New year, new home – Best home improvements to add value to your London property

With improved stock availability and further rate cuts expected this year, leading London property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla have predicted 2025 to be a buyer’s market. The growing competition from new builds means existing owners looking to resell their properties must make certain upgrades before listing or approaching an agent.

Here are a few simple, practical and cost-effective ways to add value to your London property.

Creative redecorations

Your old house will be someone’s new home, and while you may not want to splurge much on an asset you are looking to sell, minor redecorations like a coat of paint can go a long way. Neutral shades like white, grey, cream, and beige help add a soft, warm and welcoming touch. Adding a textured or a feature wall is another way to spruce things up.

Decluttering to create more space

For someone spending hundreds of thousands on an apartment or house, indoor living space is a top priority, and too much of your clutter makes it difficult to envision the space personally. If you cannot get rid of the excess furniture, try storing it away for a bit, especially during viewings, so that potential buyers can have a better view of the usable space.

Fix all visible defects

Superficial defects like chipped walls, dampness and mould in the kitchen, leaky taps and pipes, and other minor visible blemishes can lower the appeal of an otherwise decent property. While these issues may not be a big concern on their own, they can give a buyer the impression that the property has not been sufficiently cared for and maintained.

A beautiful front door

The door to your apartment or house is the first impression a person will carry as they enter your property. An inviting front door with a fresh lick of paint, light fixtures, and potted plants can make the entrance look more welcoming than the neighbouring properties. Having your property stand out can add immense value to further negotiations.

Attractive window dressing

Whether it is made-to-measure curtains and blinds that can enhance or blank out natural light as required, window treatments can go a long way in setting the right mood for viewings. The right window treatments can accentuate the interiors even if the view outside isn’t as stunning as those on most London property brochures.

Adding kerb appeal

While you work towards improving its interiors, spare a moment to refresh the exteriors of your property as well. Most London homes may not have the space to maintain extensive gardens, but you can always add a few flowering plants near the door and windows to welcome viewers. Playing with lights and colours is a creative way to enhance kerb appeal.

Energy efficiency and heating

If you have an older property competing with the energy efficiency of new builds, consider making specific upgrades to the boiler and heating equipment. Utility bills and energy consumption can be a big concern for buyers, and ensuring adequate insulation, draught proofing, and double or triple-glazed windows can significantly improve overall energy efficiency.

Read more on Top 10 tips to improve the energy efficiency of your property

Kitchen and bathroom fixes

While complete kitchen and bathroom makeovers can help sell older properties quicker, you need not invest heavily if you have a relatively functional space. However, minor fixes like replacing the old splashback or updating the floor can make a big difference. Similarly, removing limescale in the bathroom and changing the taps and faucet will make these utility areas look neat and fresh.

Overall maintenance and tidiness

It doesn’t cost much to keep a property clean and tidy. Vacuuming the furniture and adding fresh linen with some aromatic oils and room fresheners will make your property look, smell and feel good. Though it may not appear like a lot, these small touches help make a property stand out in a competitive housing market.

Read more on Property maintenance checklist – Seasonal and annual maintenance checklists to keep properties in top condition

Whether small or big, our furnishing and interior design partner, InStyle Direct, can help sort out a range of property upgrades at affordable prices. If you have a London property which is ready for sale or needs to be upgraded, contact us today.