INVEST IS BEST

In an uncertain market, making wise home improvements could be a safe bet

Theresa May isn’t the only one facing tough negotiations and tricky decisions — many householders are in a similar position.

For those considering moving, should they plough on amid all the political uncertainty? Or forget about selling and improve their home instead?

TV property guru Phil spencer says: ‘There are so many conflicting housing market commentators at the moment, it’s tough to know what’s going on.’

house prices recorded their third consecutive monthly fall in May, according to Nationwide, and data firm equifax reports a 16 per cent drop in new mortgages so far this year.

add to that the average cost of moving house, which is now £9,472, according to an annual survey by the Centre for economics and Business research, and it’s perhaps unsurprising that many people are upgrading their existing d ainty? e property instead of selling up. so if you get the builders in, prioritise improvements that will not only make your lifestyle more comfortable but also add long-term value. experts advise focusing on seven key changes.

1. AN EXTRA BATHROOM

ThIs could be an en suite to complement a master bedroom or an addi- tional family bathroom have the space.

‘a new bathroom adds £12,000 to the value, which compared to the cost of fitting is a significant return,’ says rebecca Clapham, of Direct Line, which surveyed 100 estate agents this month to gauge their valuations on homes with new bathrooms. Direct Line says the ideal ratio for a family home with three bedrooms is two bathrooms. if you

2. EXTEND AWAY

aDDING more square footage by extending will generally always add value if it’s done well. ‘a side return extension or adding an extra bedroom into a mansard roof, for example, can be a good way to maximise space,’ according to richard Barber, of estate agency JLL.

To the surprise of many, an extension of this kind is not always hugely disruptive, since both side and loft extensions have most of the work done from the outside. agents say one extra bedroom will add at least 10 per cent to a home’s sale price — more if there is an en- suite bathroom with it.

3. GO OPEN-PLAN

INhereNTLy, a wall blocks light, so by removing these any space immediately becomes lighter and has more depth.

‘some homeowners enjoy the feel of open- plan living space,’ according to David semple, of savills estate agency.

This is particularly important in properties such as Victorian terrace homes, which were originally built with small rooms but can easily become ‘ full ground floor’ open spaces, allowing for a bigger kitchen, dining area and play space combined.

Using the same new flooring to run the length of the combined rooms will also makes it feel larger.

4. UPDATE KITCHEN

ThIs room is the centre of a home for families, parties and when friends pop in for coffee — so it will almost certainly be critically important to any future buyer, whatever their lifestyle.

‘a modern, clean and tidy kitchen with up- to- date appliances creates a good impression.

‘Potential buyers are aware of the hassle and expense involved in fitting a new kitchen, and a less-thanbrilliant one can put people off,’ says John harvey, of Italian- style kitchen specialist Lida Cucina.

5. PLANT CLEVERLY

‘WheN the sun shines we want to access the garden easily, generally from the kitchen or living area, so aim for the best integration of inside and out,’ says Gideon sumption, of stacks Property search, a buying agency. ‘ Look at long- term planting schemes to provide shelter and shield you from traffic noise, and improve your outlook by “framing loveliness” — and obscuring eyesores,’ he adds.

6. CLEANER ENERGY

MaNy fixed-price energy deals expire this year, says price comparison site Moneysupermarket, leaving average households facing a £200 hike to around £1,100 a year for gas and electricity — so installing energy efficient kit will save you money and attract costconscious buyers.

‘houses with air or ground source heat pumps, solar panels or wind turbines are popular. energy efficiency is a deciding factor with buyers, particularly if they’re retired and living off a pension,’ says spencer Cushing, of abbotts estate agent.

he says energy Performance Certificates, measuring efficiency and included in property sales details, are no longer ignored.

7. BUILD A GARAGE

‘a GaraGe, particularly a double, almost always adds value — up to 15 per cent in a busy urban area,’ says sarah Beeny, TV propety expert and owner of online estate agency Tepilo.

however, such is the shortage of parking space that Beeny warns against making the reverse move — turning an existing garage into a living room, for example — which may reduce value in a property.