.png)
Renovating can transform a property, but not every improvement guarantees a return. From garage conversions and bold exteriors to removing bedrooms and poor-quality DIY, some changes can make your home harder to sell. Here is what to consider before starting your next project.
Making a house a home can truly be a labour of love. In recent years, more and more people have embraced DIY projects and house flipping. It can take years to bring the vision you saw at your first viewing to life. Some renovate to sell for a profit, while others are creating their dream forever home.
In most cases, when someone moves into a property, some form of renovation takes place. Improving a home is often seen as a reliable way to increase its value. However, not every improvement guarantees a return. In fact, some changes can make your property harder to sell and even reduce its value.
Here are some of the most common renovations that can devalue your home.
A bold exterior can certainly make your property stand out, but standing out is not always a positive in the resale market. If your home looks dramatically different from neighbouring properties, it may put off potential buyers. Neutral, well-maintained exteriors tend to have a broader appeal and make it easier for buyers to envision themselves living there.
Converting a garage into a gym, office or additional living space can seem like a smart use of space. However, many buyers specifically look for properties with garages for parking or storage. Removing this feature may limit your buyer pool.
If you are considering a conversion, think about whether it can be reversed in the future. Retaining flexibility can help protect your property’s value.
Built-in appliances such as microwaves, fridges and specialist equipment can look sleek and modern. However, overly integrated or niche appliances can make kitchens harder to update. Buyers may see them as restrictive or costly to replace.
Simple, well-fitted kitchens with standard appliances are often more appealing to a broader audience.
Your home should reflect your personality. That said, highly specific décor choices, bold colour schemes or themed rooms can make it difficult for buyers to picture themselves in the space.
When preparing to sell, creating a neutral backdrop allows viewers to imagine their own furniture and style in the property. This is often referred to as “dressing” a home. If you are planning to sell, subtle changes such as repainting in neutral tones can make a significant difference.
If you would like more guidance, take a look at our dressing a home series:
Reducing the number of bedrooms can directly impact your home’s valuation. Turning a bedroom into a dressing room, gym or enlarged bathroom may suit your lifestyle, but bedroom numbers are a key factor for buyers and lenders.
If you do repurpose a bedroom, ensure it can easily be converted back. Permanent structural changes that remove a bedroom altogether are far more likely to affect value.
DIY can be a great way to personalise your home and manage costs. However, poor workmanship is often obvious to buyers and surveyors. Uneven tiling, poorly fitted kitchens, visible wiring, or unfinished details can raise doubts about the property's overall condition.
In some cases, buyers may factor the cost of correcting the work into their offer.
Extending your home can add valuable square footage, but not if it significantly reduces your outdoor space. Gardens and outdoor areas carry considerable weight, particularly for families.
Before extending, consider the balance between internal and external space. A larger house with very limited outdoor space may not achieve the value you expect.
Renovating your home should always strike a balance between personal enjoyment and future resale potential. While you should absolutely create a space you love, it is important to consider how future buyers might view the changes.
Not every renovation adds value, and some can limit your appeal in a competitive market. Thinking ahead and seeking advice before making major changes can help protect your investment.
If you are planning improvements and want to understand how they could affect your property’s value, speak to our team. We can provide honest, expert advice to help you make informed decisions.
Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation valuation and let us help you maximise your home’s potential.
Tel: 0800 779 7791
Email: hello@estatio.co.uk
.png)
