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19 ways to add value to your home

The right changes can make your property more desirable, the wrong ones can make it challenge to sell. So which are worth doing?
By The Good Housekeeping Lifestyle team
Interior design, Room, Twig, Furniture, Home, Interior design, Living room, Throw pillow, Dishware, Serveware,
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Whether you're planning a few quick fixes or a more ambitious project, it pays to know how they could affect a future buyer's view of your home. 

'Improvements that add the feeling of space, privacy and a great first impression to a home will increase saleability,' says Mark Hayward, Chief Executive of the National Association of Easte Agents (NAEA) Propertymark.

So to really make the most of your home, consider these value-boosters first... 

Image: Whitestuff

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Pink, Magenta, Teal, Porch, Armrest, Shade, Outdoor furniture, Velvet, Flower Arranging, Balcony,

Don't skimp on the materials you use for your conversion: go for the higest quality you can afford. 

Image: Sofa.com

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Want to go for a loft conversion? Tread carefully... First check you have enough space to create a habitable room that doesn't suffer from heigh restrictions. It needs to be a decent size, easily accessible and should not affect the size of the rooms on the floor below. 

Image: Velux

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An extension with large glass doors will help to make the space feel bigger and brighter. 

Image: Barker & Stonehouse

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Add wow fact with a state-of-the-art kitchen and bathroom. 

Image: IKEA

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An eco-efficient heating system, such as solar panels or a heat pump, are key features for new homes and promise to knock down bill costs. 

Image: Carpetright

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Furniture, Room, Interior design, Couch, Living room, Pink, Chaise longue, studio couch, Table, Coffee table,

Don't create lots of small, poky rooms. Unless your buyer shares exactly the same lifestyle, they may be put off. 

Image: Waterperry

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Bedroom, Furniture, Bed, Bed sheet, Bedding, Room, Bed frame, Interior design, Duvet, Nightstand,

Privacy and space are the key draws of a dedicated guest bedroom. 

Image: Button & Sprung

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A room dedicated to peace and quiet, such as a study or library, will give the impression of space.

Image: Camden Wool

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Don't overpersonalise your decor - buyers may struggle to visualise themselves living in your home. 

Image: Vaslpar

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Fancy an orangery or conservatory? It should be high-spec to add value. Timber-framed conservatories are particularly popular with buyers. 

Image: Alitex

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Ready for a fast fix? Update to a temporary colour scheme. 

Image: Dulux

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Fireplaces can add value and appeal, and act as a focal point in an appropriate room.

Image: A Bell

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Many improvements may seem ideal for your lifestyle, but not every buyer will share your enthusiasm. Avoid losing off-street parking, built-in bars and granny annexes. 

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Off-street parking, a garage or a well-designed front path will improve the first impression of any property. 

Image: Getty

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A basement conversion is expensive, but gives the opportunity to increase the size of a home considerably. Add skylights or garden windows wherever possible for maximum light. 

Image: Getty

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Any upgrades that modernise your property will add value. If your home is built of brick, for example, having it fully rendered and painted white iwll give the initial impression that it's of the moment. 

Image: Getty

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Swimming pool, Green, Grass, Property, Backyard, Natural landscape, Tree, Garden, Shrub, Leisure,

Don't add a swimming pool or tennis court, even if you have the space. They're difficult for future buyers to adapt to their own needs. 

Image: Getty

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Plant, Garden, Landscape, Pond, Botany, Pebble, Shrub, Water feature, Backyard, Groundcover,

Create a well pandscaped garden, perhaps with a garden room. Privacy from neighbours is also important. 

Image: Getty

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Buyers are attracted to family rooms or kitchens that feel spacious.

Image: Getty

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