Ten improvements which could boost the value of your home

A lick of paint is one of the cheapest ways to enhance any property. Picture: Thinkstock/PA

Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) made improvements to their properties during this period, forking out an average £1,875 in the process, many with a view to putting them on the market. A quarter (25 per cent) of home owners thought improving their property would add value, the research found.

Mark Hayward, chief executive of NAEA Propertymark, says: “Your house will almost certainly be more attractive to buyers with some general sprucing up. Cleaning, and improvements that create a sense of space and privacy and give a great first impression will increase saleability.”

Here are NAEA Propertymark’s top 10 home improvement tips:

Redecorate

Those who redecorated spent £889 typically, the survey found. Fresh paint can give a home a new lease of life. But make sure any redecoration will still allow future buyers to adapt the property to their needs.

Makeover the kitchen

Painting units or replacing cupboard handles or doors is a cheaper way of refreshing kitchens. The average cost of a kitchen overhaul is £5,016, the research found. Buyers may be willing to pay more for a home to save themselves the hassle of buying a new kitchen.

Add or update a bathroom

Re-grouting, eliminating limescale and replacing taps and shower screens can keep the bathroom fresh and clean. The average sum spent on bathroom upgrades was £2,719.

Garden appeal

Trim borders, clear pathways and cut back overgrown trees and bushes. Those who had improved their garden spent £794 on average.

Are the windows up to scratch?

Noisy roads can impact the value of a property. Double glazing will help keep the home warm and the noise out. The average amount spent on new windows was £2,719.

Does the layout of your home work?

Combining a kitchen and dining room creates a sociable space, although many people still like the idea of separate rooms for special occasions or greater privacy.

Replace or spruce up  tired-looking doors

First impressions count. If you can’t afford to replace the front door, make sure it looks its best. New doors set people back £906 on average, the research found.

Would a loft conversion solve space issues?

A loft conversion is a more expensive improvement – but it could save a growing family the cost of moving house.

Be energy efficient

Energy efficient products are increasingly becoming a key feature for new homes.

Consider creating a driveway

In some areas, the ability to park close to the front door comes at a huge premium – so if there is room to add  off-street parking, this could add appeal and value. Those who spruced up their driveway spent £1,873 on average.