Which home improvements most important to buyers?

[raisinsarenottheonlyfruit]

My house needs more work than I have money for! But we want to sell. So I want to prioritise the improvements that will help sell it / make the most money back.

Which do you reckon are the most attractive to buyers in this list / will add the most value?

Get rid of wood chip in front room, plaster & decorate
Get kitchen up to reasonable standard
Decent flooring
Decent shower (in addition to small bath currently there)
Planning permission to convert loft space (large bedroom with en suite)

I'd go with the planning permission and getting kitchen up to scratch. Flooring in the worst bits if you can.
People like potential, so everything in working order, and possibility of extending into the roof would be my priorities.

Thanks :)

Would the woodchip not put you off? I thought it made peoole wonder if the walls underneath are ok.

the planning permission and no woodchip for me

I found this. Leaving it here for the morning, must sleep!

www.hgtv.com/design/real-estate/top-home-updates-that-pay-off-pictures

I think perhaps we need more detail about what’s currently there. It sounds to me like your house is currently going to be bought by someone who wants to do work and will probably want to change things regardless. I would agree that potentially getting rid of woodchip and getting planning permission would be good (if that is something buyers would likely want to do). Otherwise I probably wouldn’t waste money on things buyers will likely change anyway.

Is the kitchen useable currently?

Loft conversions are permitted development so you dont need PP.

Optimum kerb appeal is always a good investment as it gets click through on RM and people through the door.

I would look at what your neighbours have done to increase the value of their properties - do a thorough search on RM sold prices and you will see a pattern.

I'd check out the difference between "done" and "with potential" properties in your area. If a 5k investment in anything would increase the selling price by 20k, then it's a no brainer, whatever you spend the money on. Otherwise, just keep the money to put towards a deposit (unless your carpets are bright orange!)

Kitchen and bathroom for me. Chances are that I’d redecorate anyway to put my own stamp on it, and I’d rather choose my own carpet as everyone seems to like grey or cream at the moment.

When we bought it, it was a wreck and we spent a lot if money on the basics. Then DP lost his job and the last push didn't happen.

There are loads of cosmetic things that need doing. The people who buy this place will likely be a family who want to be near good schools, want decent sized bedrooms, willing to compromise on garden (tiny) and stretching their budget to get a 3 bed. (Ours is the cheapest on the street because of tiny garden)

I want to get it to the state that people would be happy living with it till they get round to putting their own stamp on it

Wood chip and a decent shower.

We did a removal of dated wallpaper, dado rail and skimmed downstairs and the difference was huge.

It's worth considering doing nothing before you sell it though as someone who is in the market for a doer-upper will be wanting to do their own thing.

I think you’re overthinking it. Your house might be bought by investors or developers to create an HMO, for all you know. The only thing I’d prioritise is getting the kitchen to a reasonable standard, as you said, but most people will want to redecorate, change the flooring etc. themselves.

Kitchen is crappy 70s thing, will be off putting.

Bathroom is titchy tiny - I know some people will be put off by the lack of a shower.

We've done most of the big jobs - would be a shame to narrow our market to developers.

No HMOs round here. This is a family areas - ex council estate of 3 bed semis.

Is the bathroom recently done just doesn’t have a shower? If so put a shower in.

I would do the wood chip because that makes a massive difference.

I wouldn’t do anything else - price to sell re needing a new kitchen.

All owner occupied now pretty much - a few to rent (rightmove says 5 in the local area) but whole family houses not flats, rooms or bedsits. (That kind of accommodation us in the bigger houses in town).

I don't think I'm overthinking. I think I know the market and want to make the most of our money.

We're stretching the budget where We're moving to so I want to make as much as I can out of this place.

Unless the market is very stagnant where you are I would price to sell. Especially if you're potentially first time buyer price bracket.

If I "price to sell" I won't be able to afford what I want at the other end!

*just In case neighbour reads this the half-decent decor was when they moved on. Looks beautiful now!

You really need to do very thorough research via sold house prices on RM otherwise you cannot work out if it will pay off. You need to know the exact cost of jobs and to be very clear (speak to a few EAs?) as to likely sales price. Sounds like you are v close to the wire making this jump - you dont need to get it wrong and be in a worse situation that you are now. Post a link here to a similar sold house in nearby streets from RM and you will get good feedback.

Sounds like you are v close to the wire making this jump

Spot on

This will be my 3rd property, have been pushing what we can afford every time!

I’d make the kitchen better, can you invest in new cupboard doors or have them sprayed? I personally don’t look at how the house is decorated or flooring when looking to buy as I always try and picture it with my own stamp, but a rubbish kitchen would put me off as it’s another big expense.

Good idea another20

But damn - should have name changed! Not sure if I want to totally out myself!

Maybe I can find similar examples or something ...