaping can increase a home's value, poorly executed landscaping can detract from its curb appeal. Overgrown trees or shrubs, dead plants, or unkempt gardens can make a home look uninviting.

Chris says, “There are many things that you can do that will ‘accidentally’ devalue your home. Avoiding common mistakes and investing in regular upkeep is essentially if you’re looking to sell your home fast.”

If you are looking to sell, but can’t afford to wait for an estate agent to find you a buyer, then contact House Buyer Bureau for a quick, no-obligation cash offer. Or call 0800 880 3232.