Adding value to a property doesn’t have to mean getting a brand-new kitchen fitted or having expensive new windows installed. There are many changes owners can undertake themselves to add value, as even small things like outdated kitchen tiles can put off potential buyers and prevent your home from being sold at the best price. According to Google trend data, searches for “increase value of property” have risen by 2700% in the last month, so the experts at Simply Plastics reveal their top DIY value-adding tips...

Secondary glazing

With the current cost-of-living crisis and many people being reluctant to turn the heating on, making your property draft-free and energy efficient is an essential step to add value. Secondary glazing is an economical way to prevent heat loss from your windows. It's a layer of acrylic or polycarbonate that is

added internally to the window, usually with magnetic adhesive tape which makes it a very simple DIY task. In addition to reducing heat loss, it will also reduce noise levels from outside.

Kitchen

An old kitchen can put off buyers that don’t want to have to replace it when they move in. You don’t have to get a whole new kitchen fitted – simple changes like painting cupboard doors a clean, neutral colour, or just sanding off old-fashioned orange stain can increase the value of your property and attract more buyers. A high-gloss acrylic backsplash is a perfect replacement to outdated tiles, and will create a sleek, modern look, that is more durable than glass and perfect for a family kitchen.

Kerb appeal

Kerb appeal is often overlooked, with the interior of the house taking priority, but it's a very important step in adding value to the property, as it's the first thing potential buyers will see. If you make a bad first impression, it can put them off in seconds.

A fresh coat of paint on the front door will brighten up the front of the house and make it seem more inviting and welcoming, as will fixing up a tired fence. If you have a front garden, make sure you mow the grass and remove and weeds, and jet-wash the path or driveway. Hiding the bins in some storage will also improve your kerb appeal, and cleaning the gutters means one less potential maintenance issue for buyers to deal with.

Restore originals

Brand new doesn’t always mean value. Many features of older houses will have been replaced at some point with something more modern, like flat 70s interior doors instead of original Victorian panelled doors. Replacing them with doors that fit the original style of the house can add a lot of value to the property, as will uncovering or restoring abandoned fireplaces and decorative mouldings.

Little things make a big impact

Fixing superficial things like peeling paint and dripping taps can have a big impact on your property value. Fill cracks in plaster and ceilings and stop doors from creaking or sticking. Declutter your home and tidy the loft and garage so buyers can fully appreciate the space and storage. Paint walls in neutral shades, sand floorboards and strip woodwork to give the illusion of a blank slate so the buyers can create whatever they’d like.