Several factors are considered when a property valuation is ordered by a surveyor or agent. Many of said factors are out of the homeowner’s control. Therefore, as someone who is looking to sell their house, you may be wondering what you can do to increase the value of your property.

1. 1. Full Property Cleans. Getting your property cleaned by professionals, or effectively by yourself, can add value to your property. This includes ensuring any carpets are spotless, areas such as bathrooms and kitchens show no signs of mould or limescale, and there are no marks on walls. Making sure the garden is tidy by weeding, mowing the lawn, and removing any garden waste, is another thing to consider before your property valuation.
2. 2. Minimal refurbishments. Giving your house a fresh coat of paint in a neutral colour can make the property look light, clean, and like new. Updating old carpets or flooring, where they can’t be cleaned, can also aid in increasing property value.
3. 3. Focus on the kitchen and bathroom. Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most used rooms in the house, therefore buyers want to see practical rooms that are ready to start using when viewing a house. For this reason, special attention should be paid to these. Updating cabinets and instalments such as heated towel rails are a good idea, although can be expensive. Starting with cleaning, painting, introducing new towels, and switching to energy-efficient appliances can be a much cheaper way to give these rooms a new lease of life.
4. 4. Trade old appliances for energy-efficient ones. Energy-efficient houses are growing in desirability. Making simple switches, by for example fitting LED lights in fixtures, can add value to your home before a valuation.
5. 5. Don’t leave any room unfinished. If you have not finished decorating a room, or a refurbishment is not quite done – complete these changes before you book a valuation. An incomplete house does not have as much value as a finished one!
6. 6. Tidy outside areas. Ensure any garden areas show signs of good maintenance.
7. 7. Arrange rooms to utilise space and storage. Utilise any storage spaces you have, and show off how effective they are. The bigger and more practical the space seems, the better. One way you can achieve this is by putting shelving in cupboards to maximise space.
8. 8. Safety and Security. Homeowners are looking for safe and private houses, therefore installing an alarm system can help to add value to your property. All of these are subject to the surveyor or agent, however, are relatively low-cost, yet effective tactics to consider.