As the cooler months approach, new research has revealed that property investors looking to maximise the value of their listings should focus on warmth, insulation and energy efficiency as these kinds of upgrades could pay off in a big way. Making these targeted improvements to your property this winter could significantly boost its value and appeal to buyers.
Autumn is a prime time for the property market as buyers look to complete on their purchases before Christmas. However, when it’s cold outside, prospective buyers care less about outdoor space and more about warmth and comfort inside the home. Join us as we take a look at the six recommended upgrades the latest research suggests will add both comfort and real-world added value* (the difference between added value and potential cost) to your property this winter.
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Double glazing
Real-world added value: £21,972
For older properties still sporting single-glazed windows, upgrading to double-glazing is a no-brainer. Not only does it improve insulation and reduce noise, it could also increase your property’s value by nearly £22,000 (after the initial cost of £7,000 is taken off), making this a smart investment for sellers looking to appeal to energy-conscious buyers.
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Update internal doors
Real-world added value: £8,889
Replacing tired, old internal doors can make a huge difference to a property’s sense of warmth and energy efficiency. If doors are ill-fitting, they allow heat to escape, driving up energy costs and reducing the property’s appeal. Swapping them for modern, well-fitting doors will cost around £2,700 but add nearly £9,000 to the property’s value (after the cost of installation is taken off).
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Replace the front door
Real-world added value: £2,806
First impressions matter, and nothing says “welcome home” quite like a high-quality front door. This small upgrade, which, according to the research, costs approximately £1,250, can enhance both kerb appeal and security, adding a real-world value (the difference between added value and potential cost) of over £2,800 to the property’s value making it a highly effective way to stand out to potential buyers.
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Improve energy efficiency (EPC rating D to C)
Real-world added value*: £2,537
With increasing focus on energy efficiency, particularly in older properties, improving your investment’s EPC rating is essential. Buyers are increasingly looking to reduce energy usage. Investing in improvements like insulation or solar panels could add over £2,500 to your investments’ value – even with the estimated cost of over £6,000 to carry out the work taken off. With government pressure growing around minimum EPC standards, this upgrade is also a forward-thinking move for long-term value.
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Boiler upgrade
Real-world added value*: £2,255
While a boiler upgrade might not seem glamorous, it’s an attractive feature for buyers due to the energy efficiency benefits. A modern, efficient boiler can add around £2,250 to the value of your investment property (after the average cost of £3,250 is taken off).
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Repointing
Real-world added value*: £1,047
Repointing, the process of repairing the external brickwork, may not be the first thing that comes to mind when adding value to your property, but it’s a crucial fix for older properties. It improves the property’s appearance and prevents long-term damage from water ingress. Repointing could increase the property’s value by just over £1,000 after the average cost of repointing (£1850) is taken off, so is another profitable upgrade option for property professionals.
Verona Frankish, CEO of Yopa, which conducted the research, commented: “Sellers who understand the difference in buyer priorities between summer and winter can really benefit… appealing specifically to winter buyers will almost certainly help you achieve a better price and a faster sale.”
Ultimately, making small but strategic upgrades like these can help your property stand out and command a higher sale price.
