The lender’s view
Matt Bartle, mortgages director at Leeds Building Society, says: “It’s very important for homeowners to make sure their home is in a good state of repair and they always make the most of the space and facilities the house offers. This means that when you do come to sell, your property really stands out from the competition.
“With the lighter nights fast approaching, we all feel better at this time of year. That’s why it makes perfect sense to springclean your house, as well as taking the opportunity to springclean your finances.
“Getting your house and your finances in order now will certainly pay off later.
“If you’re thinking of selling your house over the coming months making sure your
property has ‘kerb appeal’ really does make sense. Your house is usually your greatest asset – so make it really work for you.”
Matt’s top tips:
General house maintenance not only makes economic sense by protecting its value, but keeping on top of decor and general repairs such as cracked roof tiles, leaking guttering and flaking paintwork on window frames is very important. Even the smallest fault can distract potential buyers from their general good impression of the property. You might no longer notice the dripping tap or loose doorknob – but you can be sure that a potential buyer will.
Being energy efficient is becoming increasingly important, given the rising fuel costs and the cost-of-living crisis. A house that is well-insulated and has a modern heating system will prove more attractive to buyers than a house that is draughty and inefficient. Around a quarter of the heat generated in your home is lost if your roof is not insulated. You might want to approach your lender to fund the costs of insulating your home, but grants are sometimes available to help with the cost of improving the insulation (government-grants.co.uk), so this is certainly worth exploring.